Paint Protection Film - Yes or No?

I had mine done as soon as I could get an appointment at my trusted installer. Did not consider the Toyota installed stuff as I like to speak with the installer and know they are skilled.

One car I had done was a bad experience. The guy trimmed/cut on the paint right through the film. And he was the main installer for Stongard at the time, in Vancouver, WA. I ended up doing a lot of paint work and re covering my self after getting a complete refund on his hack job. It can be scored and done carefully but I would not hand my brand new car over to any installer.

I have put film on 3 vehicles and a few motorcycles and bicycles. On the 4Runnner did the front, fenders and hood to the hood scoop. Covered the Hood scoop edges and the top painted section of the side view mirrors.

The mirror covering I questioned doing, but came in very handy one day when a girl in an old Bronco with wide all metal mirrors tagged my drivers side mirror when passing on a tight road. Stopped exchanged data and went home to find what I thought was scratched paint I rubbed out, so the urethane took the brunt of the impact and not the paint.

On my Sprinter, it's been on for 10 years and 120,000 miles. A few nicks but no through impacts to the paint. Anything top of the hood that's paint is a minor issue compared to the nose of the car completely pockmarked. For 1k I think it's worth it. The 4 Runner has a lot of tough areas to cover so someone really good with a lot of film work under their belt, is worth finding. I did just put some scratches down the sides last weekend in some tight brush, but my front end still looks great! :-/

The key is to get it done before you start getting rock chips. As far as door cups. A kit put on my old audi had them, but honestly I never scratch my door cups so I would hesitate doing them. If prone to swinging doors out against others, doing the door vertical edge may be of use. Much you can cover yourself too. I keep some film and a spray bottle of 50/50 alcohol/water handy for covering any number of things.

 

Last December I had to assist my sister in shopping a used rav4 from local dealerships. Saw a good buy on a 19 xle but passed due to chipped hood/grill finish with no film present. Opted/steered her toward an older 18 le with the film instead.....excellent body/paint condition, shes been very happy.

 

Mine has been on for 2 years, and I now realize it has mildew or mold spots growing in under it. Most likely thanks to the old and stained microfiber cloth I saw used to give the front end a wipe down prior to install. Contacting them to peel it and redo, has prevented many rock chips for sure. But about the windsheild....

 

Anyone have a recommendation where to get PPF installed in Phoenix area? I want the protective film before I hit the road and cruise the cool forest backroads.

 

Get the headlights done as well.

 

Did you end up getting PPF on your rig? Are you happy with it?
I am looking to get xpel on mine as well but the quotes I am getting on full front end PPF to include bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors and headlights is north of 2K (ouch).

 

I got it from a local window and tint shop that is an authorized Expel vender. They sell (precut) Expel, regular 3M/3M premium. If you go on Expel’s website you can find a local vendor near you. I bought Expel Film and applied it myself. I have Expel on the headlights, front bumper, and fog lights. I didn’t do the grill (Black Pro Grill) even though it came with the film as a package. I spent about $225 (fog light included) and additional $50 for the headlight film; it took about 3-4 hrs. I happy with it, I would definitely do again on futures cars.

I visited couple other shops in town that does only installations and after seeing the finished jobs, I decided to do it myself.

 

Wow! Thats a huge offset. I might follow your lead as well and make some calls to local XPEL dealers. Thanks for the info, that was helpful. Cheers!

 

Yes, the only way to keep them perfect is to leave them in a garage and don't drive them. LOL Seems like most of the rock chips come from Interstate highway driving versus off-road driving.

Rick

 

If you were close I would give you a hand putting it on. Don’t rush putting it on, take your time in sections.

 

Off road driving results in pin striping. Not any better. I’ve had a full wrap in 3M on my 911 and it’s been perfect for over three years now.

Didn’t do the 4Runner because it’s plain not worth it. The 911 was more than twice the price of the TRD Pro - so worth protecting the investment since it’s sitting outside (no garage space). On the 4Runner I’ll just live with the battle scars.

 

Here is a link to our dealer locator.

https://www.xpel.com/clearbra-installers/united-states

 

I bought my 19 Black C7 Z06 2 years ago. Had it paint correction and fully wrapped with Suntex and ceramic coated. Car has 5500 miles on it. Not a mark or tare in the wrap at all. All I do is wash it and blow it off with my 4hp blower. Very easy and simple to take care of. Don’t need to worry about scratches or swirls in my black paint. But is not cheap to do.