Monstaliner Cladding installation

SO, My GF got me a gallon of Monstaliner for my birthday, and we finally got around to putting it on this weekend. Lot of work, But I think it was absolutely worth it. The car looks great!

Before:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...full_front.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...ver_s_side.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...ger_s_side.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...ore_-_rear.jpg

And After:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._-_Front_2.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...ood_Insert.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...ivers_Side.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...enger_Side.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...nal_-_Rear.jpg

The product goes on exactly as described, make sure you get the instructions for applying to plastic, though. The Bulldog adhesion promoter was a bit of a pain to find, but ultimately came out to about $30 for two cans, we needed just over 1 can to do the job. The Sprayway cleaner they recommended was at Home Depot for about $3 per can. Ultimately, we used 3/4 of a gallon of the Monstaliner, but once you mix it, it is done in about 6-10 hours.

The product is black, so it's a little different than the original color, but the tintable Monstaliner is about 2x the price. I think the black looks great!

I also found my next project:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...t_a_Bumber.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...a_Bumber_2.jpg

Anyone know the best place to pick up a new bumper bar?:upsetgray

you can try here:
streatbeatcustoms

I had the same problem and ended up ordering a replacement from RockAuto, but they seem to be out of stock.

Does it just bolt up?

That looks AWESOME. I look forward to doing that next month :-)

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Originally Posted by housertl

Does it just bolt up?

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yeah, just 2 bolts on each side and bolts to the frame. front bumper needs to come off though to get to it.

I have been looking for a replacement bumper myself. I think they run around $350 "new" from Isuzu and like wintermute said, you used to be able to get them from RockAuto and I've seen them here too: http://shop.iautobodyparts.com/isuzu...0-parts-0.html but I think they are out of stock also.

I have been talking to a local 4x4 shop here and they said that they can fab up a new one, with end caps and powder coated for (if I remember right) $250. They also said that they would be happy to fab a few up for others on the site here and would ship them where ever they needed to go. They said that they could just bend up the tube, and cap it so that someone could weld it to their stock bumper mounts for $150. I haven't talked to them in a while, but I need to get my bumper done for sure, so if others are interested I can get some firm pricing done.

OH, and the cladding looks great.:thumbup:

When you said you needed 2 cans of Bulldog, were you talking about the aerosol cans?

Macco Auto Body & Paint uses a product called "back to Black", tape it off, spray it on.. whalla! brand new.. I'd had mine done about 3 weeks ago.. looks great!

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Originally Posted by mborodi

Macco Auto Body & Paint uses a product called "back to Black", tape it off, spray it on.. whalla! brand new.. I'd had mine done about 3 weeks ago.. looks great!

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Back to Black? that's the exact name of Mother's cladding/trim treatment product many VX owners use......it's not permanent at all and they reapply after it's rained. But your sentence above sounds like it's a totally different product?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

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Originally Posted by housertl

SO, My GF got me a gallon of Monstaliner for my birthday

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We VX owners have very strange gift wish lists lol!

:D

Well, Monstaliner is $134/gallon on eBay right now w/free shipping, so I figured now is as good a time as any to knock out the cladding before it gets too, too hot, so I snagged a gallon. It'll be in sometime this week, so I just need to know which Bulldog adhesion promoter to use, as it comes in aerosol and brush on. I'm going to try and get it done this week, provided it comes in in time. Although Aerospace 303 is excellent for taking care of the cladding, we've been getting a bit more rain than usual, and I'm tired of the cladding looking crappy after the rain washes the 303 off. Time to do it right and cry once.

It looks good fo sho!

I haven't heard of or seen the Monsterliner stuff...house, can you take some closer up pics? It looks like it's less textured that Line-X and Rhinoliner, but I can't tell.

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Originally Posted by twalker920

We VX owners have very strange gift wish lists lol!
:D

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:yeso:....yup...got a alum radiator for xmas! :thumbup:

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Originally Posted by eternal21

Well, Monstaliner is $134/gallon on eBay right now w/free shipping, so I figured now is as good a time as any to knock out the cladding before it gets too, too hot, so I snagged a gallon. It'll be in sometime this week, so I just need to know which Bulldog adhesion promoter to use, as it comes in aerosol and brush on. I'm going to try and get it done this week, provided it comes in in time. Although Aerospace 303 is excellent for taking care of the cladding, we've been getting a bit more rain than usual, and I'm tired of the cladding looking crappy after the rain washes the 303 off. Time to do it right and cry once.

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When I was touching up my cladding with ShowRoom New (where the fab shop scraped it up :mad:)...I got to thinking...I haven't put a thing on my cladding.....nothing, zip, zero, nada.....in 14 months...and it looks exactly the same. Only an occasional car wash with the cheapest option so no wax or whatever they call that carpy stuff they "spray on" and flash cool neon lights at ya. I'll have to take some pics and update that thread.

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Originally Posted by VX KAT

It looks good fo sho!

I haven't heard of or seen the Monsterliner stuff...house, can you take some closer up pics? It looks like it's less textured that Line-X and Rhinoliner, but I can't tell.

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http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ht=monstaliner

Check post #3 for the link to the Jeep page containing pics, info, etc. Over 1/4 million page views and tons of people using it. Yes, it is textured. Some images I borrowed from the Jeep folks....


http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...s/Monsta22.jpg

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/attac...r-p8140611.jpg

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/attac...1813033785.jpg

http://www.monstaliner.com/images/jo...y_IMG_1279.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...telsen/167.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y21...9-35-16_95.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHl00...layer_embedded

Oh no! Shouldn't have shown the image of the purple Monterliner.....Sue's going to Monsterline all kinds of stuff purple now.:biggringr

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Originally Posted by eternal21

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...telsen/167.jpg

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Originally Posted by MSHardeman

Oh no! Shouldn't have shown the image of the purple Monterliner.....Sue's going to Monsterline all kinds of stuff purple now.:biggringr

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Are you boyz all color blind? That's PINK...not PURPLE! :p
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...21&postcount=3

But ya gotta admit diamond tread plate sill plates in purple Monstaliner woulda looked really kool!!! :goof:


Thanks for posting the pics eternal, that's a really cool texture. I def like it better than the rougher ones like Line-X. Hope yours works out great too.

They have Purple People Eater as a color choice....

Hey,

As an update, the Monstaliner seems to be doing great, but there is one caveat...

once applied, this stuff may be a little brittle. I have a spot on the passenger side cladding where it looks like someone hit my door with theirs, and a chunk of the monstaliner came off. Not a big deal, but I will have to order a pint of the stuff to re do it.

I will try to get my car washed and get some close up pics as requested this weekend.

Marlin used Monstaliner on his VX and found that it was brittle too IIRC. Seems like he had a few chunks fall off as well, so I believe he just used a pressure washer to blast it all off and then used Showroom New. He's a lot happier with that product the last I heard.

Just throwing it out there... and btw Showroom New is a LOT cheaper than the $134 you need for Monstaliner. It won't, however, have the texturing which depending on your taste may be a good or bad thing.

Bit of a thread jack, but I found out last week that I probably won't be able to use Showroom New because the body shop that fixed the front bumper damage after the accident painted the front cladding to make it match. It's a good match but I have to think the paint will mess with the dye absorption. It certainly made the Meguiar's trim shine stuff look bad. :mad: Looks like Gatorback for me which really isn't a bad option.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vt_maverick

Marlin used Monstaliner on his VX and found that it was brittle too IIRC. Seems like he had a few chunks fall off as well, so I believe he just used a pressure washer to blast it all off and then used Showroom New. He's a lot happier with that product the last I heard.

Just throwing it out there... and btw Showroom New is a LOT cheaper than the $134 you need for Monstaliner. It won't, however, have the texturing which depending on your taste may be a good or bad thing.

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The 8oz repair kit is only $19....

Hey, uhm, you never answered about the adhesion promoter.... :)

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Originally Posted by eternal21

Hey, uhm, you never answered about the adhesion promoter.... :)

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Whoops! Sorry bro! Yeah, we bought 2 15 oz aerosol cans of Bulldog, and used just over one of them.

Have you tried formula 303? Looks like Monstaliner for a FRACTION OF THE COST? Any comments?

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Originally Posted by blacksambo

Have you tried formula 303? Looks like Monstaliner for a FRACTION OF THE COST? Any comments?

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But they're two totally different animals....303 is just a topical, temporary water-soluable treatment, with no texture-adding characteristics vs Monstaliner, which definitely has texture and is more less a permanent coating.

But you could buy a whole lotta 303 before you'd hit $124. It's about $25 for 32 oz spray bottle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by housertl

Whoops! Sorry bro! Yeah, we bought 2 15 oz aerosol cans of Bulldog, and used just over one of them.

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Thanks! The ML came in Monday, just waiting on that info. Ordering it tonight, hopefully I can get this and the hood mod knocked out next week :)

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Originally Posted by VX KAT

But you could buy a whole lotta 303 before you'd hit $124. It's about $25 for 32 oz spray bottle.

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Don't forget to count the cost of the ace bandages and icy hot you'll need for all those 303 applications. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vt_maverick

Bit of a thread jack, but I found out last week that I probably won't be able to use Showroom New because the body shop that fixed the front bumper damage after the accident painted the front cladding to make it match. It's a good match but I have to think the paint will mess with the dye absorption. It certainly made the Meguiar's trim shine stuff look bad. :mad: Looks like Gatorback for me which really isn't a bad option.

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You can try the SN on a few spots to see if it will match correctly and just use some mineral spirits to remove the dye if it looks bad.

Seems like every product has a downside. Gatorback or Monstaliner can chip/crack while Showroom New doesn't hold up to gasoline spills on the cladding.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by housertl

once applied, this stuff may be a little brittle. I have a spot on the passenger side cladding where it looks like someone hit my door with theirs, and a chunk of the monstaliner came off. Not a big deal, but I will have to order a pint of the stuff to re do it.

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Regarding the cracking, http://monstaliner.com/monstaliner_faq.htm#7

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Originally Posted by monstaliner

How tough is Monstaliner?

Monstaliner has been engineered to withstand years of heavy duty use. It is flexible and impact resistant and designed not to crack, flake or peel. It is unaffected by sun so it won't fade, chalk or discolor. Monstaliner is also resistant to damage from gasoline and most chemicals and solvents.

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Given that, you might want to contact the rep on the Jeep site, as your repair kit a) might be covered and b) they probably need to know so they can give us some tips. I'm thinking that if it chipped on the cladding, it might be an adhesion related issue.

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Originally Posted by eternal21

Regarding the cracking, http://monstaliner.com/monstaliner_faq.htm#7

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Originally Posted by monstaliner
How tough is Monstaliner?

Monstaliner has been engineered to withstand years of heavy duty use. It is flexible and impact resistant and designed not to crack, flake or peel. It is unaffected by sun so it won't fade, chalk or discolor. Monstaliner is also resistant to damage from gasoline and most chemicals and solvents.

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Given that, you might want to contact the rep on the Jeep site, as your repair kit a) might be covered and b) they probably need to know so they can give us some tips. I'm thinking that if it chipped on the cladding, it might be an adhesion related issue.

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Very clever wording. It is "designed" not to crack, flake, or peel, but it only guaranteed not to fade, chalk or discolor. If it just happens to chip, oh, well we tried...

anyone else use the Forever Black? or Krylon Fusion for Plastics?
I wondered what others thought of it... I used the FB and loved the results, Dark rich Black and very shiny, but needed many coats and showed wear in places after about 6 months from road trash.
Since I had some of the cladding off for the MICE issue ( see that thread if you can help! ), I decided to try the Krylon, still took several coats, not as shiny, and seems to attract dust a bit... I may cover that with FB. Where the FB wore off... gotta smooth the worn areas with lacquer thinner and re-apply. Guys stop me all the time thinking it's a new car, or maybe it's just a conversation starter. :winkb:

Kat: you remember the photos I sent you last year? It still looks as shiny and new except where it wore off.

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Originally Posted by VXorado

Seems like every product has a downside. Gatorback or Monstaliner can chip/crack while Showroom New doesn't hold up to gasoline spills on the cladding.

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~I recall the same folks selling the SN sell a topcoat product, that specifically mentioned it would protect from gas spills. I inquired about it but when they said it was quite shiny I decided against it, I prefer more of a matte/flat finish.

~Jon have you tried touching up the area where the gas spilled? The SN completely covered my old "gas tat" (when nothing else would), and was very easy to use and "touch up" to areas my fab shop damaged making the tail light guards. I realize my gas stain was UNDER the SN, whereas yours is on top, but can't hurt to try. If you're out of SN, I have some left in a few bottles, I can bring to Moab if you want...I presume you used straight black?

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Originally Posted by disasterlady

anyone else use the Forever Black? or Krylon Fusion for Plastics?
I wondered what others thought of it... I used the FB and loved the results, Dark rich Black and very shiny, but needed many coats and showed wear in places after about 6 months from road trash.
Since I had some of the cladding off for the MICE issue ( see that thread if you can help! ), I decided to try the Krylon, still took several coats, not as shiny, and seems to attract dust a bit... I may cover that with FB. Where the FB wore off... gotta smooth the worn areas with lacquer thinner and re-apply. Guys stop me all the time thinking it's a new car, or maybe it's just a conversation starter. :winkb:

Kat: you remember the photos I sent you last year? It still looks as shiny and new except where it wore off.

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~I do recall those pics, absolutely fantastic looking, it did look new!

~I thought the FB was a permanent dye, like SN.....maybe it was another product with a similar name I'm thinking of......:_thinking

~Wouldn't the Krylon Fusion also be a permanent product? I used it on my engine cover and it sprayed on and dried, just like spray paint should. So why would it attract dust if it was "dry"??? ...or did I use a different form of the product?
.
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I'm sourcing it on ebay for $16.00.

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Originally Posted by VX KAT

But they're two totally different animals....303 is just a topical, temporary water-soluable treatment, with no texture-adding characteristics vs Monstaliner, which definitely has texture and is more less a permanent coating.

But you could buy a whole lotta 303 before you'd hit $124. It's about $25 for 32 oz spray bottle.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by blacksambo

I'm sourcing it on ebay for $16.00.

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Wow, due share! 32 oz for $16 is a great price.
I couldn't find that price on ebay. Can you attach a link?

RE: Krylon Fusion attracts dust... I think it may be because of the texture on the cladding, it has since been rained on, looks better, but still not as shiny as the Forever Black. Interesting that it could take the engine heat! I'll keep that in mind for mine.

RE: Forever Black is somewhat permanent as it still chips from road trash or possibly from NOT getting prepped properly! I may have gotten sloppy when I got to the one side that has shown most of the wear.... either way it is still my favorite.

RE:303... good, but still temporary and a different look, much like Armourall in my opinion. I use it over other things.

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Originally Posted by blacksambo

I'm sourcing it on ebay for $16.00.

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Originally Posted by VX KAT

Wow, due share! 32 oz for $16 is a great price.
I couldn't find that price on ebay. Can you attach a link?

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Hey Sambo, I'm still trying to find the 303 on ebay for around that price, but can't find it...can you attach a link?

If the same thing you are looking for.....

http://www.amazon.com/303-Products-3...2&keywords=303

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Originally Posted by JMNY

If the same thing you are looking for.....

http://www.amazon.com/303-Products-3...2&keywords=303

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Thanks, that's a great price! I was just curious to see where he saw that on ebay back then, cuz I couldn't find it.