Helicopter Tape For Graphics Protection

Dan Gefis · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 111

Has anyone used the polyurethane "helicopter tape" for graphics protection? I have a roll that is 12" wide and 14 mil thick and was thinking of using on the side pods,front bumper, and floor pan. It is clear and leaves no adhesive when removed. Any thoughts?

Dan

Sanford Mitz · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 2:09 pm Post subject:

Great idea. We used to use it on the leading edges of our race cars all of the time. Very expensive, but if you have some, by all means use it.

Ken Schilling · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1342

I use it and it works great!
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Dan Gefis · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 111

Ken,

Do you put it on the side pods and bumper? How wide is tape? Do you recall what you are paying for it? What I have is 3M 8671 12" wide x 36 yards long roll.

I am trying to find a reasonable selling price for it. I will be selling it by the foot cut to any length. I think 36" will do most karts.

Dan

Sanford Mitz · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 2:50 pm Post subject:

Check Pegasus Auto Racing on the web.
That was our source

Ken Schilling · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1342

steve eppard · Joined: 15 May 2011 Posts: 14

I posted a year or so ago when someone inquired about putting it on the side pods. I used 3M on my IndyLite Cars and so did every race car in every series for years that spent any kind of money on the paint job. Yes, it was expensive ($100 for every 2" of width on a roll), but it did an excellent job protecting our expensive paint jobs! A couple of years ago I was involved in a test where we did half of an ALMS car with 3M and the other half with a NEw product for the 24 Hours of Daytona. Most of the teams have now switched to this NEW product as after the 24 Hour sand blasting of Daytona the NEW product still looked NEW with the 3m becoming dull and it was obvious it had tape over the paint. I use it on the nose, front fairing and side pods of my daughters kart. This tape stretches more than the 3M, is easier to apply and COST CONSIDERABLY LESS, 2"=$55, 4"=$110, 8"=$220, etc. I have sold a number of karters here in the midwest this product. The wonderful side of this tape is you apply your graphics, then stickers, then this tape over all. It stretches with a side rub, rubber cleans off with WD or acetone without hurting your stickers. The 2" tape seems to be most popular as you can overlap and it is still invisible. By the way, it doesn't yellow like some others and has not been replaced on my daughters kart for the last 2 seasons.

Ken Schilling · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1342

Kyle C Smith · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 10:00 am Post subject:

Everyone of us at Checkered Motorsports has been using it for a while. Yes its not cheap, but its better than sets and sets of 200$ bodywork!! Keeps everything looking in good shape!
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Robert Bujdoso · Joined: 20 Sep 2010 Posts: 86

Definetley worth getting the tape. Like Kyle Smith our whole team uses it
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Dan Gefis · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 111

I already have a large roll of it ( 3M 8671 - 12" wide) but was looking for feedback as to whether anyone would buy it. I will post it in the "Parts" Forum. I will be selling it byu the foot if anyone is interested. Thanks all for the feedback.

Dan

steve eppard · Joined: 15 May 2011 Posts: 14

The Brand Name has never been disclosed to any of us and the cardboard rolls are not marked on the inside. It was brought in by one of the painters back here in INDY and everyone likes it over the 3M and ISC. It stretches, glue leaves no residual, it doesn't yellow and last longer against an abrasive environment, also less expensive. PM me if you want me them to send you a sample.........

Barry Schonberger · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:42 pm Post subject:

Also works well on the floor pan under the fuel tank, as well as pan and frame graphics.
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Max Wood · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 3:41 am Post subject:

Maybe this is the elusive product...?

http://www.nanofusionfilm.com/

http://des.averydennison.com/en/home/des-products/nano-fusion.html

Search for...
automotive paint protection tape

And

Avery Dennison

Max Wood · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 3:45 am Post subject:

For those of us in Rochester area....

http://www.diamond-shield.com/

They do offer online ordering as well. Check under bulk film link.