So I’d rather not pay $1700 to have the full front end of my new Stinger done up with paint protection film. I’ve been digging around on the YouTubes and it doesn’t look too difficult to just do it yourself if you have a pre-cut kit. It will obviously take some time and I’ll definitely need some help, but is there any reason why I shouldn’t? Any tips from those who have do it?
So I’d rather not pay $1700 to have the full front end of my new Stinger done up with paint protection film. I’ve been digging around on the YouTubes and it doesn’t look too difficult to just do it yourself if you have a pre-cut kit. It will obviously take some time and I’ll definitely need some help, but is there any reason why I shouldn’t? Any tips from those who have do it?
My take as someone who has paid serious attention to my vehicles' paint (detailing) and have an eye for quality, I would not suggest doing this installation yourself if you want high quality results. There is a bit of an art and some practice required to get the installation as clean as possible. It's also best to start the install with the best possible paint to begin with, otherwise you lock any defects under the film. As for installation of the film, it's not much different than installing a screen protector to a phone. How many times have you installed a screen protector, only to find an annoying piece of dust or stray hair trapped under there until you pull it off and apply a new film? Think of this over a much larger scale, on your vehicle. While little specs do generally hide after the film has been on the car a few days, there are so many curves and edges that might peel up and you'll never get back down.
You can try it yourself, but I'd almost bet there will be SOMETHING you won't be happy with if it's your first time. The difference between you doing it and a reputable installer is if the professional messes it up, you go back and tell them to fix it at no cost to you.
I’ve done it before myself on other vehicles with a pre cut kit but I wouldn’t recommend it on the Stinger. There are a lot of curves and jagged edges on the front bumper that make ppf install much more challenging. Also, the pre cut kits often still require stretching to cover the curves and edges. This is not for the beginner.
Smaller items like the partial hood, headlights, mirrors or trim pieces are a much easier job to DIY, especially if it’s your first time.
When I purchased my car I was able to negotiate accessories at dealer cost. Had the gold package ppf installed for $700. 24” hood, front bumper, mirrors, rear bumper cargo strip, and door cups.
You can try it yourself, but I'd almost bet there will be SOMETHING you won't be happy with if it's your first time. The difference between you doing it and a reputable installer is if the professional messes it up, you go back and tell them to fix it at no cost to you.
Even the best can make a mistake. I have one small edge right in front of my right brake vent that lifted c. an inch and a half long and 1/8" wide. I didn't even notice it until I got back from my road trip (which I took soon after the PPF application). When I brought it up with the installer, he said that I'd probably have to remove the entire fender section and lay down a new one. After thinking it over, it seemed like picking nits: to ruin an entire section and redo it, just to fix such a small thing. I went back and forth with it, and now it's too late: I would feel silly with a brand new PPF section on my RF fender, while the rest is getting closer to a year old.
I did it at one of the Xpel installation shop. Ended up paying around 100 more than pre-cut kits' price on their website. I had some quotes lower than that too but from nearby cities.
I actually attended the Xpel training last year and it's definitely harder than it looks on YouTube and it's not really something you DIY. A Partial front may be doable, but not a full front. The side mirrors and headlight actually require a good amount of stretch on these cars too and knowing where to tack and where to stretch makes a big difference. For you to order a full front kit from Xpel it's going to cost you $1600 anyway unless you have an installer willing to sell you a kit for less.
Bought the pre cut kit for $250. It was tough making everything line up right. The toughest part was the front side vents. Make sure you clean all the corners with alchohol. It took the wife and I half a day to get everything on (yes you need a second hand).
Bought the pre cut kit for $250. It was tough making everything line up right. The toughest part was the front side vents. Make sure you clean all the corners with alchohol. It took the wife and I half a day to get everything on (yes you need a second hand).
I presume you are referring to the brake scoops. That ridge running on the outside of the scoop is radical. I've seen two ways that PPF is cut to accommodate that ridge: either the ridge top itself is left uncovered, or a triangular area below the scoop is left uncovered: mine was the latter: and I had the PPF guy return and insert a separate triangular piece to fill that spot.
How was your kit cut to fit that area below/around the brake scoops?
