Benefit to unpainted CT. I don’t like paint on trucks. I use Linex, no paint no scratches.

[fritter63]

To keep that factory-fresh look, a PPF is ironically required. Otherwise the surface will develop a patina over time, which I'm personally looking forward to happening on mine.

I guess you can always wrap it if you decide you don't like it.

Another good thing (I'm guessing) is that while wraps only have a 4 year warranty (that is, only guaranteed to remove without paint damage at < 4 years), the CT shouldn't be an issue if you let them go longer?

Sponsored

 

[Ogre]

Stainless steel is obviously not indestructible, but the high-chromium surface that makes it so shiny is resistant to adhesion. You can wax it, or polish with oils, and it will look very shiny. It will also attract every spec of dust and dirt within a 30m radius and then become smeared in vertical streaks when it gets wet. It's also very difficult to paint.

You can mostly neglect the exterior finish on a SS vehicle, unlike the painted alternatives that require constant maintenance. Traditional treatments like waxing are not helpful, while horrific things like solvents, acid-wash, or sandpaper are instead prescribed.

To keep that factory-fresh look, a PPF is ironically required. Otherwise the surface will develop a patina over time, which I'm personally looking forward to happening on mine.

Only think which concerns me is pinstripping from tree branches. PPF might be worse because it will likely tear and peel at the edges.

 

[CyberGus]

Only think which concerns me is pinstripping from tree branches. PPF might be worse because it will likely tear and peel at the edges.

There's little overlap on the Venn Diagram between PPF users and offroaders.

 

[Ogre]

There's little overlap on the Venn Diagram between PPF users and offroaders.

This diagram isn’t to scale… but I think we all know where the bulk of people who “off road” and use PPF are.

 

[TheLastStarfighter]

Something I’ve considered for the Cybertruck as well.

I think I’ll stick with either wraps or just going raw.

With a wrap you can change your mind later.

So true with cars, and with sex.

 

[cvalue13]

Otherwise the surface will develop a patina over time, which I'm personally looking forward to happening on mine.

This is my expectation as well. I’m not so certain that most are expecting the same.

Another good thing (I'm guessing) is that while wraps only have a 4 year warranty (that is, only guaranteed to remove without paint damage at < 4 years), the CT shouldn't be an issue if you let them go longer?

This would instead concern me, given my experience with SS.

Covering it, potentially trapping moisture underneath (or later ingress of moisture), with long-term contact between SS and the adhesives, are all auncertain recipe for potential pitting, staining, etc.

Far from wrap companies warranting SS for longer, I would think instead that at least initially many will want long term testing with SS to get comfortable about providing any warranty?

 

[charliemagpie]

The sheer amount raw SS over the coming years driving around will spawn a new business for artists.

From $500 or less. there will be lots of providers and lots of customers.

Those painted cars we saw at Berlin and Austin open days, were perhaps a hint of things to come.

Rather than seeing boring SS everywhere, our Cybertrucks could/will be the canvass for home, graffiti and professional artists.

 

[cvalue13]

Rather than seeing boring SS everywhere, our Cybertrucks could/will be the canvass for home, graffiti and professional artists.

 

[charliemagpie]

Me neither, but we may have to brace ourselves for some real Fuglies.

 

[Mini2nut]

The Cybertruck will be the most wrapped vehicle in automotive history. Period.

Why? Because every Cybertruck leaving the TX assembly plant will look 100% identical to every other truck minus the wheel options.

If Tesla doesn’t offer hundreds of wrap design options from the factory they are going to miss out on a great revenue stream. If customers can upload a custom design that would be a game changer.

 

[charliemagpie]

I really like that design. If that doesn't silence the SS detractors...

I also like your idea for customers to upload.. , fantastic.


What would Tesla charge ? $3000

 

[Ogre]

The sheer amount raw SS over the coming years driving around will spawn a new business for artists.

From $500 or less. there will be lots of providers and lots of customers.

Those painted cars we saw at Berlin and Austin open days, were perhaps a hint of things to come.

Rather than seeing boring SS everywhere, our Cybertrucks could/will be the canvass for home, graffiti and professional artists.

This is a fantastic idea, but you’d likely want to put PPF or clear coat over it, otherwise it’ll be gone before long at all. I think it would make more sense just to get a custom printed skin.

 

[Mini2nut]

“What would Tesla charge ? $3000”

That is an unknown at this point.

Rivian will be offering a full factory PPF wrap starting in October with XPEL. It will be applied at a location near the factory in IL. They are supposedly charging $4500 for full PPF, $1500 for a front only.

https://www.xpel.com/pmp/rivian

 

[Cyberman]

The Cybertruck will be the most wrapped vehicle in automotive history. Period.

Why? Because every Cybertruck leaving the TX assembly plant will look 100% identical to every other truck minus the wheel options.

If Tesla doesn’t offer hundreds of wrap design options from the factory they are going to miss out on a great revenue stream. If customers can upload a custom design that would be a game changer.

Hard to argue with that.

 

[charliemagpie]

This is a fantastic idea, but you’d likely want to put PPF or clear coat over it, otherwise it’ll be gone before long at all. I think it would make more sense just to get a custom printed skin.

Yes. But some people believe in a flat earth. At 'worst' It will have its own niche I think.

2% painted per million = 20,000. Just a matter of time before we see it regularly. It may gather momentum, who knows with these things.


Might have its own thread one day.. what type of paint, and best way to apply it.

Sponsored