Clear bra
6/30/13, 05:55 AM
#41
I Have No Life
That's true. The top flat part of the bumper adds a lot to the cost. But then again 3M film is cheap. It doesn't hold a candle next to Xpel. Now they are working on a new film to compete but until then. Just like anything if you want the piece of mind and need to go cheap, 3M should work for you. But that doesn't mean there isn't a significant quality difference. I'd rather pay a bit more for the best.
6/30/13, 08:12 AM
#42
Cobra Member
Just make sure you use Xpel Ultimate. I should have clarified that it isn't necessarily the brand that's better, it's the film. Regular Xpel is about as good as 3M.
6/30/13, 08:18 AM
#43
Shelby GT500 Member
My film is the Xpel Ultimate. I don't remember the details, but apparently there is some sort of class or certification that Xpel wants their applicators to go through. The guys that did my car must have had some training, because the stuff's invisible unless you're really looking for it.
7/2/13, 08:23 AM
#48
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Entire front bumper
headlights/fog lights
Hood. There are a few different hood templates. 1/4, 1/3 etc.
Side Mirrors.
7/3/13, 12:40 PM
#50
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I just went onto the Xcel site and contacted every dealer in my area looking for a quote. I'll take the ones who contact me back and plug them into yelp and make a decision from there. Hoping to get my entire hood, plus the usual front bumper, headlights, and partial fenders for less than $1k.
7/3/13, 12:46 PM
#51
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The most important thing is finding a good installer. My second go around was night and day compared to the first install. Get references and try to see previous jobs.
7/3/13, 02:41 PM
#52
I Have No Life
7/3/13, 04:32 PM
#53
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I just went onto the Xcel site and contacted every dealer in my area looking for a quote. I'll take the ones who contact me back and plug them into yelp and make a decision from there. Hoping to get my entire hood, plus the usual front bumper, headlights, and partial fenders for less than $1k.
It's a personal choice, but I really think the entire hood is a waste of money. You're not likely to get road debris thrown into the upper portion of your hood. That's why most folks go with the "kits," or roughly 1/3 of your hood. And like others have posted, a good installation won't reveal a line unless you're looking for it (can you see mine?). Also, watch your post-installation care and maintenance (never "rub against the grain" so to speak).
Good Luck
7/3/13, 05:08 PM
#54
I Have No Life
I wouldn't put much stock into Yelp's reviews - there are "issues" with Yelp's processes for posting reviews. That's a long story - better to go word-of-mouth route and, most importantly, go speak to the installers directly. Your instinct should take over from there.
It's a personal choice, but I really think the entire hood is a waste of money. You're not likely to get road debris thrown into the upper portion of your hood. That's why most folks go with the "kits," or roughly 1/3 of your hood. And like others have posted, a good installation won't reveal a line unless you're looking for it (can you see mine?). Also, watch your post-installation care and maintenance (never "rub against the grain" so to speak).
Good Luck
Instinct and word of mouth. 'Nuff said.
7/3/13, 05:44 PM
#55
Cobra Member
7/4/13, 07:24 PM
#56
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Check out some of the cars my installer worked on: http://www.prestigeautoarmor.com/Photo-Gallery.html
7/6/13, 05:40 AM
#57
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Check out some of the cars my installer worked on: http://www.prestigeautoarmor.com/Photo-Gallery.html
7/7/13, 11:14 AM
#59
I cannot comment on the Xpel, I have seen it at SEMA, looks great. I have the original 3M on my 2006, it has a 5 year warrantee, now its almost 7 years in the Phoenix Heat and sun and still looks perfect. Either way it is clearly, Ha!, the best protection investment...
Can you see it??
Can you see it??
7/7/13, 03:39 PM
#60
Cobra Member
I cannot comment on the Xpel, I have seen it at SEMA, looks great. I have the original 3M on my 2006, it has a 5 year warrantee, now its almost 7 years in the Phoenix Heat and sun and still looks perfect. Either way it is clearly, Ha!, the best protection investment...
Can you see it??
Can you see it??