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What do you use to protect your fenders during the build?
Getting ready to build ERA 797 soon. My car will be a very dark blue (Ferrari Blu Pozzi) and I'm trying to figure out the best way to protect the fenders during the build. I may buy some new microfiber towels and put them under standard vinyl fender covers. What has and hasn't worked for you? Thanks!
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large thick clean towels.
Wash them before you put them on the fenders (or paint). If you remove them be sure to wash them before you put them back on the car. Storage them where dust can not fall on them. Gargae bag or plastic storage bin. I fold them in half and lay them on the fenders. Just finish taking some off of a Cobra we dropped a motor into today. Dwight |
I have a couple rubber fender mats I bought a few years ago that work well. I think the seat belt refurbishing company is one supplier - Snake Oyle. They are almost 1/4 inch thick. I supplement them with thick towels.
But, plan on having to buff your paint out as you near the end of the build. The worse I've suffered so far are a few minor scuffs and very light scratches. A final buffing took care of them. |
Hi Lippy,
ERA sells some nice fender protectors with their logo on them. Bought a couple on impulse when I picked up my car. They do work well. Kevin |
Lippy,
I also used the rubber mats that ERA uses ... and sells. They work great, have just a bit of stick so they do not slide around and they look pretty good too. Just be sure the fender is clean before putting them on and when you store them, be sure to stack them clean side to clean side. I find an old 100% cotton T shirt and some Griot's garage speed shine does a good job of getting the fender clean. If I remember correctly, Connecticut Custom is painting your Cobra, if that is true check with Diane about the best way to buff the paint when you are done with the build. One other tip, when you install the motor, cover the inside of the engine bay with cardboard secured with blue painter's tape to keep things from getting dinged up. - Tim |
Go to my gallery and look for the custom Cobra fender skirt from Finishline. I padded it with the soft towels. I like it because it covers most everything.
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Cheers, Glen |
Can't do better than these. $34 each...
http://www.erareplicas.com/parts/fendercover.jpg |
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Lippy:
I use the Snap On fender protectors and under them I used old clean towels or quilted bed covers. I agree with the after the fact buffing will be a good idea. Make sure that any drilling or cutting is done far away from the car so that no particles end up scratching your paint. Good luck buddy. post some pictures as you progress Cheers |
My vote is for the fender cover from FinishLine. It covers the entire engine compartment as well as the fenders and protects almost everything. Once in a while it can get in the way, but over all it's a great help. I also used soft towels under it in most of the critical areas.
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Recently replaced the cam and associated parts with the motor still in the car, on a black (shows scratches well) Backdraft.
This worked well and not a single mark when done, with lots of opportunities to really make a mess. Go to Hobby Lobby or similar fabric store, get the proper length of heavy duty clear cling vinyl 48" wide. Clean the finder well and then put the clear vinyl down. It's thick and will cling like it's glued to the fender. That alone will prevent any scratches since nothing moves agains the pain from that point. Just cover the vinyl with whatever your want, even the fender protectors mentioned and you can drop about anything but the whole motor on the fenders and you will be fine. When done, peal the vinyl off, roll it up and wait for the next time.....and there will be a next time.:D By the way, I used the same cling vinyl under the edge of my soft top and it prevents any scratches or rubs completely, peels up easily and goes back on when needed. Good luck |
I originally used fender covers. After a while they created micro scratches.
A friend recommended using a bath towel instead. A large one works well. Apply several pieces of masking tape to hold in place. I've used towels exclusively since then. David |
I use Snap-On JCK8 fender covers. Nonslip, nonabsorbent and cost under $30. They won't scratch the paint and you can put towels/whatever on top of them for even more protection from dropped tools, parts, etc.
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I just read on GarageJournal.com that some guys that work on ultra high-end cars and private jets use saran wrap directly on the fender, and then put a towel or fender cover on top of that. Apparently it limits scratches from the cover moving on the fender, and also keeps the cover in place. Sounds like a good idea.
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We use "Road Wrap", a self adhesive, temporary type of clear protectant under a custom made padded vinyl blanket. The Road Wrap does not shift and prevents any dirt or other grit from scratching the paint. Basically a cheaper, temporary version of the 3M clear protectant many use on the cars.
We like it so much we became a dealer. We have used it to seal a car for open trailer transport, use it under the tonneau cover to prevent chaffing when on an open trailer, etc. |
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If it is going to be a long build, then coat the fender with a good wax before applying the wrap. |
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