TOPIC: Pro-tect Shield Seminar
Instructor: Glen Norris
3M has created a new paint protective film for the front of motor coaches. Where now many coaches use “coach armor” a stiff, clear acryllic sheet which shelds and protects the front of the coach from rock, etc. damage, Pro-tect appears as a piece of thick plastic wrap -- until it is applied to the coach. It is applied in two layers which form a barrier 9 millimeters thick. This shield claims it will prevent stone chips, make bug spatters easier to remove (not 3 surfaces to clean as with coach armor) and is maintenance free. It is almost invisible when applied. We noticed the beautiful shine, and when we looked very carefully, we could see a seam or two. But we had to closely examine the surface.
We had heard stories about the blistering paint damage this film could cause, but the company claims that, if your paint is properly applied, the film can be applied in as little as 4 hours after painting. Tests have shown that it won’t pull paint off when removed if that paint is well bonded. There is a 5 year guarantee against yellowing. It is applied in 6 sections to the front of the coach, and you do need to keep the seams clean so to avoid a patchwork effect. It can be cleaned with soap or any other auto shampoo. Just be sure to avoide petroleum based products, which can dissolve the film.
After the seminar, we watched this sheld being applied to a new coach. The application process is very quick, the top half of the coach was done in about 30 minutes. It is becoming very popular with new coach owners -- those without the holes caused by the installation of coach armor, and may well be what is installed as a matter of course in the future.
It is probably premature to know whether this product is the "wave of the future" for front end protection on motorhomes. The installed cost is similar to the more traditional coach armor. Some new coaches are using this product from the factory; but owner preference for one product or the other is not yet clearly established.
Footnote Update: As of October 2000 Country Coach has not taken a position on which type of front end protection is more suitable for their units. The product is still quite new, and it is not possible to know for certain how the new 3M product will hold up, in terms of appearance, 5-10 years into the future. As a consequence of this lack of recommendation, whether the traditional type of coach armor (which is in the process of being redesigned) or the new 3M product is to be used as front end protection is left to the purchaser's choice.
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