[airdale182]

For those of you who've taken delivery, I just found out the hard way that the plastic on the lower side panels on the doors is very soft. I rubbed my shoe across it and left a scar -- which I now have to try and figure out how to fix -- anyway, be careful with it.

 

[Sinner]

Oh that's sucks and I'm sorry. I'm sure I'll do the same within a few exits of the car.

 

[jsvette]

For those of you who've taken delivery, I just found out the hard way that the plastic on the lower side panels on the doors is very soft. I rubbed my shoe across it and left a scar -- which I now have to try and figure out how to fix -- anyway, be careful with it.

Thanks for the warning. I seem to recall reading somewhere yesterday about a special light weight new coating they were using on those panels- one would think it should hold up much better!

 

[jsvette]

Here is the information I was looking for regarding the door panels:

"SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- International Automotive Components (IAC) received the 2013 TPO Innovation Award for its innovative SmartFoil™ solution on the 2014 Corvette Stingray. The award was presented during today's Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) TPO Automotive Engineered Polyolefins Conference in Troy, Mich. The leather-like material makes its market debut on the lower door panels on one of 2014's most highly anticipated and popular new vehicles, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
"Receiving SPE's TPO Innovation Award is a true testament to the innovation and ingenuity portrayed by our entire IAC team as we create innovative solutions for our customers," said Maurice Sessel, senior vice president of engineering at IAC. "This recognition, coupled with the fact that the technology is making its application debut on the 2014 Corvette Stingray, represents our ongoing efforts to challenge the norm and develop new materials. We are striking a balance between improved interior durability, while maintaining a luxurious look and feel that virtually all vehicles strive to offer."
SmartFoil is a TPO (thermoplastic olefin) material that provides improved craftsmanship and luxury, while providing up to a 10 percent weight savings over traditional solutions. SmartFoil's leather-like durable top coat improves scratch, scuff and mar resistance, and is designed specifically for vehicles with low entry/exit points like the Corvette. SmartFoil's A-surface material has an excellent grain definition and a vacuum-form feel at a similar cost to soft-touch paint.
Furthermore, the eco-friendly material eliminates the traditional adhesive process, as the sheet is bonded to the resin during a one step molding process. While reducing assembly time and cost, this process produces an appealing and durable finished component with in-mold grain, adding luxury to the Corvette's sporty interior. "

airdale182, unfortunately from your experience it seems like SmartFoil did not do what it was supposed to. Isn't this the area on the door you were talking about? Might want to mention that to your dealer next time in.

 

[Mark JD]

"SmartFoil" may not be so smart after all!

 

[glen e]

possible solution on panels:

Amazon.com: XPEL Clear Universal Door Sill Guard (60" x 2.75") Paint Protection Film Kit: Automotive

 

[airdale182]

Here is the information I was looking for regarding the door panels:

"SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- International Automotive Components (IAC) received the 2013 TPO Innovation Award for its innovative SmartFoil™ solution on the 2014 Corvette Stingray. The award was presented during today's Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) TPO Automotive Engineered Polyolefins Conference in Troy, Mich. The leather-like material makes its market debut on the lower door panels on one of 2014's most highly anticipated and popular new vehicles, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
"Receiving SPE's TPO Innovation Award is a true testament to the innovation and ingenuity portrayed by our entire IAC team as we create innovative solutions for our customers," said Maurice Sessel, senior vice president of engineering at IAC. "This recognition, coupled with the fact that the technology is making its application debut on the 2014 Corvette Stingray, represents our ongoing efforts to challenge the norm and develop new materials. We are striking a balance between improved interior durability, while maintaining a luxurious look and feel that virtually all vehicles strive to offer."
SmartFoil is a TPO (thermoplastic olefin) material that provides improved craftsmanship and luxury, while providing up to a 10 percent weight savings over traditional solutions. SmartFoil's leather-like durable top coat improves scratch, scuff and mar resistance, and is designed specifically for vehicles with low entry/exit points like the Corvette. SmartFoil's A-surface material has an excellent grain definition and a vacuum-form feel at a similar cost to soft-touch paint.
Furthermore, the eco-friendly material eliminates the traditional adhesive process, as the sheet is bonded to the resin during a one step molding process. While reducing assembly time and cost, this process produces an appealing and durable finished component with in-mold grain, adding luxury to the Corvette's sporty interior. "

airdale182, unfortunately from your experience it seems like SmartFoil did not do what it was supposed to. Isn't this the area on the door you were talking about? Might want to mention that to your dealer next time in.

Yes, this is the area where I experienced my issue. And maybe mine is an extreme case -- but it's something to watch. I do have it on my dealer punch list right now. That's for the help everyone.

 

[Chip]

Can you take a picture of the problem area for us?

 

[airdale182]

Can you take a picture of the problem area for us?

I tried with my trusty Nikon, but you can't see the mark in the photo - black-on-black - anyway, I sort of found a fix. I just rubbed some black shoe polish on the area then let it sit for a while. After a light buffing it's really hard to see.