Ferrari Carbon Roof Wrapping: The Process
We sat down for a chat with a member of our vehicle wrapping team, Stephen, who has been with us for nearly 3 years. He recently worked on the Ferrari 458 Roof Wrap, which was completed in 3M’s 1080 Carbon Wrap material.
Q: What did your overall process involve?
It started with dismantling of the trims around the roof and windows, which involves unbolting the various rubber seals from these sections. This allows us to take the vinyl wrap further on each panel and surrounding areas, ensuring the original colour is not visible.
We then measured the panels, and did this in a way that ensured the carbon weave would all follow the same direction consistently. The area is then masked up and wiped with a “tack cloth”, which removes traces of dust and dirt still left behind.
The panels are then wrapped one by one, using 1 – 2 additional team members to help me; to ease the process. As each section is completed, the vinyl is trimmed and edges are tucked away neatly, to give it a flush finish throughout.
The work is then given a full check-over, to ensure high quality throughout. The trims we removed earlier are then carefully re-installed and the vehicle is given a clean and polish to complete the look.
Q: What is the material like to work with? Are there any special considerations needed?
The material is high quality and good to work with; the only difficulty is ensuring the carbon weave lines up between multiple panels.
Q: What is the Ferrari 488 roof like to wrap, are there any difficult bodywork/trim sections to deal with?
The roof is quite curvaceous, and larger than the width of our vinyl. This means some slight manipulation of the vinyl is required to make sure it fits whilst retaining the consistent carbon look. This makes it quite difficult to fit, but this is where the enjoyment comes!
Q: Are you happy with the results? What do you think about the completed car?
I am really happy with the result, and I find that subtle changes, such as this carbon roof, make a huge visual improvement on the overall vehicle – especially when tied in with other subtle modifications throughout the vehicle, such as sill areas and other trim.
