Hello

Does anyone have any good tips on steps that can be taken to protect the grand black wood finish? Or do I just have to be extra careful

Thanks

Seems to be "just being careful" - as sure as darkness faills, you can bet something in the air will cause you a scratch mark on it, under the detailing section there are various suggestions about ceramic coating it, but nothing that anyone has "yet" confirmed as working well. -

It's a real shame as my old L322 Vogue SE and BMW635d both had "black veneer" and neither scratched - the newer models seem to have a very delicate version.

Yes it is such a shame
It's so delicate in a car costing this much.

Sounds like I'll just have to accept it will get damaged sooner or later !

Black veneer looks fantastic when new but bloody hard to keep clean.

I changed my order in the end to go away from black and chose dark grey wood. 2016 Range Rover Sport SDV8 HSE Dynamic (Indus Silver/Santorini Black Pano Roof, Ebony/Cirrus leather, custom grey Style 508 alloys)

Agreed

I probably went for the worst combination cleaning wise

Black exterior, cirrus interior and grand black piano wood.... Lol

They look amazing when clean and waxed, hope you've got a good handwash nearby!!

Have you thought about getting the exterior and alloys treated with Opti-coat. It will help a lot. Mine is getting done when it arrives. Plenty of dealers in NSW. http://opticoat.com.au/

They also do leather treatment.

I went for the ebony/cirrus on my RRS. Was concerned about cirrus on the seats with kids etc!!!! 2016 Range Rover Sport SDV8 HSE Dynamic (Indus Silver/Santorini Black Pano Roof, Ebony/Cirrus leather, custom grey Style 508 alloys)

Hey Dr Fox

Yes it's a toss up between opticoat or ceramic pro at the moment. I'm not sure if one is better than the other or if it's all like for like.

I said no to all the dealer leather and paint protection.

When does yours arrive ? Mine should be another week at least

Ordered on 21st October, original delivery date was 1st April but latest information from the dealer is arriving in Adelaide on 11th March. Should be able to pick up 3 or 4 days after that.

It's currently on the boat heading from South Africa to Freemantle. Then unloaded in Melbourne on 23rd February and after clearing customs will be transported to Adelaide. Not too much longer to wait!!! 2016 Range Rover Sport SDV8 HSE Dynamic (Indus Silver/Santorini Black Pano Roof, Ebony/Cirrus leather, custom grey Style 508 alloys)

Wow, that's some Journey!

I bet the wait must be somewhat agonising, but will be well worth it I'm sure

Have you gotten any quotes for the Opticoat?

I got one back this morning, $845 which includes 2 coats plus all the wheels done. I have nothing to compare it to tho

Cheers

JKay

I only have one quote to go on. From memory it was about $800 for exterior and alloys. Includes full detail before hand.

It would seem your quote is pretty similar. 2016 Range Rover Sport SDV8 HSE Dynamic (Indus Silver/Santorini Black Pano Roof, Ebony/Cirrus leather, custom grey Style 508 alloys)

DrFox

Looking forward
To pics of your new car when it arrives !

Just a thought but would it be worth protecting it by covering it with some sort of thin see-through film?

SPX,

I am investigating an XPEL clear bra also, but generally this is applied to the leading edges of the vehicle.

From XPEL website........Paint Protection Film is a polyurethane film applied to the exposed surfaces of your vehicle which are most liable to damage from road hazards. Also know as Clear Shield, The Paint Protection Film (PPF) is clear as glass with a gloss similar or better than your original factory finish.

[i][i]The PPF protects the covered portions of your vehicle against stone chips & bug impacts 24/7.[/i][/i]

With a 10 year manufacturers warranty against yellowing, bubbling & cracking the Paint Protection Film (PPF) offers years of stress free motoring.

The film is UV stable while allowing UV to pass through so there is no uneven fading of the paint.

Opticoat is then applied to protect other areas.[i][/i] 2016 Range Rover Sport SDV8 HSE Dynamic (Indus Silver/Santorini Black Pano Roof, Ebony/Cirrus leather, custom grey Style 508 alloys)

DrFox

Id be interested in Hearing details if you find anything useful on this.

Thanks
JKay

JKay,

I am sure there are other applicators in Sydney, however found this one who do XPEL and Opticoat. I cant recommend them as I dont know them but might be worth a call.

http://sydneypaintprotection.com.au/xpel-u...tion-film/

Quote from website.........Self Healing Polyurethane – Xpel’s Ultimate line of films have the ability to “heal” surface scratches and swirl marks, meaning the surface will heal itself in time, leaving an unblemished top surface – for years and years to come.

What’s even better, that the market leader in chemical paint protection, Opti-Coat, is confirmed as being 100% compatible with XPel Ultimate, making it easier to clean, adds extra gloss, and will not interfere with the self healing ability of the film. 2016 Range Rover Sport SDV8 HSE Dynamic (Indus Silver/Santorini Black Pano Roof, Ebony/Cirrus leather, custom grey Style 508 alloys)