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Rocker Protection via Plasti Dip

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SabrToothSqrl

Active Member
Dec 5, 2014
4,569
4,141
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So, if you're like me and like a clean nice car... you'll immediately notice the lack of protection offered by the Model 3. While the S, X, and Y all get plastic rockers as nature intended, the 3 gets metal soft paint rounded rockers... for... reason...
(Even the Kia Soulless has plastic here).

Anyway, as mine looked downright sandblasted, it was clear they would need more than clear bra.

Behold the power of $12 worth of plasti-dip. (2 cans). (walmart). Also get masking tape and a roll of paper towels.

I ended up with an initial design on just the space ahead of the rear tire. I liked it, but I thought I could do better. So I looked and with the gaps of the body was able to do the entire rocker, and line the top of the dip up with the crease in the bodyline.

I like it. Your mileage may vary. Bentley was there to keep watch. Be kind. He's 15.

1 whole can per side - there are a billion technique videos online, search google. Make sure you look up how to do lines! 56485637_2258830470829142_3460321078688088064_n.jpg 56558628_1296631907155734_2558988686582611968_n.jpg 56573506_1048117295375227_888426900144259072_n.jpg 56828103_1014304655447531_9140492340706672640_n.jpg 56905049_804762443223839_7935571095816503296_n.jpg 56386490_564833937335976_603793748081508352_n.jpg 56811490_408561749722727_8475269646780465152_n.jpg 56728341_343635226280534_4862798484048183296_n.jpg 56437513_326996307959242_911937551122563072_n.jpg 56635146_306920089986348_2030134434119811072_n.jpg
 
SabrToothSqrl, how are those rocker panels holding up? My 8 month old Model 3 dual motor also has incredible paint loss, and I'm trying to figure out what to do to minimize it for the years to come. I already put on Rally Armor mudflaps, and am considering Plasti Dip vs. DIY PPF vs. whatever else is not too expensive or difficult!
 
It held up great - however the matte finish seemed to attract a lot of visible dirt. It wasn't bad - it just wasn't clean. Cleaning the car took more effort, if you did it by hand it wouldn't make a difference, however I used a car wash and the rougher surface seemed to let dirt cling more. I ended up disliking the model 3's ride and sold it for a X a while go. If I had to do it over. I'd probably look at a paint film or something similar. We have clear bra stuff on the wife's 3's rockers. it's 2 years old now seems pretty good. Tesla isn't doing anyone any favors with the design of the rockers on these cars. It's like they didn't bother to look at literally any other car's rockers in the world before making these.
 
Thanks for the feedback! I'm thinking of going the 3M paint defender spray thanks to your comments and after looking into this some more, since it's also DIY-able and cheaper than actual paint protection film.

EDIT: Maybe not, just discovered that 3M product is discontinued... may try Plasti Dip Glossifier instead...
 
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