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-   -   What kind of plastic film protection should I use (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c7-general-discussion/3830115-what-kind-of-plastic-film-protection-should-i-use.html)

Silverado guy 05-30-2016 09:47 PM

What kind of plastic film protection should I use
 
I plan on getting the plastic protection for the front of the car. How many get the film on the headlights and is will the headlight film yellow over time? What is the best brand of film to use? I heard Xpel is a great new product. How much of the car should I get done without over doing it?

Steve Garrett 05-30-2016 09:51 PM

I fixed your thread's title for you....you want X-pel.

runner61627 05-30-2016 10:07 PM

I had XPEL installed on the entire front, headlights, full hood, fenders and rockers. Make sure you get recommendations for the installer. Some great installers....some not...

Larry/car 05-30-2016 10:30 PM

Some x-pel installers actually damage the paint cutting the film with a razor blade. Not cheap either. Repainting damaged areas is an alternative. I decided to take my chances, 6,000+ miles and no need for any repairs at this time.

Ron'sGS 05-30-2016 10:36 PM

I have the X-pel on the front of my car:thumbs:

DCortez 05-30-2016 10:38 PM

Check, double check, then triple check your installer in the regional section, yelp, and BBB.

Xpel and 3M are the big names I know of.

Stan0324 05-31-2016 08:52 AM

I have 3M Pro Plus. Great product.

capecodvette 05-31-2016 09:00 AM


Originally Posted by Silverado guy (Post 1592322061)
I plan on getting the plastic protection for the front of the car. How many get the film on the headlights and is will the headlight film yellow over time? What is the best brand of film to use? I heard Xpel is a great new product. How much of the car should I get done without over doing it?

Consider Premier Shield and PS Elite.

CriticalmassGT 05-31-2016 10:08 AM

Lamin-x, 2 years, no issues. But my headlights don't sit in the sun all day.

joemessman 05-31-2016 10:38 AM

They are all good. The key is the Installer. No one answered your question about the headlights. I don't have the answer myself. Maybe someone with provide? And by the way, I have used Xpel and 3M. I would rate them the same for me. Both good products. 3M though has one advantage. If you get a bad job 3M holds the installers feet to the fire and Xpel doesn't.

KuzVette 05-31-2016 10:40 AM


Originally Posted by Larry/car (Post 1592322316)
Some x-pel installers actually damage the paint cutting the film with a razor blade. Not cheap either. Repainting damaged areas is an alternative. I decided to take my chances, 6,000+ miles and no need for any repairs at this time.

Good point Larry... So how should a good installer do it? (e.g. cut to fit)

JonMN 05-31-2016 11:25 AM

I have had 3 types so far on my cars. First, 3M Film, then VentureShield (now 3M too) and Xpel.


3M: Nice, but, in my opinion, a little fish-scale at certain angles. Stiff and hard to install (according to installers I checked with)


Ventureshield. Easier to install. Looked nice, but a stretch mark or two on the bumper.


XPEL Utimate: Liked it better than either of the previous choices.


Avery Nano: Supposedly great, but out of production.


For my C7: Really considering SunTec. Positive reviews, and my new installer prefers it (but offers 3M or XPEL on request)


PS: My first ever film was on my first sports car-a 2003 911. I did not know what to ask before having it placed. They actually cut the whole project on the car--even across the hood and fenders! Sold the car before taking off the film, but can't believe they took this approach.

MacMulkin 05-31-2016 11:38 AM

We highly recommend and use XPEL here at the dealership for our Corvettes.

blown81bu 05-31-2016 11:43 AM

XPEL
have it on my c7 smooth as glass actually enhanced the paint..:thumbs:

Vetteman Jack 05-31-2016 01:05 PM

I've had both 3M clear bra and Xpel on my cars. Both do a good job, but if I had to choose for a new car it would be Xpel. And I would do at least the entire front end, hood and fenders.

arturox2 06-01-2016 09:13 PM


Originally Posted by Silverado guy (Post 1592322061)
I plan on getting the plastic protection for the front of the car. How many get the film on the headlights and is will the headlight film yellow over time? What is the best brand of film to use? I heard Xpel is a great new product. How much of the car should I get done without over doing it?

Many Corvette owners use Suntek film also. Both Suntek and xPel are excellent. I've never had either film turn yellow when mounted on the headlights. Coverage advice above sounds good. Some do the whole car.

JohnnyDee 06-02-2016 07:06 AM

Finding a good installer is top priority. Just because they are located on Xpel's certified installer locator page doesn't make them good. I'm finding out that Xpel won't stand behind their installers and won't warranty a bad install. I've had many PM's with Xpel's marketing guy on this forum about my bad install. He then hooked me up with a sales rep. who told me to take it back to the installer who screwed it up to begin with. I've got jagged edges, cut & missing paint and stretch marks. Like I'm going to let this guy touch my car again. I then contacted Xpel directly about the problem and they were to forward me to an Account manager in my area, that was over a week ago and I'm still waiting.

arturox2 06-02-2016 07:56 AM


Originally Posted by JohnnyDee (Post 1592337295)
Finding a good installer is top priority.

Absolutely!!! Expertise of installer critical. :thumbs:

joemessman 06-02-2016 12:05 PM


Originally Posted by JohnnyDee (Post 1592337295)
Finding a good installer is top priority. Just because they are located on Xpel's certified installer locator page doesn't make them good. I'm finding out that Xpel won't stand behind their installers and won't warranty a bad install. I've had many PM's with Xpel's marketing guy on this forum about my bad install. He then hooked me up with a sales rep. who told me to take it back to the installer who screwed it up to begin with. I've got jagged edges, cut & missing paint and stretch marks. Like I'm going to let this guy touch my car again. I then contacted Xpel directly about the problem and they were to forward me to an Account manager in my area, that was over a week ago and I'm still waiting.

You got that right. My brother had Xpel on his rig and it was installed improperly. Xpel didn't back it up for whom they had recommended for an installer.
On the other hand, on another car I had 3M installed. It went bad after about a year. I called the install outfit that installed it. Out of business. I contacted 3M and they had another up and running business reinstall it no questions asked. It was a good install on the car for 7 years now. Just like new. I am assuming 3M hasn't changed their customer support in that time frame.

Bikeman 06-02-2016 09:23 PM


Originally Posted by Silverado guy (Post 1592322061)
I plan on getting the plastic protection for the front of the car. How many get the film on the headlights and is will the headlight film yellow over time? What is the best brand of film to use? I heard Xpel is a great new product. How much of the car should I get done without over doing it?

Don't have extensive experience with multiple products but did my research and chose expel on my 15. Did front end with pre cut product. Knew I needed protection when I got home from 100 mi trip from forum dealer pickup and had one bumper chip. Bumper/undercoat black which sticks out on Arctic white. Installer is paramount. Mine did a good job despite saying my garage was as cold as a meat locker.18 mos and 9K mi later everything is good! Not sure I understand those who wrap entire car but to each his own. Guys enjoy your cars and stay safe out there!


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