Not sure if anyone saw the post on C5 general but there's a vendor on a famous auction site who is selling pre-cut clear protection film for the C5 and C6. Works out to around $25 including shipping.

I never considered installing a clear bra of my FRC since my hood is already chipped in a few places but I figure I can't go wrong for $25... especially on a black car on AB roads.

I've installed some film on my daily driver using a $400/kit and found the hood portion to be very simple. Probably took me about 20 min for a job which is indistinguishable from a professional job.

I'll post the some pics when I receive my kit.

 

Again the kit you saw is vinyl... not paint protection film. I honestly wouldnt waste my time with it. It is the same vinyl they use on stripes and graphics and will not hold up to any abuse.

 

I replied to the other thread as well but isn't paint protection film another way of saying clear vinyl? ie. Isn't paint protection film based on clear vinyl?

Either way, I'll let everyone know how they compare. I've worked with Lamin-X 8mil "paint protection film" as well as 12mil aerospace grade rotor protection film so it'll be interesting how they compare. I know the $25 film is 6.7mil and won't offer the same level of protection but I'm more interested in the ease of application and how it'll endure our relentless sun... on a black car.

 

Paint protection film is a polyurethane film... not vinyl. I have been installing this stuff for years and there is a huge difference between the two. Vinyl will tear very easily and not protect you from rock chips. Buy what you want though... I am just warning you up front that your not getting "paint protection film".

There are plenty of sites on the web that explain what PPF is and how it is made. Do some research and learn about the differences before you waste your money.

 

Whatever you do, DO NOT BUY THESE KITS!!!! You may think you are saving in the long run but you could be seriously damaging your paint job down the road.







You can read more about this. All the US installers are trying to put out as much information as possible to educate the public on this scam!!

http://www.justppf.com/index.php?showtopic=105

 

There's a place in Edmonton Called "Car Pretty" which installs and sells the good quality pre-cut kits if you are interested.

 

Nuno at Shadow Tinting In Calgary won the Xpel installers contest at SEMA. Good to deal with and knows how do do compound curves...like the front end and sides of the MB SLK55 and around the running lights on the Vette.

Not sure Xpel gives as much coverage on the hood as Starshield which I believe goes higher up on the hood.

XPel and Starshield are suppliers ("converters") of 3M Paint Protection Film kit film and software to produce the pieces for the kits. So get the installer to provide the kit that gives the most bang for the buck.

The wheel well kits form XPel are inadequate (a waste of money). The only route for proper coverage on a C5 and C6 (that is not a Z06) (proper coverage....like the coverage provided by the plastic fender moldings on the C6 Z06) is to have a custom job done.

 

Actually Xpel no longer carries 3M Paint Protection Film. They lost their distributorship and are now carrying their own labelled film which is manufactured in Ohio by a company called Entrofilm. Reviews are mixed on the film with installers.

 

I have tried installing Expel a couple of times and do not like it. I have settled on ClearMask and VentureShield (for full hood wraps).

 

Has anyone tried duplicolor clear shield?

http://www.duplicolor.com/products/shield.html

 

I am a trained paint protection film installer of three years with my own business near Dallas, and before that I had 25 years in the paint and body industry. I have a few thoughts to share on the above comments. I have installed several different brands of film, including Venture, Pro-tect, XPEL and 3M, but now use XPEL and 3M exclusively.

Different brands of film handle differently, and require different chemical application mixes or gels and even different types of squeegees to apply properly. The film warranties differ, the clearness differs, even the elasticity of the films differ. Anyone who thinks film is film is mistaken. Anyone who thinks every installation technique is the same is mistaken. There are no doubt a few do-it-yourselfers out there who can do as good an install as someone who is trained and has done hundreds of jobs, but I figure they are rare. I doubt many could paint their hood in their garage and have it look like it was done in a professional paint and body shop.

Since I have been in the PPF business, I have been confused by people who will spend the money to buy a really nice car, then actually think a $25 or $50 or $100 kit will protect it. I have also had the pleasure of working with customers who spend half as much on a new car but understand that their trade-in value will be significantly higher if their paint is in good condition when that time comes.

You can buy a kit from a professional installer/dealer and install it yourself. At least you have a film warranty that way. You can also have the professional installer apply the film and you have a warranty to take care of problems you may have later. You can go back to him when you are ready to sell your car and he can remove the old film for you. His business depends on providing quality work and good customer service. Check his references! Ask to see samples of his work!

Many companies offer a choice of hood kits, including standard coverage (18"), extended coverage (24") and full coverage. I know XPEL offers full coverage hood and fender kits for many models. You who want to give application a try can order the kits from them. Those who want an installer can find one on their site. 3M's site works much the same. Please, please at least buy the kit from a reputable dealer. I agree with the warnings from Texas Venom and LakeVol above. It is true, "You get what you pay for". I am just hoping to educate consumers about my rapidly evolving industry.


P.S. Also, I want to extend my personal congratulations to Nuno who is now the CEO of XPEL!