FAQs: The Stealth Product
What product advantages are built into the Stealth Fender?
»It stops stone scuffing of body panels, caused by spin-off debris from the rear wheel.
»It minimizes and contains road dust stirred up by the rear tire.
»It enables tire changes without fender removal.
»It allows for the addition of a trailer hitch.
»It utilizes original equipment license plate/light, relocating it neatly under the fender.
»It protects internal wire routing in an enclosed tunnel that also improves fender structure.
»It minimizes water spray if you drive in the rain or on wet roads.
»It won't dent or rust and the color is throughout the material.
»The ABS thermoplastic is one of the easiest- to-paint.
»It is designed with massive internal structural reinforcements.
»It completes the Slingshot's visual styling, matching body finish and adding sculptural form.
»It easily installs, requiring only (4)small holes to be drilled in a rear panel.
What can harm the Stealth Fender?
Avoid contacting the fender with any high VOC (volatile organic compound) solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, paint thinner, gasoline, lacquer thinner, etc. Clean only with water and soaps, detergents or cleaning agents that are designated for plastic automotive surfaces or ABS.
What oversized tires will work with my fender?
The larger stock tire on the Slingshot SL is a 255/35ZR20. The base model comes with a 265/35R18. A carefully installed Stealth Fender might handle a 280mm tire width, 15mm over the base width and 25mm over the taller SL width. That equals an increase from around 10" up to about 11". This may require a slight elevation adjustment to the Stealth Fender System during installation. Without radical adjustment measures, this probably sets the bar low for some enthusiasts wanting an over 300 series tire on the back. Our objectives in designing the fender were (1) to avoid making a stock set-up appear "under tired" (2) avoid touching the shock spring and (3) providing adequate inside structural reinforcement of the fender giving the product durability and a long life. We also recognize that installing over size tires can cause malfunctioning of the Electronic Stability Program and might even impact warranty claims.
Our recommendation: Unless you're prepared to experiment at your own risk beyond our R&D, STAY WITH STOCK SIZED WHEELS AND TIRES under your Stealth Fender.
How does ABS compare with steel or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) fenders?
The Stealth Fender is lighter than either steel or fiberglass.
ABS will not dent or rust. Steel will easily dent and rust if the finish is scratched
ABS and steel can be recycled after use. Fiberglass cannot be recycled into another like-product.
ABS has a slightly lower resistance to impact than Fiberglass during extremely low temperatures. However, ABS will tolerate take greater impact than steel before deforming.
ABS will also will not chip or crack as readily as fiberglass. Fiberglass has a minor advantage of staying intact after a fracture in the resin component because of the laminated glass fibers that will sometimes hold the visibly broken structure together.
(The Stealth Fender offsets this shortcoming through the extensive
use of double-walled construction and massive structural ribbing.)
The black finish is throughout the ABS fender and less likely to show scratches.
Fiberglass fenders are laminated with glass fibers and will often stay intact after initial cracking.
ABS fenders are not laminated with structural fibers. However, ABS will crack less easily.
FRP, Steel and ABS are all repairable. ABS can be either welded or structurally adhesive bonded.
Is there a problem if slight flexibility is noticed in a properly mounted Stealth Fender?
The Stealth Fender attachment to your Slingshot cantilevers support across the fender's full length. The front face of the Fender is secured with (6)3/4" washers behind bolt fasteners passing through the Slingshot's black OEM polypropylene panel that covers the fuel tank and cargo compartments inside the rear of the roadster. The lower (3) 6mm securing bolts enter the bottom center of the panel, engaging metal weld nuts in the trike's rear sub-frame. (2) LH and RH mid-level bolts pass through double thick walls of the fender, giving side-side stability by engaging a 12" x 3" X 1" Attachment Brace located behind the panel. A top washer-backed bolt also enters the double walled fender from a similar sized top Attachment Brace. The brace affords further vertical stability to the fender by attaching with nylon ties to a heavy steel strap that secures the fuel tank inside the Slingshot. The fender is very secure and the slight movement that you'll notice is a byproduct of the designed attaching system that intentionally enables a limited yield to force, vibration, and impact on the road. Such flexibility is desirable yet minimized by the Stealth Fender's (4) structural internal reinforcing components that are welded and chemically bonded with a structural adhesive to the Fender's inner surfaces. It is important to know that the Stealth Fender is attached to the Slingshot body and does NOT move with the rear wheel or swing arm. This distinction protects the Fender from the road shock that threatens the durability of "hugger" style fenders. Hugger fenders also add to the vehicles un-sprung weight. This condition further taxes rear suspension components and slightly impacts suspension performance when pushing the vehicles driving limits. You'll appreciate this design most when changing the rear tire. The fender need not be removed.
Note: Early prototype fenders were exposed to varied road conditions and laboratory life-cycle
testing that pushed design and materials beyond expected performance limits. (During one of our most aggressive laboratory tests a Michigan license plate mounted on the fender failed, folding in half from aggressive shaking and leaving the Stealth Fender unscathed. Our only Stealth Fender failure occurred when the mounting screws on the life cycle shaker stripped out of the shaker's mounting plate. Such abuse is unlikely in even extreme driving situations.
Will the Stealth Fender eliminate water spray from entering the cockpit or covering the rear end?
The Stealth Fender will help minimize dust and water spray from wet roads. The relocation of the license plate and bracket on the included bracket platform, built into the fender, will increase the efficiency of preventing undesirable dust and water on the vehicle. The optional Stealth Splash Guard attaches and adjusts with included license plate screws and will afford a significant reduction in airborne spray from the wheel. However, the best reason to install the Stealth Fender is to protect the rear upper and lower OEM panels from damage and marking caused by airborne road gravel.
Can I get other finishes on my Stealth fender?
Paint after purchase is always a possibility.
Factory finishes in carbon fiber and brushed aluminum are possible as production increases.
Factory paint is also possible if order numbers increase enough. It never hurts to ask.
Watch this site for future finish availability.
How can I obtain a Stealth Fender?
Ordering at www.paramountplastics.com is the only way to purchase a Stealth Product.
How can my investment in the Stealth Fender be justified?
The base Stealth Fender (without options) is a system, comprised of (7) ABS components, stainless steel and nylon attaching hardware, a plug-and-play high quality wire harness, and carefully planned and thorough instructions. Conceptual designing, pattern making, production mold making, testing, continuous refining, computer programming, trim fixturing, CNC (automated) trimming and drilling of every ABS part assure your satisfaction.
What does the acronym ABS stand for... besides antilock braking system?
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a blend of thermoplastics affording properties that give ABS its beauty, structural integrity, limited flexibility, and impact resistance. By the pound, ABS is tougher than steel, more resilient to cracking and chipping than fiberglass and costs more than the TPO/polypropylene used in the outer skin and interior of your Slingshot.
Do I have to mount a license bracket to the Stealth Fender?
No. The provision is there. It need not be used and is virtually invisible if not employed.
Do I have to purchase or mount the Stealth LED Light Strip fixed on my Stealth Fender?
No.
However, it is worth considering the differences in the quality of LED light strips.
Our Stealth LEDs are encased in a non-petroleum based silicone formula that does not degrade the adhesive strength. Most other LED strips release small amounts of their petroleum content into surroundings throughout their life, eventually breaking down adhesive bonds of even the best attachment and laminating systems.
Silicone is more stable.
Our Stealth LEDs are delivered with an in-line resetting circuit breaker that protects damage to the OEM electrical system. This design deters future warranty problems.
Our Stealth LEDs are custom made to exactly fit the Stealth Fender, employing electrical connectors that assure simple installation and long reliable performance in the adverse climate under a vehicle fender.
Do I have to purchase mount the Stealth Splash Guard on my Stealth Fender?
No. The Stealth Splash Guard installs quickly and can be removed as easily as taking off your license plate. It minimizes rooster-tailing on rain covered streets by catching most tire spin-off and dropping it behind the back tire.
Do I have to purchase or mount the Stealth Air-Foil with my Stealth Fender?
No. However, if you wish to retain the round DOT approved reflectors that came with the license plate bracket on your Slingshot, the Stealth Air-Foil will make a more attractive installation. The Air-Foil mounts below the rear backup camera and will help direct airborne dust from collecting on the camera lens.
Are future Stealth Products going to be introduced for the Slingshot?
Yes
Why should I purchase the Stealth LED Strip for my Stealth Fender?
The Stealth Fender is manufactured for easy attachment with most aftermarket LED strips. Based on our experience with competing LED suppliers, we are confident that our system is a good value. However, our system only offers red because of DOT requirements for tail lighting. Before you purchase another after-market product, consider some of our product features that might influence your decision:
1. The Stealth LED's are "plug and play". The wire harness that is included with your fender engages the Polaris circuit using the same (OEM) female-to-male plugs that come on your Slingshot. That harness also engages our LED light strip as well as the fender-mounted license bracket with the same terminal plugs. This provides a more weather proof and far easier installation than fussing with butt connectors, Scotch locks, solder, tape, etc.
2. Our LED is also one of the rare systems that is NOT laminated between petroleum based thermoplastic coverings. Such LED designs can degrade even the top quality 3M adhesives that hold the strip to an automotive surface such as a fender. The internal bond (between laminates containing the LED) can also break down over time, allowing the intrusion of moisture. In contrast, the Stealth LED is fully encased (potted) in a transparent silicone based formula that protects all of the integrated LED circuitry.
3. Our system is also assembled near our plant with an integrated solid state circuit breaker that protects the LED from power surges that do occur during system start-up and shut-down cycles. Over time such spikes have been shown to degrade LEDs and lead to failure. Again, the dedicated wire harness that is factory installed by our local MW supplier is sized and plugs into the fender harness with no fanfare.
4. Our LEDs are clipped into polycarbonate extrusions that attach to the fender. The system avoids problems associated with thermal expansion and contraction and problems associated with adhering to a curved surface. I've tried other strips on the fender and had some adhesion issues.
FAQs: The Manufacturer
Who or what is Paramount Plastics and Purpose Driven Design?
Paramount Plastics Inc. has been a supplier of thermoformed ABS and automotive
soft-touch vinyl products since 1982. We now serve the automotive aftermarket and have, from our beginnings been an OEM component suppliers to numerous RV and marine manufacturers. We also produce automotive parts for restoration of old as well as production of new specialty vehicles. Our record of manufacturing excellence is supported by numerous US Patents as well as proprietary tooling and manufacturing techniques that define our innovative spirit. Virtually all products leaving our plant have been designed or co-designed under our roof. Conceptual design, CAD preparation, pattern making, mold production, CNC trim and drill fixturing, and virtually all phases of product development take place under our roof. Our ISO Certified rating and longevity in this highly competitive field are visible evidence of the consistent quality that we invest from design through manufacturing. The same quality can be expected in your Stealth Fender and every product that leaves Paramount Plastics' Elkhart, Indiana plant.
Purpose Driven Design (PDD) is the second half of a joint venture with Paramount Plastics,
focusing on understanding of consumer needs and conceptually designing for the Polaris Slingshot Family. PDD has also invested in pattern-making, testing, and refining the Slingshot accessories that are being carefully planned and produced by Paramount Plastics. We are collectively Slingshot enthusiasts and or owners, desiring the best accessories for our own use as well as our customers. We also have gone to great lengths to get it right, investing thousands of man-hours and much raw material in developing, testing and improving our concepts. Your satisfaction will become much of our reward.
What does OEM stand for?
The Slingshot Original Equipment Manufacturer is Polaris Industries Inc. OEM references stock parts or systems that are delivered in a Slingshot purchased from a Polaris dealer.
The Stealth Fender is an aftermarket product, not OEM.
What other Stealth Product available for my Slingshot?
We offer a custom Stealth Splash Guard for our fender as well as a custom Stealth Air-Foil
that provides attractive relocation of round OEM side reflectors. The Air-Foil also helps direct air flow, helping keep dust off the Slingshot's backup camera.
We also offer an optional custom made Stealth LED Light Strip for the Stealth Fender.
A Stealth Audio Visor for the dashboard screen is being released very soon.
The word "custom" appears a lot in promoting the Stealth Fender and accessories.
What do we mean when we say our products are custom?
All of our Stealth products are designed and manufactured expressly for the Polaris Slingshot.
This focus limits our market range and the volume of any given product that we can sell. However, it provides our fellow Slingshot enthusiasts with accessories that meet the demanding performance and aesthetic requirements of this unique vehicle.
FAQs: Installation
Do I have to cut, drill or otherwise alter my stock Slingshot in order to mount a Stealth Fender?
Mounting the Stealth Fender system requires drilling only (4) holes near the middle of the black polyethylene panel covering the rear of the Slingshot, directly in front of the rear tire. That's it.
BTW- This is an area that suffered from many stone marks in only 3000 miles on my Slingshot.
How can I fine-tune the left and right position adjustment of my Stealth Fender?
Slingshot manufacturing tolerances vary slightly. The rear tire is not necessarily centered on the
body. Slight variances away from on-center tire placement is normal and not a problem on many belt or chain driven vehicles. Best fender installation, in most instances, centers the Stealth Fender over a stock wheel/tire and not on the upper body. Flat 3/4" OD washers are included with each fender. These are used to strengthen and broaden fastener contact. However extra provided stainless steel washers, used between the fender and rear body panel controls side-to-side positioning of the fender over the tire when placed appropriately on the (6) fasteners between the fender and sloping rear panel of the Slingshot. Applied in the proper sequence per each of (3) vertical rows of (2) fasteners each, the spacers can significantly adjust the fenders left to right placement. (Total 6) A good starting place, facing toward the front, on the SL is to put (2) washers in the LH row; (1) in the center row and none in the RH row. Read and study photos in the fender installation sheets or online at www.paramountplastics.com before installing. Fender on-center alignment with the rear tire and 1/4" clearance with the rear shock absorber is critical. Examine clearances, particularly after the tire is installed and the Slingshot is lowered off the jack. Inspect the fender after a short drive and when approaching maximum gross vehicle weight.
How can I fine-tune the left and right position adjustment of my Stealth Fender?
Limited adjustment in all directions is possible because of the oversized top (3) attachment stud holes and the (3) slotted bolt openings along the bottom of the attachment face.
The process for raising or lowering the fender is similar to side-to-side adjustment, requiring the addition of washers on bolt and nut fasteners placed between the fender and the rear sloping panel of the Slingshot. Study the paper installation sheets with your fender or look online at www.paramountplastics.com before installing.
All adjustments using washer spacers must result in a straight (not distorted) attachment face on your fender. This can be determined by firmly pressing the fender's flat attachment face against a flat surface with the planned number of spaceunder tired washers under the holes that will provide the desired adjustment. Adjusting left or right will be best with a washer sequence such as 2,1,0 or 4,2,0. Raising or lowering adjustment may be accomplished by adding spacers progressively on top, middle and bottom rows.
Can I get answers to questions relating to your products that are not covered in the FAQs?
Yes. We invite you to contact us during normal business hours. (EST)
