Composite Plastic Body Panel Care (Cleaning, Protecting, Waxing, Coating)

[Luxrage]

If the body panels are easy enough to replace, I'd be in the same mindset. But that extends to whatever composite panels make up the roof, tailgate, etc. Will they all truly be 'bolt-on' panels that I can take off and swap if another Domino's delivery driver swerves to miss a squirrel and sideswipes my vehicle? What about a tree branch denting the roof panel or a forklift tine punching a hole in the tailgate?

In a perfect world I'd like to see the Slate like the Fiero, bolt on, bolt off. Being able to take a panel off to wrap / treat / fix would be a dream.

That would be really remarkable if the body panels are easily replaceable and cheap enough that we see a return to things like the Element where you can still get grey plastic pieces for under 100:

 

[JeffVA]

For those that do no plan to wrap your trucks, protecting the plastic panels from UV damage will be a concern.

Let's get the discussion going on recommended products.

303 Graphene Coatings looks like a good option
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/B07D4300-E62A-483F-B049-4949E6136092

I enjoy detailing vehicles and have been researching this topic on and off since it was posted. Through the help of some professional detailers, manufacturers and even AI, I have a preliminary plan on protecting the Glass-Filled Polypropylene body panels.

Originally was opting for wrap but after finally finding my way out of that rabbit hole decided that is not a good option (for me). My Slate will have to reside in direct sunlight and even with a ceramic coating, weekly pH neutral hand washing and Sio2 toppers added after each wash, a wrap will only last between 3-4 years based on real world accounts, not manufacturers marketing. In addition, if you wait too long to have it removed and replaced it will be very brittle and come off in tiny pieces which could double your replacement costs. Slate may sell you a basic wrap kit for $500 but it will cost between $500 - $1000 to have it installed. Doesn't sound that bad until you realize that in 3-5 years you will have to replace it and incur the additional expense of removing the old wrap first. So unless you're willing to make an ongoing financial commitment then vinyl wrap sounds better than it actually is.

Option B (Which I prefer): keep it Bare Slate and protect the composite panels similar to how you care for paint.

303 Graphine spray sealant is Good but not as good as original 303 Protectant which has an SPF rating of 40. Nothing compares. On top of this you can apply Mother's CMX Ceramic Trim and Plastic Coating for added depth and gloss which plays well with 303 protectant and gives you that freshly Waxed look we all love. During regular maintenance washes you can add a detail spray topper like TEC582 ceramic spray detailer for gloss enhancements. And just like regular car paint you can strip wash it (Adam's Strip Wash) to get it back to bare "Polypropylene" and start all over again. This process will give your Clean Slate the best UV protection possible without wrapping it.

If your an Enthusiast like myself and enjoy hand washing and waxing your vehicles, this is the closest process and products that I have researched that will give you that satisfaction and provide unmatched protection and gloss for your Slate.

 

[Dorbiman]

I enjoy detailing vehicles and have been researching this topic on and off since it was posted. Through the help of some professional detailers, manufacturers and even AI, I have a preliminary plan on protecting the Glass-Filled Polypropylene body panels.

Originally was opting for wrap but after finally finding my way out of that rabbit hole decided that is not a good option (for me). My Slate will have to reside in direct sunlight and even with a ceramic coating, weekly pH neutral hand washing and Sio2 toppers added after each wash, a wrap will only last between 3-4 years based on real world accounts, not manufacturers marketing. In addition, if you wait too long to have it removed and replaced it will be very brittle and come off in tiny pieces which could double your replacement costs. Slate may sell you a basic wrap kit for $500 but it will cost between $500 - $1000 to have it installed. Doesn't sound that bad until you realize that in 3-5 years you will have to replace it and incur the additional expense of removing the old wrap first. So unless you're willing to make an ongoing financial commitment then vinyl wrap sounds better than it actually is.

Option B (Which I prefer): keep it Bare Slate and protect the composite panels similar to how you care for paint.

303 Graphine spray sealant is Good but not as good as original 303 Protectant which has an SPF rating of 40. Nothing compares. On top of this you can apply Mother's CMX Ceramic Trim and Plastic Coating for added depth and gloss which plays well with 303 protectant and gives you that freshly Waxed look we all love. During regular maintenance washes you can add a detail spray topper like TEC582 ceramic spray detailer for gloss enhancements. And just like regular car paint you can strip wash it (Adam's Strip Wash) to get it back to bare "Polypropylene" and start all over again. This process will give your Clean Slate the best UV protection possible without wrapping it.

If your an Enthusiast like myself and enjoy hand washing and waxing your vehicles, this is the closest process and products that I have researched that will give you that satisfaction and provide unmatched protection and gloss for your Slate.

Awesome, this is great information. I'm sure we can learn a lot from the Fiero & Saturn communities. I plan on doing the Blank Slate with the "SL8" small wrap, as I don't want to do the whole truck. Thanks for doing the research and suggesting good products and care routines!

 

[SichuanHot]

I'm not entirely sold on wrapping for long term. Since the panels are easily removable, it makes more sense to send them to a paintshop like Maaco and let them spray a simple single stage on all the panels for about $1000.