[Glen e]

You don't want a dealer to do this, it's much more about the installer than the film brand you use. Also, installers say the 16 Camaro is one of the hardest cars to do, ask to see some prev work from the installer.

Suntek and xpel are the best films as the stay clear and are self healing, see the xpel site.

[Infern0]

May be a dumb question - Is there something like this for the windshield too? My 5th gen windshield daily driver sparkles like diamonds in the right (or wrong) sun angle because of all the chips it's accumulated over the years.

[Glen e]

Originally Posted by Infern0

May be a dumb question - Is there something like this for the windshield too? My 5th gen windshield daily driver sparkles like diamonds in the right (or wrong) sun angle because of all the chips it's accumulated over the years.

Not that I know of, federal and state regulations would say the windshield is not optically clear with the film.

[Infern0]

Originally Posted by Glen e

Not that I know of, federal and state regulations would say the windshield is not optically clear with the film.

Hmmm, something might be off with that. Window tint is legal in TX for instance.

[67Builder]

Originally Posted by Infern0

Hmmm, something might be off with that. Window tint is legal in TX for instance.

It's legal in side and rear windows, and on the windshield it is to a certain point. But you can't (legally) tint your entire front windshield.
I think Texas still goes by either the AS-1 line or 5 inch rule. Meaning you can tint the strip along the top to the AS-1 marking, or as far as 5 inches down. Whichever comes first.
Anything other than that. No matter how light (or clear) the film. You're in violation of the law.
Now of course I've seen people with tinted windshields. I see people in violation of tint laws all the time for darker than legal on side windows.
Your choices on what you do within or without the law is totally up to you.

[DDP98]

Originally Posted by neenja_jenkins

So, reading this thread, it seems some kind of PPF is the way to go.

Got a quote for XPEL Ultimate - Front, hood, headlights, rockers, and 1/4 panel(s) from a clear bra installer here in Dallas, and he's quoting me $3200, which going off some of the prices here, seems a bit steep.

Do that seem high to you guys?

That is very high. You definitely shouldn't be cresting 3K for a full front install. But yes, definitely get PPF it is well worth it. Any good installer will also educate you on how to maintain your film. Wash, dry and protect it like paint and it will last.

Originally Posted by Glen e

You should be able to get this car done for 1800 bucks or less.....That would be front, and part of the hood, the sides, don't let them sell you more protection than you need ....things like the sides of the car, roof etcdon't need PPF.

See the XPELwebsite .......they tell you the authorized installers are.

But don't drink all the Kool-Aid about the protection film. In about three or four years when it looks ratty , it's hard to get off, and I don't like it because I don't get the gloss out of the car. A simple polymer sealant, a coating and or touch up paint is also a fine way to go , unless you're in rocky environments like living on a back road, etc.

Not sure if you had a bad experience but a well maintained film will last. Most people might neglect their film thinking it doesn't need to be cleaned and maintained. It actually should be cared for just the same as paint. Sealants or ceramic coating will not protect paint from road debris and while touch up paint is certainly an option, it can be spotted very easily. Everyone has their own methods and preferences, from experience, I happen to believe in the investment of film.

[DDP98]

Originally Posted by theproskater

I also live in the Bay Area and I'm curious which shop gave you that quote? I've been looking for a good place to get some paint protection installed on the ZL1. Thanks!

Just saw this post, apologies. PM sent.

[hawk02]

Originally Posted by DDP98

That is very high. You definitely shouldn't be cresting 3K for a full front install. But yes, definitely get PPF it is well worth it. Any good installer will also educate you on how to maintain your film. Wash, dry and protect it like paint and it will last.



Not sure if you had a bad experience but a well maintained film will last. Most people might neglect their film thinking it doesn't need to be cleaned and maintained. It actually should be cared for just the same as paint. Sealants or ceramic coating will not protect paint from road debris and while touch up paint is certainly an option, it can be spotted very easily. Everyone has their own methods and preferences, from experience, I happen to believe in the investment of film.

I just had paint protection film installed on the front bumper, full hood, full front fenders, side-mirrors, rocker panels including quarter panel behind the door up to the body seam, and the high impact area behind the rear wheels. Total cost for just the film install was a little shy of $2400. I also had stage 1 paint correction done prior to the film application, and two applications of a protective class coating over the entire car after the film was installed.

My car had a little over 550 miles when I took it in to have all this done and I already had a small chip on the front splitter. I'm so glad I did the film because the front splitter was going to get peppered with paint chips. Now I don't have to worry about it.

Here's the finished product in case you're interested:

[ZL1Goals]

hey all im in chicago and i dont have an zl1 yet but i went ahead and called and got a few quotes from shops around Chicago area one was from
- chicago auto pro for a full car wrap of xpel and ceramic coating after cost $6,456
-chicago motor cars full car wrap and paint correction $2580
-auto image full car wrap 5-6k$

lots of money but i would want a full car wrap cuz my current car is just in poor condition paint wise since it either gets dents or scratch from stupid ppl that dontknow how to drive or park. so i would want to do full car wrap.
but prices are stupid high, so might just go with full front bumper, full hood, full fenders, mirrors, rear bumper rear quarter panel.

[Glen e]

My god no matter where you live, you don't have to do the whole car. That is ridiculous. Get the paint protection film where the rocks hit it ; front hood, rockers etc. and do the rest of it in a ceramic coating, or a good couple coats of a polymer sealant. You'll be fine.

[IneedAZ]

Based off what i have seen on my 2012 with 101k miles on it now, i will do my 17 ZL1 full front bumper, mirrors, pillars, front hood and front roof. These appear to be the areas i have had issues. I am thinking $1600-$1700 for Xpel.

[Canadian ZL1]

Originally Posted by Infern0

May be a dumb question - Is there something like this for the windshield too? My 5th gen windshield daily driver sparkles like diamonds in the right (or wrong) sun angle because of all the chips it's accumulated over the years.

Ceramic Pro has a solution that I believe lasts 6 months which will give you 100% beading when it rains. Not only does it look cool it actually serves a purpose as when your on the highway you will not have to use your wipers as the water will simply fly off effortlessly. There are other products available but I am leaning towards this. It will not protect your windshield from stone chips but when it rains you will not cringe.

[Canadian ZL1]

Looks fantastic Hawk02...I plan on using the Xpel and Ceramic Pro. After doing my research seems to be a good combo. I agree the front splitter will need to be wrapped with xpel to protect from rocks and inclines/driveways.

[hawk02]

Originally Posted by Canadian ZL1

Looks fantastic Hawk02...I plan on using the Xpel and Ceramic Pro. After doing my research seems to be a good combo. I agree the front splitter will need to be wrapped with xpel to protect from rocks and inclines/driveways.

Thanks Canadian ZL1.

I chose Suntek for the ppf and Kamikaze Miyabi for the coating.

The first two shops I talked to about installing Xpel actually used Llumar. I had never heard of Llumar so I went back home and started doing some research. That's when I found a lot of Corvette owners who had applied Suntek.

In the end, the brand of ppf or coating isn't as nearly as critical as the quality of workmanship of the installer/detail shop.