Vinyl shark fins on a budget

[Phil S1]

I fancied fitting some GT410/430 style shark fin protectors to my Evora, I have to say this was for totally cosmetic reasons since the paintwork already has ppf applied in that area anyhow. 

Whilst aftermarket pairs of these can be readily bought on line I thought I’d save some money and cut some myself so ordered a small piece of protective vinyl to try. With us not being able to get out very much I’m not entirely sure what the texture of the genuine Lotus vinyl is like so can’t be sure how similar my piece of vinyl might be but I thought it was worth a try anyhow. The texture is very much like that of a small-scale piece of Scalextric track.

I looked at a few photos of GT410s/430s and taped the approximate shape onto the side of my car in order to make a paper template.

I marked the template out on the vinyl and cut a pair out. By good fortune it turns out I ordered just enough to actually make two pairs 

I applied a few pieces of tape to the car again to act as guides and then floated the vinyl into position using a spray of soapy water and once happy with the position squeegeed out the excess.

Remarkably easy to do all in all and as it turned out £20 gets you enough vinyl to make two pairs so no great loss if I decide to remove them at a later date.

[CDM2018]

Well done Phil

i took easy route when I had a wrap added the same guys kindly applied the shark fin to body I don’t think they charged me?

anyway it’s still on so they must had did a good job. One little comment a car detailer commented that the colour had faded and suggested he include a touch up of shark fin if he got the job.

I might do it now I am likely to wax car myself so will need to mask of body to repaint the shark fin 

[Daveb99]

Nicely done Phil.  2 things:

1.  More photos please

2. Stop pretending you have a GT410 Sport 🤣

[Phil S1]

Thanks Dave 👍

1. Photos to see the full effect will have to wait until the next time I get out from the garage I'm afraid.

2. I'd love a GT410 sport but think this will be the nearest I ever get to owning one 😄

[Phil S1]

Just for you then Dave, here's a couple in daylight, now that I've done polishing and waxing the bodywork 😁 

[DeanB]

Looks mega Phil

[Elisemadray]

Great work Phil  

 

[Morty]

Superb 

[Phil S1]

Thanks chaps, hopefully not too much longer now and we'll be able to get out and enjoy driving them properly again