Tailpipes + bodywork = not good

xcessive

xcessive

xcessive

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Joined
28 Jul 2003
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kent
Hi

I have a Powerflow full exhaust (cat back) system on my Zetec S and since the day i bought the car (car had exhaust already fitted) i've been slightly conerned about the bodywork just above the tailpipes (i have one twin outward rolled pipes).
The tail pipes are literally a couple of cm below the bodywork, i've already noticed that the bodywork there is not as smooth as the rest of the bumper and it looks as if it will peel if nothign is done about it. This is due to the heat the tailpipes give off.
I know i have to do something to it before it gets worse and the paint starts to peel. The area does look a little rough as well so i want something to cover it that will protect the bumper and wont look stupid.
I've seen those chrome exhaust protectors on MG ZS's but they will definitely look out of place on my car and would probably require cutting the bumper (something i do not want to do)
At my local motorworld i've seen silver colour film for this exact problem. There is some that has a design on it that looks very similar to the MG ZS protector and there is some plain silver stuff. I think this stuff just like a sticker but i dont want to buy it then realise it was a waste.
I'm sure there are people on this forum that have the same problem as me.

Here are a couple of pictures to explain what i mean:

MG ZS exhaust protector:
11.jpg


My back bumper, as you can see the back bumper has not been modified to fit the tail pipes:
back_bumper.png
 
Sorry not much help but you'll do really well to buy one and it not look tacky, it even looks tacky as a standard part on the MG.
 
I've seen auctions on Ebay for adhesive stuff that sticks to just above where the tailpipes are on the rear valance.
Some of them DO look tacky but i reckon i could get plain silver stuff and respray it the same colour as the car. It won't look too bad i think but i dont want it to be cooked onto the rear valance and hard to take off if it does get damaged by heat.

Can anyone recommend anything or give me an idea on what to do ?
 
you could get a small sheet of stainless bent and stick that on there, it 'might' look a bit tacky but it is there for a reason.I suspect it will look better than most stick on jobs and certianly do the job better.
 
I'll some stuff similar to this
At a motorworld near me there is some stuff exactly like this but in a plain silver colour. I'll firstly make sure it doesnt stain or peel if exposed to high temperatures.
I'll then cut a bit that will fit over the affected part of my rear valance, so it's basically the underside and a bit up to the first line of the rear valance.
It wont stand out and look tacky and my rear valance wont get damaged anymore.

Here's a quick photoshop of what it will probably look like:
back_bumper_patch.png


I could try and respray the shield stuff in the same colour as the car but that may start to peel if i dont do it properly.

I will definitely consider spraying some heat resistant stuff just to be extra safe.
What do you guys think?
 
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