expel or 3m clear protectant

[kravmaga79]

hey guys just got my new camaro and wondering if anyone has tried or thinks those clear films are worth putting on a camaro for stone chips and bug accumulations.
if so where?
Im told the plastic bumpers dont reallly require it since stones are less likely to chip paint off a plastic bumper. it might still help with bugs but not sure.??

So if only metal parts need it then the dealer recommends the top leading edge of roofline. the fron 1/3 of the hood
the sides of fenders, the key/door handle area, headlite covers and rocker panels
For this and the bumper they want about $1000

to add in more on doors and fenders to protect against parking lot door dingys they want another $1000.
i checked around and independent dealers quote about 15% less
even this still seems expensive



ps; i am already pissed at how the weather has affected the finish.
a big windy storm blew tons of pine needles from hundreds of feet away now my car if covered in sap and pine needles.

[ichriscamaro]

I have Xpel on my front bumper and gills area. Love this product and worth the investment. My older Camaro did not have it and the damage caused by rock chips on the front plastic bumper was brutal so I would definitely invest on doing the front bumper at least. I paid around 500 and change to get the front covered. Gills area 120. Good luck bud!

[hrpiii]

definitely worth it. I have the whole front of the car covered...front, hood, front qtr panels, A-pillars, side mirrors. She's like a tank on the interstate now... not scared of no stinkin rock, bring it.

[kravmaga79]

Which brand name did you guys get and which quality level?

3m has ;
venture, lowest
Scotchguard medium
Scotchguard pro

has anyone tried installing it their self?

ive tried window tint before and it was a disatrous waste of money since it was so difficult to install properly without bubble or crinkles cuz it was massively static electrically charged and imp[ossible for one person to handle.

What car is that in the advert? drool drool
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...rd-Pro-Series/

[DBHWT]

I'm very happy w/my XPEL......not the cheapest....but seems to work

[p3jason]

Originally Posted by kravmaga79

Which brand name did you guys get and which quality level?

3m has ;
venture, lowest
Scotchguard medium
Scotchguard pro

has anyone tried installing it their self?

ive tried window tint before and it was a disatrous waste of money since it was so difficult to install properly without bubble or crinkles cuz it was massively static electrically charged and imp[ossible for one person to handle.

What car is that in the advert? drool drool
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...rd-Pro-Series/

I have Xpel Ultimate on mine. It is expensive, but not as much as a quality repaint. Do not try to install this stuff yourself. The labor charge is well worth the quality install you will get and the pain and disappointment you'll save by letting a pro do it.

[Ruebernard]

Worth every cent! One of the best mods for the money. Make sure you have the mirrors done too. Not sure I would tackle it by myself but I suppose if you have the space and the tools and LOTS of patience you can do it. Expel won't crinkle up and give you static cling problems because it's heavier than a window tint. Besides, you wet the surface of the vehicle and the back of the film to install. This lubrication makes it easier to adjust and manipulate into position. You can order it in precut sections..... Again it's not cheap but think of the paint you're protecting. Oh, one last thing....if you have matte stripes on your car, you will want to trim the expel away from them as they will be shiny if covered.

[SS376]

I have xpel on my front bumper and up to the hood opening, mirrors, and gills. Very happy with it. Has been on nearly two years and after taking several long road trips there is still nary a chip to be found. Getting a competent professional to install it is mandatory in my opinion. I wouldn't ever consider trying it myself.

[Muscle Car Lover]

Originally Posted by p3jason

I have Xpel Ultimate on mine. It is expensive, but not as much as a quality repaint. Do not try to install this stuff yourself. The labor charge is well worth the quality install you will get and the pain and disappointment you'll save by letting a pro do it.

Just get the Xpel Ultimate. Worth the money. Love my setup.

[kravmaga79]

Originally Posted by Muscle Car Lover

Just get the Xpel Ultimate. Worth the money. Love my setup.

hey thanks guys i would love to cover as much of my car as possible to prevent bugs stone chips and door dingys from jerks who care not for their car let alone yours

but keep in mind im a poor student whose surprised he was even approved for credit

so even though i have a great low monthly payment interest free,
insurance alone is equal to another 3rd of my monthly payment never mind gas and tires/wheels i need for winter.

just trying to figure how much coverage helps a camaro since alot of its leading edges are very oblique or is it acute....and not likely to chip anyways, like hood, roofline and maybe bumper since its plastic

so far looks like everyone is all for it just gotta narrow down the bare minimum i can afford to most essential panels and which quality level to go for

[cbravoSS]

I had Expel Ultimate put on the front bumper and gill area, mirrors and lens covers for the headlights, fog lights, blinkers and side markers. You can barely tell it's there and it has saved my paint from rock chips and bugs. It even saved the paint when a car in front of me ran over a large piece of tire tread that kicked up and hit the front bumper. I washed the car and used some wax to remove the tire mark and you can't tell it was ever hit. Expel is well worth the money, looks great when installed properly and has saved my paint multiple times. When it needs to be replaced I'll do it again.

[christianchevell]

Yes its worth it, the places they mentioned: forget the roof line that's just dumb, the 1/3 or hood would and does look stupid, and rock chips on my car happened past where it would have been, mirrors and door handles is good, its the bumper and gill area especially if you have no mud flaps that need it. The thing is they will most likely charge you the same even when not wanting some tings like the 1/3 hood..
I recommend asking tinting places, thee cost was significantly lower than dealers etc as they were just happy to have the work, and the 3 m looks good as new even after years you cannot tell its there unless you look for it close.

[sscamaro]

I put it on my SS one week after I got it. It's on the front bumper, front lights and mirrors. The pieces end at all the seams, so you can't see it's there.

[Gumbys69]

One more vote for xpel, it's amazing stuff and worth the $$$