[DjinnBabba]

Freaked out a couple days ago when I got my 1st stone paint chip on the lower lip of the front bumper. Thus, getting the XPel Ultimate installed on my SRT today. Installer offered the 3M brand and XPel brand. I went with the XPel for the self-healing properties. Getting the works. The whole front bumper, the hood, mirrors, & wheel rocker panels. Hopefully all goes well.

Will post pics after. Maybe tomorrow.

 

[jgc4ever]

You might want to get under the door handles. I did. Some people even get the A-pillars and the roof back to the front edge of the pano roof done.

 

[bill_de]

Does putting the extra protection over the paint have any effect of the shine?

I'm just wondering as a lot of folks put great effort into getting the ultimate shine. Once this coating is on what do you polish?

 

[DjinnBabba]

You might want to get under the door handles. I did. Some people even get the A-pillars and the roof back to the front edge of the pano roof done.

Good point. On my last car, the door cups got scratched up pretty quick and that was a silver car.

 

[jgc4ever]

Does putting the extra protection over the paint have any effect of the shine?

I'm just wondering as a lot of folks put great effort into getting the ultimate shine. Once this coating is on what do you polish?

I don't think it affects the shine, but if you look close it looks like orange peel.

 

[DjinnBabba]

Does putting the extra protection over the paint have any effect of the shine?

I'm just wondering as a lot of folks put great effort into getting the ultimate shine. Once this coating is on what do you polish?

Just got it back from installer. Looks like glass. That's why I went with XPel. I heard the 3M stuff can yellow and have that orange peel look.

With XPel, you can use any kind of standard wax and/or polish. It is considered the easiest material to maintain.

 

[DjinnBabba]

Got a front bumper scratch from a stone while driving on I-95. Used some hot water and the scratch disappeared. The XPel Ultimate lived up to its claim of healing.

 

[Anonymoustache]

Could you explain how your dealer installed the xpel? Is it a kit?

My place says that they can't do the 2014 yet. Should they just put it on from a sheet?

 

[DjinnBabba]

Could you explain how your dealer installed the xpel? Is it a kit?

My place says that they can't do the 2014 yet. Should they just put it on from a sheet?

My installer did a custom job using a CAD cutter. Individual pieces were custom cut for the front bumper, front/rear rocker panels, a-pillars, mirrors, hood, lower side sills, rear bumper corners, and door cups.

The installer I used said he does sometimes use kits, but prefers custom cuts because its easier to work with. He can get rid of excess film that way.

If your place only uses kits, they could easily do the mirrors, hood, rocker panels, and maybe even the lower portion of the bumper. They should be able to use the 2013 schematics/kit.

 

[papote]

My installer did a custom job using a CAD cutter..

You said you got the works done. What was the cost? If you don't mind sharing. Also how long did it taken to get done?

Just ordered my overland and I will have to drive back for 10 hrs once is build and ready for pickup. Wondering if investing in the xpel thing or just buy a bra.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DjinnBabba]

You said you got the works done. What was the cost? If you don't mind sharing. Also how long did it taken to get done?

Just ordered my overland and I will have to drive back for 10 hrs once is build and ready for pickup. Wondering if investing in the xpel thing or just buy a bra.

Thanks in advance.

I wouldn't get a normal bra. Any debris that gets underneath will make small scratches.

I paid $1750. It was the cheapest I could find from an installer that had plenty of experience and a replacement guarantee.

I think it's a good investment. The self-healing properties of the XPel Ultimate clinched my decision over the 3M brand.

 

[papote]

What was the time to get it installed?

Is it something I can drive from the dealer to a shop and get it done in an hour or so?

My problem is that I have to take an interstate for 10 hrs once I pick up the JGC for my first drive to get home. Trying to figure out a way to protect it during that first long drive.

 

[DjinnBabba]

Sorry. It took about 10 hours to install.

They cleaned the GC indoors because of the pollen. Then did measurements and CAD work. He did take his time. But I didn't mind.

My installer typically only does full body wraps on exotics. For those, the cars are left overnight or he does it at the dealership.

 

[papote]

May have to check to see if El Paso has any good installer for that kind of work.

I guess I'll just buy a bra and put it on for the 10 hr drive.

 

[davekarn]

Sorry. It took about 10 hours to install.

They cleaned the GC indoors because of the pollen. Then did measurements and CAD work. He did take his time. But I didn't mind.

My installer typically only does full body wraps on exotics. For those, the cars are left overnight or he does it at the dealership.

Any pics to share? Interested to see if there is a noticeable difference between the covered areas and not covered. Thanks