Helicopter tape

LeMans · 17-03-2006, 12:35 AM

I hope this is the right place to ask this, but does anyone where I might buy helicopter tape in the Melbourne area? Helicopter tape is the clear chip-resitant tape that was originaly designed to put on the leading edge of a helicopter blade. Its now used more often on the noses of cars to stop stone chips.

chief · 17-03-2006, 02:12 AM

The helicopter tape is also known as the invisable car bra. From reports not the best of products and stick with a genuwiune car bra. Here is the link to the discussion.: http://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=39552

Here is a link to what LeMans is talking about: http://www.stonegard.com.au/main5.html

Big Mike · 17-03-2006, 02:52 AM

LeMans - have you looked at the "POR-15" products? They have a clearcoat, I think it was called 'glisten pc' or something; which I have seen for myself. I took my key and sliced a mark into a piece of aluminium - and could not for the life of me chip or scratch the end of it that had been painted with this stuff.

From memory, it is painted on like a clear coat - it runs so smooth and level before it sets that it could even be applied with a * brush * and was supposedly completely UV stable too; and so rock hard that you'll never get chips or swirls, or even a need to pollish it again. Sadly my old-fashioned panel shop wouldn't touch it; but I highly recommend you look into it, especially if you are talking about the fibreglass car in your avatar.

Edit: Here it is:
http://www.por15.com/PRODUCTS/PRIMER...3/Default.aspx

**Kingsley** · 17-03-2006, 04:27 PM

Car bra may be a better option. From the experience I've had with the clear tape, it has a habit of yellowing, and tearing the paint off on removal.

DW260 · 17-03-2006, 05:35 PM

We have blade tape at work for our helicopters - funnily enough. Trust me, it's the last thing you would want to use as a stone-guard.

But if you've got your heart set on it it's made by 3M, at least the stuff we use is, and I've seen it in most large hardware stores.

LeMans · 18-03-2006, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Mike

LeMans - have you looked at the "POR-15" products? They have a clearcoat, I think it was called 'glisten pc' or something; which I have seen for myself. I took my key and sliced a mark into a piece of aluminium - and could not for the life of me chip or scratch the end of it that had been painted with this stuff.

From memory, it is painted on like a clear coat - it runs so smooth and level before it sets that it could even be applied with a * brush * and was supposedly completely UV stable too; and so rock hard that you'll never get chips or swirls, or even a need to pollish it again. Sadly my old-fashioned panel shop wouldn't touch it; but I highly recommend you look into it, especially if you are talking about the fibreglass car in your avatar.

Edit: Here it is:
http://www.por15.com/PRODUCTS/PRIMER...3/Default.aspx

I know of Glisten being used on aluminium but I've never heard of it being used on paint. Thanks for the advice though. I'll look into it.

A couple of people have suggested that helicopter tape shouldn't be used. May I ask why? Is there an inherent problem with it? I'm told that the new Viper has it on its nose. I have even seen cars with what I understood to be clear helicopter tape and it looked OK to me, in fact I didn't even notice it was there until it was pointed out to me.

A conventional car bra is not really practical in my case. The car gets some track use and this is where most chips occur. I'm not sure that the bra would stand the high speeds on the track, and even if it did it would effect the aerodynamics.

LeMans · 18-03-2006, 02:00 AM

PS. I did read the previous discussion on this topic

Ultimate · 18-03-2006, 08:24 AM

Carbras only do more damage then good keep away from them. Clear stuff would be good