PPF decision

[LordExplorer]

I received notice today that my 2 row Earth LX7 will be arriving in the next two weeks so starting to plan out my overland build. First thing I’ll be doing is tint and PPF (full). I’m trying to decide if I should do satin PPF. I saw Dissent’s build at the expo and I was surprised by how much I liked the satin PPF on it. It looks killer. However, I’ve only briefly seen the Earth color in person and it was overcast out.

For those with Earth, what are your thoughts on the metallic flakes in the paint and overall look in various lighting? Do you think it’s a more dynamic color that shouldn’t be covered?

For reference, my rig is going to Dissent in a few months for a build (no portals ), so it will be more rugged vs stock.

 

[CyanideRide]

First thing I did was have my black '24 stealth wrapped top to bottom.

It's very carefree and trouble free.

Yes, I machine wash touchless at least once a week. No lifting on the edges etc. If the edges are lifting, then perhaps they haven't installed it correctly?. My installer wraps around the edges and will fix anything that goes wrong.

However the touchless washing does leave some kind of film behind. A good scrubbing at a coin op car wash and some time in the sun fixes everything.

 

[Oakleyguy]

I actually did not get the windshield film done. Which brands are you guys using?

Pretty sure mines SunTek. Been happy with it so far. Saved my windshield and rain driving is far superior.

One thing is plan on changing it every 3 years or so. The wiper blades will create a ghosting effect and it looses its hydrophobic properties. I’ve heard silicone wiper blades help extend life but u I haven’t switched yet.

I'm running Xpel Windshield Protection Film. It has saved my glass on multiple occasions now. Although it'll probably be more of a 12-18mo replacement cycle for me with the rocks and sand in CO.

 

[MRego]

Can you guys share what is a reasonable estimate or how much you paid for a full PPF?

Am I right to think "full PPF" wraps everything except the roof? What's common practice?

TIA

 

[billjamin]

I paid 7k for the entire vehicle (roof included) and the windshield film.

 

[MRego]

I paid 7k for the entire vehicle (roof included) and the windshield film.

Cool! Since we are neighbors could you refer the shop you used? Assuming you liked their job, of course. That does not seem unreasonable. Was it with ceramic coating or without?

 

[billjamin]

I used Vive auto detailing. They have a couple locations and i went to the Galleria one. I also had D3 motorsports do my wife's model 3 and they did a good job.

The suntek i went with has a built in ceramic that should last a year or 2 so no need for it yet but i'll do reapplications as needed.

 

[MRego]

I used Vive auto detailing. They have a couple locations and i went to the Galleria one. I also had D3 motorsports do my wife's model 3 and they did a good job.

The suntek i went with has a built in ceramic that should last a year or 2 so no need for it yet but i'll do reapplications as needed.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[MRego]

I'm running Xpel Windshield Protection Film. It has saved my glass on multiple occasions now. Although it'll probably be more of a 12-18mo replacement cycle for me with the rocks and sand in CO.

I remembered to come back here and say that if you plan road trips with your LX, just do the windshield protection film. I did the Xpel and it saved my brand-new windshield at least two times in our last trip to CO. One of the rocks left a mark in the film, but the glass was saved from a certain replacement at 3k miles or so. The cost was around $500 and that would have been my glass deductible to replace anyway. Not to mention, no matter how good the technician is, no replacement will be the same as the factory install. There is some small distortion at certain angles, but you really have to be looking for it, so totally worth it in my opinion. I will budget for replacement every 2 to 3 years in an effort to keep my factory glass as long as I can.

 

[GXTOLX]

Xpel ultimate plus 10+ is the best. Even helped with the hood flutter. Wouldn't trust anything else on the body panels and bumpers.