I’m thinking about getting a partial or possibly a full wrap.

Some background … My Torch Red 2016 Z51 has had a life with some ups and downs. For many years I spent most of my time working overseas. I got the 2016 in 2017 during one of those periods – replacing my C5 that had been totaled in a flood (Houston … IYKYK). Today it has a very nice spot in my garage and is exposed to the elements much less, but until 2025, it had to be outside a LOT (usually but not always under a so-so cover) (long story). I would take the cover off, wash it quickly, and then enjoy it as much as I could during brief periods when I was in the States. The result of this is that there are areas where the finish is a bit rough. From ten or even five feet away, everyone says the car looks like new. Closer up, though, I see things that bug me (probably more than they should). The worst is the hood.

I’ve recently retired and I’m back in Houston permanently now. I’d like to give my baby a bit of a make-over, but want to be sensible about what I spend now that I’m living that retirement life.

So, Question 1: Is it possible to get just the hood wrapped with Torch Red in a way that would look decent from relatively close-up? How much should I expect to pay for that?

Question 2: If I go for a full wrap, what’s a reasonable price?

Question 3: What’s the expected durability of wraps?

Question 4: Are there significant differences in washing and maintaining a wrap vs. the same for OEM paint?

Question 5: Any recommendations for a good wrap shop in Houston (preferably west-side/Energy Corridor) if I decide to go that way?

 

For starters the first thing you should do is post up some pictures so we can get an idea how bad is it? Could it possibly just get a good machine polish with a ceramic coating? When you say wrap do you mean like a color wrap or clear PPF? Are there really bad chips that need to be taken care of? Like I said post some nice pictures so everyone could get an idea. The first thing you have to do is get the hood bumper etc looking as good as possible then lock that look in immediately right after with some kind of protection to keep it protected from getting jacked up again. I’d start with a stage 1 or maybe 2 paint correction then take it from there. Always use a clay bar or clay mitt to get all that grit off the paint first after you wash it

 

Another possibility, before you do anything to it, would be to take it to a couple (or more) of good paint shops and see what they think. If you get some consistent opinions, then you can move forward with some confidence that you're running down the right road.

 

If your front is chipped, it isn't that hard to remove and have a good paint shop paint it. Then do the ceramic coating.

 

Here's a pic I just took to give an idea of the "pretty good from 5-10 feet" condition:

Here's the best I could do to show what bugs me:

It's hard to distinguish the white-ish/cloudy "stains" from reflections in a photo, but these don't come out with thorough washing and drying.

Although I used to be a decent shade tree mechanic, I'll readily admit I have zero knowledge of automobile paint/finish.

 

I’d take it to a reputable detailer and ask him if a paint correction would take care of it. You’d be surprised how much you could bring the paint back to life with a polisher and the right polish and pads. If it does I’d then get the whole front clip with the clear PPF like Xpel Ultimate. That includes the whole hood, front bumper, fenders and side mirrors. It may be to pricey for you if your on a budget. I’d get the whole hood and front bumper bare minimum. Remember the most important thing is the installer, installer and installer. You want all your edges wrapped and do your homework. It’s not the wrap or film that’s expensive, it’s all the labor and time that goes into it. So sometimes the cheapest guy you find isn’t always the best. Check out his reviews and reputation you want it done right the first time so you don’t have to go back again, or pay some else to fix it. Good luck. It won’t cost you anything for advice so definitely go.

 

I agree with this post. It looks like water stains and some resultant mild etching. As long as it hasn't gone thru the clear coat, it think this can be brought back. A good wash using a wax stripping soap made for automotive finishes (Chemical Guys make a good one) followed by a clay bar and then a good polish (I like Griot's Compound) should bring that back. You can then ceramic coat, wax or PPF it.

Nice looking Car BTW. Congrats on your retirement.

 

I'm with the "take it to a PROFESSIONAL detailer" and ask 'em their opinion on paint correction and ceramic. CONGRATS on retiring!