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I’ve installed xpel on a number of cars and corvettes. Not that big of a job if you focus on small areas where protection is needed. In 4 hours today I did behind the doors, the rear ducts and mirrors. First step is to make a template Template was triple checked Xpel cut to measure Strips cut for edges of rear scoops Xpel checked for fit Strip cut for bottom of mirror, and rest of mirror housing
Where are you sourcing the film? Cheaper than pre-cut kits?
xpel sells film on their website Not very expensive. About $10 a sq.
The pre cuts can get expensive, but, Doing it free hand is cheaper. But that’s how I started about 5 years ago, because if I messed up I could redo. With precuts you get one shot.
Look at their website. They give a degree of difficulty rating. Check out some you tube videos, it’s really not that difficult.
I’ll experiment on the front. Did my c7z and it came out decent. 98% of people don’t notice the results, which is good, the other 2% need to squint.
Last edited by Greg00Coupe; Dec 23, 2020 at 09:09 PM.
YouTube - Lots of help there... I did my whole front end and am very pleased with how it turned out!
I had the "track package" Xpel installed by an excellent local shop. Have thought about trying to do some small panel or area (maybe top or back deck lid on HTC), but it would have to be easier than the front before I would try.
Guys you can’t go wrong! If it’s not to your liking just pull it off. It’s inexpensive, and just takes time. Think of it as building a model kit!
As others posted... lot of videos out there. Key is to make sure the pattern fits, I always allow some room to trim. Use lots of slip liquid, Xpel sells slip liquid but water, baby shampoo and a little alcohol works great.
I’m not aware of a kit to cover the rear scoops. You can only do those freehand.
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Good for you that you feel confident in installing the Xpel yourself. I have seen a pro installer do it and I will just pay the extra to have it done right - plus with a warranty on workmanship.
I had nose on my Z06 professionally done with a pre cut. Bought additional not pre cut to do some other areas that were chip prone. Baby shampoo and IPA sprayed on during application allow lots or positioning flexibility. I made templates from construction paper before tracing onto the film and cutting. Anybody with a bit of patience can do the more simple areas. Go for it!
I've been tempted to install some areas on my daily driver. My installer came to my house and did my other car. He left me a lot of scrap pieces of different sizes. What would be the exact ratio of mixing the water,shampoo and alcohol? He made it look so easy other than the complicated areas.
I had nose on my Z06 professionally done with a pre cut. Bought additional not pre cut to do some other areas that were chip prone. Baby shampoo and IPA sprayed on during application allow lots or positioning flexibility. I made templates from construction paper before tracing onto the film and cutting. Anybody with a bit of patience can do the more simple areas. Go for it!
Yes I agree, did my brand new daily driver with a full front end "pre-cut" kit from inviable mask, a few pics showing the install process. It' been over a year, driven through one Michigan salt laden winter and still looks as good as the day I installed it.
You can purchase "insurance" for a replacement pre-cut piece therefore, you are coved in case you mess-up the install, so don't be intimidated by the install, as other stated in this thread, just go for it!
Cheers,
Goose
Last edited by 69; Dec 25, 2020 at 11:25 AM.
Reason: type o
Spoke with a professional installer some years ago about diy installation.
His advice was baby steps. Flat panels and slowly work you way onto curved ones then your pride and joy.
Do the daily driver or your friend's etc first then jump on the vette.
I get enjoyment out of polishing and waxing etc. Its a therapy on any car. Idc if its a minivan or Ferrari. Same feeling. Get in a zone. PPF installs have never felt like any of that to me. Was always a "job" and the pressure was immense because its so unforgiving ESPECIALLY on a light colored car. The one time a dark or black car makes something easier. The slightest fingerprint lint dirt dust sand gets amplified on a light car under film. I gladly pay for pro install. Just my .02.
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DIY Xpel installation
I have seen a pro installer do it and I will just pay the extra to have it done right - plus with a warranty on workmanship.
