Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) My new Roadster

I was very undecided about the protective film. I didn't like the line where the film ends which seemed very visible to me when I looked at cars with this on. It becomes even more visible after polishing, when it has some dried polish in the join.

Also, I am told there can be problems if the film is fitted later as any indentations caused by stones can leave a visible "bubble" in the film where it hasn't stuck down properly. This can be the case where the indentation hasn't caused a paint chip, just a minute dent.

However, the front of the wings are very vertical and would be a prime target for stone chips. I don't know - I decided not to go for it on balance, which will probably turn out to be a wrong decision, knowing me!

I was told that the battery conditioner was just a separate free-standing item and no different from what can be bought from places like Halfords. I originally thought it might be directly wired into the battery connections as it on my current TVR, but apparently it isn't.

I understand that the latest Roadsters have a very good battery, and that it shouldn't need to be kept on charge unless it is left unused for many weeks. This car will be my only motor, and so will be in regular use, throughout the winter, albeit not for very long journeys. So, I thought I would exclude this option, and buy one later if I find it necessary.

Hi,

In my opinion, you can get along without the protective film. First... all the arguments above. Second... after a few years, it will become kind of "milky" which really looks ugly. (I saw this on a friend's car). And it is quite hard to remove, as it comes down in little pieces.

I also think, that a traditional car, like the Morgan, can have a bit of patina, even when new. I keep mine it in perfect mechanical shape, and clean, but not "showroom-shiny"

Now, with 10000 km, I have removed zillions of insects, but I have not noticed one single stone chip. Once I find one, I will simply touch-paint it, and that's all.

If ever there will be too many, during the years to come, I'll bring the car to a paint doctor, who will do a "smart repair" for little money.

The whole story makes me think of those cars, driving around, the front end completely covered with a black vinyl protection. For what reason? Yes... to protect the paint. But you don't see the paint anyway...

Sunny greetings from Luxembourg,
Ivo

If you do a search on Defendal and Armourfend (on this site) you should get a few threads on it.

Imho, it is worth it but there are some downsides, the primary one being that when it gets 'chipped', it looks unsightl (however, one must question if this is worse than a chip in the paint?). As for yellowing, the product has moved on in the last 10-years and the film is now better than ever before and on a dark colour, I don't think you will notice any deviation in colour. As for polish sticking to the edge, I always buy non-residue polish (available at most places, inc Halfords) and this will aleviate this concern (as well as making your car easier to polish).

In terms of a battery conditioner, I would recommend one of these: - CTek

I bought mine off eBay (CTek 3600) and paid less than £50.00 including postage (I'll dig out the seller, who was a business, if you want). Classic and Sports Car mag awarded it the win in their test and I have never seen a bad word written about them; not only does it charge but will also condition your battery and ensure it is maintained and not overcharged.

You'll find most high end car makers rebrand these and sell them as their own (for a lot more £) - Porsche being one make!

Congratulations on your new car and I hope this is of help.

Roger,
I also use CTEK. Wired it to the battery with a fuse in line of course. The wires come out through the plywood firwall into the area behind the passenger seat for easy access.
John

IIRC, the 3600 actually came with a kit to hardwire it to the battery (of course with a snap-off connector) when you are not using the charger. I never hooked mine up, choosing to use the aligator clips instead; however, it was a nice option.

You can see the type of cable I'm talking about on this page (1st and 2nd from the top) -

http://www.ctek.com/EN-US/Accessories.aspx

Reply yes it did come with a kit & that is the lead but it has no fuse. I felt it prudent to add one.

I guess you're not a fan of impromptu BBQs?

Correct. I had one once in a secondhand Triumph spitfire where someone had wired in a map light direct to the battery. The wires acted as a fuse eventually!!

Regarding the protective film and stone chips, the amount of chips in the paintwork probably depends on how much motorway driving you do.

Roger

With modern asphalt technology (we make the stuff) stones being thrown up from the surface of a motorway are less likely than on an A or B road particularly if it has had 'surface dressing' applied.

I rerely drive the Roadster on M way and it has picked up a few.

andy