3M tunnel vinyl questions

[XP2009]

I'm thinking of wrapping my tunnel in the off season. I have done a search on this and found alot of good info. My question now is to you guys that have done it; How is it holding up ??, What wrap did you use ??, Would you do it again ??

I have it narrowed down to 3M vinyl for sure; but should I get the 3M DI-NOC carbon fiber at 8 mil with a end use temp range of 5F to 201F (-20C to 91C).Or the 3M 1080 series carbon fiber at 3.5 mil with a end use temp range of -65F to 225F (-60C to 107C) ?? Cost is about the same for both.

 

[gman086]

I don't know about which 3M product to use but I love mine - holding up perfect and keeps the snow from sticking. Start in the middle and work outwards. The biggest tip, by far, is to use a product called "sticker on". Tried one side without and it was an absolute nightmare to the point where I almost gave up. Sticker On lets you reposition the vinyl as needed (won't be as sticky at application) and squeegy out the air pockets much MUCH easier! I can't recommend it enough. It drys out and doesn't affect the adhesive bonding strength after you let it sit overnight. Product is a godsend!

Have FUN!

G MAN

 

[druchti]

I did mine last season with 3M 1080 matte black..not sure what mill but mine looks kinda ruff after smashing thru trees..if i where to do it again some one earlier mentioned that having the vinyl laminated before putting it on will make it much stronger and resist scratch damage..so with that being said id go with whatever is thicker or laminate it

 

[tdbaugha]

I did mine last season with 3M 1080 matte black..not sure what mill but mine looks kinda ruff after smashing thru trees..if i where to do it again some one earlier mentioned that having the vinyl laminated before putting it on will make it much stronger and resist scratch damage..so with that being said id go with whatever is thicker or laminate it

Could someone explain having the "vinyl laminated"?

 

[druchti]

This is the thread i read about it in last season. http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=288647

 

[hostile1]

Just lay clear over you base color! You can even put stickers on under the clear. I did my tunnel inside and out last year and love it but I did end up removing most of it from the rear underside of the tunnel to help cooling. And no I didn't cover the coolers!

 

[XP2009]

I had planned to go with matte black, it comes in 1080 series only which is 3.5 mil. But now I plan on doing the carbon fiber DI-NOC. Mostly because of the 8 mil thickness to help pervent damage. Do you guys think I will still need to have the vinyl laminated ?

G man thanks, I will order some sticker on to help with install.

 

[MNIQR]

the laminate will help the scuffs and scratches that happen on the outside surface of the vinyl. I personally would get the thinner stuff and have it laminated.

 

[tdblakes]

what is the texture of the vinyl like on the gloss vs matte vs carbon fiber? I read in a thread that the carbon fiber actually had a texture to it? Would that defeat the purpose of the vinyl since its there to keep snow off? Wouldn't gloss be the way to go then?

 

[XP2009]

what is the texture of the vinyl like on the gloss vs matte vs carbon fiber? I read in a thread that the carbon fiber actually had a texture to it? Would that defeat the purpose of the vinyl since its there to keep snow off? Wouldn't gloss be the way to go then?

Im guessing if I had the carbon fiber laminated it would give me the smooth surface needed to help keep snow off. Plus the added protection of the 8 mil thickness should give me best of both worlds.

 

[ACMtnCat]

You can't laminate the textured carbon fiber. The textured carbon vinyl will cost you more than a whole sled wrap. Not cheap!

There is smooth carbon fiber vinyl tho.

 

[coolx2]

I used some cheap carbon fiber stuff they sell at advanced auto parts. Wrapped both sides of the tunnel.It held up very well. Looked ok and had great adhesion.It was a pain to strip when I finaly did get a wrap.

 

[geo]

So the wrap is to shed snow. Does any one paint?

A buddy did a tunnel in a purple (to each his own LOL). He prepped and used proper aluminum primer, then painted his own mix for color over it (spray gun, room temp). Couple of days work to let the coats dry.
It did the job (less snow build-up) and lasted well past the 3 years he owned it. He even painted the running boards and they wore nicely like a pair of jeans lol.

I've seen threads start over the years about some of the teflon paints but never heard of the finished results.

Any thoughts or experience? Of course if it is about the bling, there are some purdy sleds out there.

 

[XP2009]

I know of guys that have had tunnels powder coated, even heard of guys having them anodized. I personally would not attempt painting one until I was sure it would last.
A role of 3M 48"X60" is between $100 to $120 on Ebay. Thats pretty cheap when compairing it to powder.

 

[geo]

I wouldn't powdercoat a glued structure personally. I don't even like to powder coat hardened aluminum. There are some pretty tough spray-on paints out there today that safe to do at home (with proper venting). There are also some unsafe filtered-air type paints that require a pro shop to apply.

How long it lasts depends on the primer coat and prep (just like stickers). There are specific aluminum primers that will not peel or strip, ever.

I don`t want to take away from a sticker thread. But, if it is a snow-shedding thread I would like to hear some experience and specifics

 

[whittaker727]

I had planned to go with matte black, it comes in 1080 series only which is 3.5 mil. But now I plan on doing the carbon fiber DI-NOC. Mostly because of the 8 mil thickness to help pervent damage.

I don't know about snow stick, but I can see where this will scuff easy and I know that dust sticks to it like crazy because of the texture. I'm hoping I didn't make a huge mistake. But, for now, it looks awesome!

 

[m1kflyingtiger]

I had the 1080 Matte black on my side panels last year (already had Arcticfx tunnel wrap-worked amazing) the snow didn't stick to it any more than the normal plastic so it would be an improvement, but it didn't hold up the best. The edges got kinda chewed up throughout the season. It also scuffed fairly eaisally...but when I pulled it off I cracked the panel under the scuff so probably not the easiest of hits.

I used the suggested primer in part of it (3m primer 94 I believe). It was more difficult to Put on with the primer, more difficult to remove, but seemed to protect the panel a little better. In some of the areas I didn't use the primer the clear coat started to chip on the panel itself.

I found it fails cheep at auto vynal solutions.

 

[HiWaYman92]

Tunnel wrap

I used the carbon fiber look vinyl decal from Napa. I think they were 13 bucks for a 6 foot roll. Not holding up very well. Some times I wear gaiters on my boots and the buckles got all scratched up in a short time. Not holding up great, but it sure does shed the snow.

 

[XP2009]

I don't know about snow stick, but I can see where this will scuff easy and I know that dust sticks to it like crazy because of the texture. I'm hoping I didn't make a huge mistake. But, for now, it looks awesome!

Whittaker, did you use the 1080 carbon or the DI-NOC carbon? Your sled looks nice !!!

Hiwayman, Im not overly worried about boots marking the tunnel, as I have the CR boards. They will help protect the Vinyl a little better I hope. Plus I hear the 3M will hold up better then the Napa stuff. Time will tell.

 

[whittaker727]

DI-NOC