EXPEL protection ????
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
EXPEL protection ????
Has any one used this for the front or other parts of their Vetts? Just wondering if it is good, does it work and your thoughts. Thanks please let me know. Soon to be a owner of a 2017 and want to do things right. Don't want bugs eating the front up. Thanks for your thoughts and time. Jim
#2
You mean XPEL, and yes hundreds if not thousands of Corvette owners have used it. Yes, it works.
Hit the "Search" button at the top of every forum page, type in XPEL, and you'll be busy reading for days.
Hit the "Search" button at the top of every forum page, type in XPEL, and you'll be busy reading for days.
The following users liked this post:
23/C8Z (08-31-2017)
#4
Le Mans Master
Yes, Xpel is good stuff. Many have it installed on either high impact areas, or have their car(s) completely wrapped. There are other similar brands, but Xpel is one of the more popular...
#6
Burning Brakes
No matter what brand you pick make sure the installer is top notch. I know this from my experience.
#7
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Yes you are right --XPEL, my spelling went out the window. Who will install - a certified installer for this product. Probably should do the whole car -- it's a conv. what do you think --- please give me your thoughts, whole coverage, or partial coverage.
Thank you
Thank you
#8
Race Director
Xpel is absolutely fantastic. been having my car pieced together as i add more things to it. My only regret is NOT wrapping the whole car from the start.. it's just wonderful to not give a dam about what's happening knowing there's the protective film all over it. nothing worse than someone rubbing into it with keys or a zipper or hug stone chip etc etc, to find out a couple days later washing the car or at a get together..
#9
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I had it put on my '14 vert over 3 years ago. Entire front, headlights, lower front fenders behind the tires, mirrors and behind the rear tires. I also had them remove the factory film in front of the rear tires and replace it with Xpel. Mine is my daily driver. It's held up incredibly well. IMO wrapping the entire car isn't needed and it's incredibly expensive to do that.
#10
Corvette Enthusiast
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It's about $5000-$6000 to get a whole car wrapped. To do just the "high hit" areas is $3000-$3500. The entire from A-pillar forward is usually $2000+
I think that's not a major cost increase to do a whole car versus the high hit areas.
I think that's not a major cost increase to do a whole car versus the high hit areas.
#11
Race Director
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Not to highjack the thread but what do you all use to get those bugs off xpel? I am having a tough time getting the bugs offs. Seems the stick to the film and I am affraid if I rub too hard I will dull the film. I'm to the point of thinking its not worth it.
Areas w/o the expel the bugs come off with soak and a gental washing. Not so on the film.
Areas w/o the expel the bugs come off with soak and a gental washing. Not so on the film.
#12
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Bug guts wash off my 3+ year old Xpel pretty easily.
#14
Red Shadow
XPEL is great. My entire front end and rear quarters are wrapped. After that I had the entire car coated with a ceramic sealer. It has performed well. The main key is the preparation of the paint prior to applying the XPEL or coating. Good luck and enjoy your C7.
#15
Race Director
Not to highjack the thread but what do you all use to get those bugs off xpel? I am having a tough time getting the bugs offs. Seems the stick to the film and I am affraid if I rub too hard I will dull the film. I'm to the point of thinking its not worth it.
Areas w/o the expel the bugs come off with soak and a gental washing. Not so on the film.
Areas w/o the expel the bugs come off with soak and a gental washing. Not so on the film.
#16
Burning Brakes
In my opinion, the hardest hit areas are the front bumper, lower part of the hood and around the wheels (rockers included).
I put XPEL on all of the above plus the mirrors, door sills, head lights and the fenders just behind the lights. My side skirts protect the rockers.
I would cover over as much as you can afford or want to spend but do at least the bumper and hood. I hate the line on my "bikini cut" hood so consider the full hood. And if your installer will do it have them cover the edges. The precut XPEL kits don't wrap the edges.
Also, if you're a bit crafty you can do this yourself. I did all of the above myself. It is an art I will admit and you should expect to make some mistakes. And it takes a lot of patience.
P.s - my C6 windshield also took a beating. I'm told you can also wrap the windshield.
Good luck!
I put XPEL on all of the above plus the mirrors, door sills, head lights and the fenders just behind the lights. My side skirts protect the rockers.
I would cover over as much as you can afford or want to spend but do at least the bumper and hood. I hate the line on my "bikini cut" hood so consider the full hood. And if your installer will do it have them cover the edges. The precut XPEL kits don't wrap the edges.
Also, if you're a bit crafty you can do this yourself. I did all of the above myself. It is an art I will admit and you should expect to make some mistakes. And it takes a lot of patience.
P.s - my C6 windshield also took a beating. I'm told you can also wrap the windshield.
Good luck!
#17
Racer
For less than $2,000 you can get the front bumper, full hood, side rocker panels, side skirts, area around brake ducts in front of rear wheel, headlights, mirrors and rear quarter panel wrapped. This covers the high impact areas. Anything more is not absolutely necessary. I had my 2017 GS done in June. Worked great on my trip to Carlisle where several roads were newly paved and a lot of rock shots from other cars.
#18
Burning Brakes
Xpel
Consider that xpel covers the labor on any defect issues. Be sure to check out the installer. Its critical
#19
Le Mans Master
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Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Unmodified
I have Xpel on almost the entire car except rear end and deck lid. First car I have ever used film and glad I did as I do not worry as much about the paint as in previous Corvettes.Not trying to be a jerk but you spell it VETTE not VETT. Good luck with your search.
#20
Cruising
go for it, you wont regret it. Bugs wipe off, tons of protection against small rocks and adds a little more depth to your paint. Didn't see a bird dropping for several days on the side of the passengers fender with a wet rag I wiped it off but left an etched spot. 3 days later it was gone. any new car i buy will have it before it leaves their lot.