I know Xpel Ultimate is supposed to be better, but my situation is a bit different. I want to get the front and mirrors covered soon. Lots of places here apply 3M, but the closest I've found that will apply Xpel is Denver, a 500+ mile round trip.

Is Xpel that much better than 3M that it's worth time off from work and a 500 mile drive?

 

In a word, YES

I've had both and Xpel - HANDSDOWN - is far superior

Then again, I've also had Ventureshield and that is also far superior to the 3M stuff (yea, I know 3M bought out Ventureshield)

 

Do you have Xpel on yours? Why do you like it better? When I bought my car the dealer sold me their clear bra protection but they mentioned the 3M product. I haven't gotten it done yet so I'm wondering if I could get my money back and get Xpel since I'm in Denver.

 

3M has terrible orange peel. Take a look at the piece of film that the factory installed in front of the rear wheels. That is 3M film. At the correct angle, the orange peel will jump out at you. Xpel is very smooth. Xpel Ultimate is also self-healing and has a 10 year warranty (which includes labor).

 

I loved the Ventureshield as it was completely clear with no OP whatsoever and didn't discolor over time either (had it on my custom painted C6). I went with Xpel Ultimate on my C7 based on all the recommendations and the fact it is self-healing.

The one issue I did have the Ventureshield is that it was damn near impossible to get scratches/scuffs out of it. It's too early to yet tell about how the Xpel actually is in that regard.

I also agree with Zymurgy wholeheartedly. 3M had TERRIBLE OP.......

 

Good to know. Thanks.

 

I had my Corvette completely wrapped in XPEL and found that getting bird crap off works well, haven't had any scratches yet but it should work as promised. There is a 10 year warranty with XPEL that includes the material plus labor.

 

I am definitely doing Expel on the car. What does it cost to have the whole car done? How about the cost to have the front, front fenders, mirrors, etc. done .... if you know?

Thanks

 

The price varies it seems.

I had my C7 done in Ultimate. Complete front end back to front door (hood, fenders, nose), complete rockers, complete rear fenders, lower doors (below the flare), mirrors, door trailing edges, door "handle" recesses and spoiler leading edge. Also had window tinting done (both driver and passenger, quarter windows and rear). All for just under $2500.

Oh, and that also included clay barring and a complete polish to remove all swirls and scratches prior to application (which the car sorely needed)

 

To wrap the whole car was about $3500 plus I had the side and rear window tinted. The shop was in St Louis so not sure what the cost would be in other location. I would make sure that the shop is very clean and has good reputation (check with a guy at dealer that sponsors our corvette club). I look at it as insurance against rocks, bird crap, etc.

 

Kirbsc, I'm in Central Illinois and apparently, St. Louis is the closest location to me for Xpel installation. Were you happy with the job they did? I would only be looking to cover the more vulnerable areas of the car. Thanks.

 

Anyone know where I can get xpel installed in Charlotte NC?

 

They do have a website:

http://locator.xpel.com/clearbra_ins...lina/Charlotte

 

I had EXPEL installed by Justin Corn in St Louis. The thing I like about Justin is he is a "car guy" took his time and the job turned out perfect. By the way EXCEL has a 10 parts and labor warranty. Web site for Justin is www.ClearAdvantageAuto.com

 

Anybody have any comments on SunTek paint protection? Is it made by 3M?

 

Did you check to see if for chance they may have Suntek? It's highly rated also.

 

I thought Xpel has a light orange peel as well, or that's to say Xpel is a whole bunch more flexible overall than the 3M but with that makes it extremely easy to stretch when apply the Xpel film. When this happens Xpel's orange becomes apparent.

You don't really want a perfect film surface on these vette's anyway, or else the PPF will stick out & not favorably.

One thing I didn't see mentioned is that 3M Scotchgard has an adhesive the has a death grip on the paint. This is unneccesary & can make for paint damage down the road.

I've seen the stain resistance Xpel & have a belief that is could stand the test of time. I have seen some old Scotchgard that was hard, dry, brittle, & slightly yellow, this was on a older Lexus that had been "ghetto'd". The engine heat on the hood may have had something to do with it. I'd say by the time any of these PPF's start to turn yellow or in need of replacement, only a couple of us will be the current owners of these vehicles. So the whole "yellow thing" is really moot point & all of these PPF's are virtually just a good as the next. You best defense for rocks is stay away form 18 wheelers, construction zones, dirt roads, & anything that says STAY BACK 300FT. on the back of it.

I bought into the whole PPF & did the whole hood, bumper, corner panels, & two weeks ago, I caught a rock the only place I didn't have Xpel.... The damn windshield!!! Anyone got an extra windshield?

Someone go slap Taj around, tell him we need some windshields...

Wormwood

 

Mark did an excellent job and I would highly recommend him. I'll post the web site when I get home.

 

Not all paint protection films are created equal and some are known to haze or discolor in less than a year. This is due to the surface energy of the film (essentially how slippery the film is) and the resistance to damaging chemicals found in synthetic waxes, car wash detergents, and bug & tar removers.

While some films are very durable, others can be scratched or stained by bugs the first time you drive it.

 

I'm convinced. I just wish I could get it installed locally. Seems strange there's no installer in a town of over 100,000 people.