Warning Laser Shield not so hot (Should I just Veil the Plate?)

[mswlogo]

I just received my Veil and Laser Shield.

I'm pretty disappointed in the Laser Shield it is NOT like one of those clear Plexiglas covers with the magic "blur" added. It's extremely thin like vinyl.

Since the plate is not flat think it's gonna flair out as you tighten the bolt. And in the front I think a ton of crud will get behind it.

It's gonna stand out like sore thumb.

If it's under a full trim it may work ok. But I can't use such a thing on my front bracket on the Jeep (it's recessed).

It would probably work in the rear.

Has any one Veil'd a plate directly? I was thinking of trying to do just the reflective part and leave the letters alone. I think it would perform as well and not stand out as badly.

[TSi+WRX]

^ Er.....what you've reported....those are actually well-known shortcomings of the LaserShield.

Did you research this purchase at all? as I, along with many others, have posted extensively about the LaserShield in the past.......



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In terms of dirt/debris accumulation between the LaserShield and your plate, I have not found that to be much worry. Yes, you will get water-ingress from precipitation and car-washes, and that can carry into the area a bit of dirt, but it won't be too, too bad at all.

In the nearly two years I've used the LaserShield, I have yet to feel the need to take it off to clean between it and the plate, and to be frank, although I'm nowhere near as anal about my car as I used to be, I'm still an auto enthusiast, who takes pride in the appearance of his vehicle.....

I do use a plate frame around the perimeter of the LaserShield/plate setup, but it is *not* a sealing one. It's just there to better integrate the two, that's all.

Also, remember, even though you've addressed, physically, the plate itself, don't forget the plate frame and also your plate mounting hardware. If they're metallic in nature or otherwise have a LIDAR-unfavorable profile, you'll need to address them, too.

Your "point defense" is only as strong as its weakest point.

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Regarding VEIL'ing the plate, yes, this has been done before - many times. Again, if you'll take the time to search through these Forums, primarily the VEIL-specific sub-Forum, you'll find a lot of good useful information.

So far, I am not aware of anyone who has tried VEIL G4 on their plate(s), and as such, I do not know if there are any safety precautions required.

In terms of just using VEIL to address the "retro-reflective" portions of the plate, again, I'd like to bring up the reminder that your "point defense" is only as strong as its weakest point - and although the lettering is typically non-"retro-reflective," it's still typically highly "glossy" in finish, and will still offer an area of good LIDAR return.

There are still other alternatives - such as "scruffing up" the plate as well as using 3M Clear Duct Tape. You should, again, utilize the search function to look up past posts regarding these methods of dressing the plate.

No method of protecting the plate is perfect. It always will require some level of aesthetic/visual compromise.

[06blackgto]

I tried to veil my tag the other day. was way too dark, could not hardly read it at all. so I wiped it off, and it took off most of the paint on the Letters and numbers on the plate. now plate looks like it's 40 yrs. old... so Im not sure you want to do that.

I then put that plate on the back. put just one coat of veil on the front of the lasershield and put it over the front plate. Much better. I wouldn't veil both sides of the lasershield, may be too dark. but just on the outside worked for me. unless you still think the lasershield wont work on your front plate.

but I dont' think I would put just the veil straight on the plate.

[TSi+WRX]

^ Thanks for that update!

I think you're the first one to have used G4 directly on the plate!

I'll have to remember your particular data-point and experiences. Thanks for your valuable contribution!

[06blackgto]

^ Thanks for that update!

I think you're the first one to have used G4 directly on the plate!

I'll have to remember your particular data-point and experiences. Thanks for your valuable contribution!

No problem, it was very dark on it... I'll get pics up of my start-to finished job of the veil, as soon as my isp gets my dsl service up to 100percent again. and I'll get pics of the back plate, where the veil took the paint off...

[Ahujadaddy]

Wow, thanks for testing that G4 direct to the plate. I heard it wasn't an issue with the G2 veil.

So i've been kinda absent for awhile... is the Veil G4 out now? As in readily availible for purchase? Last i checked there were production issues and slowdowns.

[AirMoore]

So i've been kinda absent for awhile... is the Veil G4 out now? As in readily availible for purchase? Last i checked there were production issues and slowdowns.

Yeah... its out. Many people on here have received units from the first production run. The problem is companies are having a hard time keeping it in stock (They ran out of their original stock via pre-orders and such). So it may be on backorder in many places simply because the demand, but it has gone to full-scale production and should be available right now, or on a small backorder delay.

[TSi+WRX]

Wow, thanks for testing that G4 direct to the plate. I heard it wasn't an issue with the G2 veil.

^ Indeed, I don't recall that being an issue WITH G2, WITH THE PLATE, physically.

However, it had been reported to be an issue, with the G2, on registration stickers and their lettering/graphics.

I'm guessing that it's with specific paints/inks, but that there's no way to know this without direct testing.

So i've been kinda absent for awhile... is the Veil G4 out now? As in readily availible for purchase? Last i checked there were production issues and slowdowns.

^ Like good brother AirMoore said.

Also, sign-up for Roy's blog. You should get an e-mail with a discount code, thereafter.

[Ahujadaddy]

Thanks guys! And thanks for the tip TSi+WRX, i just saw that too in another thread. heh

[TSi+WRX]

^ NP. Glad to assist!