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I did the whole front end of the car back to the doors including the mirrors. Front clip, hood, front quarter panels, and mirrors. The car is so low that you will take rock chips on the hood if you drive on the highway frequently without protecting it.
The big names (Xpel, Suntek etc.) are all good. The bigger factor is the installer. I used Xpel (a forum vendor) and they connected me to a quality installer. Looks awesome after 4 years.
The big names (Xpel, Suntek etc.) are all good. The bigger factor is the installer. I used Xpel (a forum vendor) and they connected me to a quality installer. Looks awesome after 4 years.
these are good products for protection.
as other mentioned, nose , hood, fenders, pillars, I would also add rear fenders because rocks/road debre will kick up and scratch it.
I recently picked up a 2019 torch red ZO6. Any advice on which body panels to have clear bra'd and which brands to use or avoid? Any lessons learned?
I went with XPEL Ultimate Plus PPF on forward facing surfaces, Bob. I remain happy with it, and have not noticed any visible distortion (i.e., orange peel) or discoloration (i.e., less than clear). You're welcome to take a look at it sometime since, IIRC, we're almost neighbors.
If you like what you see, I recommend at least getting an estimate from Pro Auto Spa (https://www.proautospa.com/, 719-272-4242). They've done the ceramic coat on my GT500 and my wife's 340ix, along with the PPF and ceramic coat on my C7Z.
I went with XPEL Ultimate Plus PPF on forward facing surfaces, Bob. I remain happy with it, and have not noticed any visible distortion (i.e., orange peel) or discoloration (i.e., less than clear). You're welcome to take a look at it sometime since, IIRC, we're almost neighbors.
If you like what you see, I recommend at least getting an estimate from Pro Auto Spa (https://www.proautospa.com/, 719-272-4242). They've done the ceramic coat on my GT500 and my wife's 340ix, along with the PPF and ceramic coat on my C7Z.
I recently picked up a 2019 torch red ZO6. Any advice on which body panels to have clear bra'd and which brands to use or avoid? Any lessons learned?
Thanks all!
BG
From our long-time experience with C7s, you should look to wrap the entire front end of your car (front bumper, hood, fenders, and mirrors), the lower rocker panels (and side skirts, if applicable), the rear quarter panels (on the widebody cars especially; Z06, GS, ZR1), and the areas directly behind the rear wheels. These are all of the areas that will definitely get peppered from normal driving.
As mentioned above, focus your efforts on finding the best installer you can. An excellent installer can make mediocre film look great. A mediocre installer can take the best film available and make it look mediocre (or worse).
As mentioned above, make sure you get a reputable installer. That's most important. As far as which panels to do - all depends on your pocket book and risk acceptance for rock chips, door dings, etc. I work from the house but have to hop on a plane frequently, so my Vette is also my airport car. With the highway driving and potential close proximity parking in the parking garage, I went with getting XPEL put on everything except the rear trunk lid and rear bumper/facia. The XPEL has some "self healing" properties. The rear trunk lid and rear bumper area got a 5yr ceramic coating that is supposedly self-healing also. They also treated the XPEL with a ceramic treatment. I cannot even tell you how easy it is to wash the car. They also did Glassparancy on the windshield. The package I bought included that. After having the Glassparancy applied, I have to say I love that stuff. I no longer have to use my windshield wipers. The stuff is impressive.
I recently picked up a 2019 torch red ZO6. Any advice on which body panels to have clear bra'd and which brands to use or avoid? Any lessons learned?
Thanks all!
BG
Hey BG,
Congrats on your new to you '19 Z06!
The most common protection packages we see for Corvette are the full front end and the rocker panels. These are the high impact areas of the vehicle. At a minimum, those are the panels you'll want to protect. As far as what brands to use, we're a little bias and vote for XPEL. We have ULTIMATE PLUS 10 available now that is 25% thicker and more durable than the standard ULTIMATE PLUS (8mil) film. XPEL PPF is backed by a 10-year warranty that covers yellowing, staining, hazing, peeling, cracking, and more. If you would like help locating a quality installer nearest you, just let us know. We're happy to help any way that we can.
I was recommended Xpel before Xpel was a big name. I recommend Xpel to everyone who has asked me over the last 7 years. My experience with my track Camaro over 3 seasons was more than enough to prove the value of Xpel.
Not just product quality, but service as well. The service I've gotten every time I've reached out to Xpel has been extraordinary. I just ran into them at Bloomington Gold last month in Indiana. Made a small purchase from them. Along with my purchase, they stuffed my bag with all kinds of goodies. They're just a bunch of customer oriented people who happen to make an awesome product.
That is why it is worth it if you're doing it to get the full quarter panels and both A Pillars covered also.
Word to the wise if you choose Suntek or another brand over Xpel - use Xpels plotting dimensions for at least the Mirrors. When I went Suntek this time I didn't and the Suntek plot dimensions sucked for the mirrors. Had them pull it and rebut using Xpels. Much better coverage. But I stand by the fact that Xpel adds to the Orange Peel which is no-good but it IS more durable.
Only issue with any of these products is price! Be prepared, be very prepared for a shock. Worth every penny though! Piece of mind is worth the cost. Just budget about 5K more when you buy the car. I’d cover all painted surfaces. Might forget the very back of the car and save about $700.
as a side note, on my first Z51 C7 the Xpel installer suggested that I do the whole car and I said yeah right. Well, he was right, the Xpeled surfaces of the car looked SO much better than the rest of the car I had him finish the whole car. On my Z06, I just bit the bullet and covered the whole car with the New Xpel. Amazing product. I mean you REALLY have to look to find it.
Stuff is is so good I covered my Camaro SS also. Some think it’s stupid. Bottom line, it’s your car and your money. End of discussion!
Clear bra question...
