Yellowing Film Removal on 17 Super White

Hello all,

This is my first post on here as I am only in the shopping stage of my 4Runner.

I stopped at a dealership about an hour away and am testing driving this 17 OR for a couple days. There are a few cosmetic issues and the center caps are missing (which they will replace) but otherwise its in good shape and nothing negative was found during the pre purchase inspection.

My biggest concern with this 4R is the yellowing of the paint protective film - and what will happen during removal of the film to the Super White paint underneath. I am aware that there are peeling/adhesion issues during 2017. I have told the dealership I want them to remove the film on both sides before I agree to buy but they are echoing my own concerns about the paint.

Does anyone have any experience or advice with removing film that has been on Super White for 5 years?

 

Steam might work.
I’ve used a steamer to remove old window tint without any sticky tint residue left behind.

 

I’m in the same boat with a 2018. I’ll start with a hair dryer to warm the adhesive. Then maybe some type of glue remover if needed. Spring project yet to take place.

 

I would call an auto detail place. I am having Xpel put on my hood and front end next week.

I am sure the factory stuff is not Xpel quality but an Xpel shop might be able to give some guidance

 

Steam is the key.

 

If you do decide to remove it, you should have it replaced right away. Those areas most definitely get blasted by pebbles, sand, etc. kicked up by the front tires.

 

I talked to my shop about your issue as they prepped it to get Xpel film. Ironically another customer has a white ORP with the same issue you noted on yours.

The shop said they use lots of steam as others said to get the Toyota OEM film off those areas. The guy that had the white ORP with this issue while I was there was having his removed and having a new Xpel kit installed after removing factory film. Xpel makes it custom for 4Runner.

I had my hood, front end, grill and mirrors done and like the way it looks; i can't tell at all.

Hope you get yours sorted out

 

White is one of the tougher colors for PPF. You'll notice yellowing or other staining sooner and also any dirt in the edges. If you're getting any installed, request wrapped edges where possible.

 

I need to have Xpel put on the lower doors and rear trim to replace taking off the factory crap. It was very hard getting the film off of the rear flares as it almost pulled the entire trim off trying to do so.

 

After 3 years, my self installed 3M bra still looks good.

 

I was told the factory stuff is awful. So glad I have it on my '22.

 

The dealer agreed to take the film off before I agreed to purchase the 4Runner.. so they removed it and to everyone's relief there was no damage to the paint underneath!



If anyone else questions if they should remove 5 year old yellowing film on their single stage Super White paint, I'd say go for it!

I am going to get new tint and Xpel installed in the next few weeks! Thanks all for the helpful suggestions on how to remove it.

 

Yeah even my Xpel guy said to be safe since I am such a fanatic to consider putting on Xpel again and replacing mine installed last week in 10 years.

siri make a reminder for April 30, 2032 to replace Xpel on 4Runner