Looks great!
What have you done to your 200 Series this week? (20 Viewers)
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jfz80
Cruisin’
Took her camping …
777Gage
SILVER Star
Installed a new set of SPC upper control arms yesterday. Somehow when I purchased the previous set, I got the old design. They were fine for a couple years, then started squeaking over bumps and compression of the front suspension.
Called SPC and they were kind enough to send an updated set, but mine were out of warranty (they gave me a prorated amount off for returning the old set)
Lesson learned, don't wait on addressing something that could still be within warranty!
Called SPC and they were kind enough to send an updated set, but mine were out of warranty (they gave me a prorated amount off for returning the old set)
Lesson learned, don't wait on addressing something that could still be within warranty!
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FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
I added Bray windshield protection film. This film is like window tint or security film except it goes on the outside of the windshield. It is extremely clear and shows no optical aberrations as far as I can tell. I literally can't tell it's there.
The application covered the smaller nicks but the larger dings are still visible and luckily I only had 2 or 3.
Overall the glass actually seems clearer.
At least the windshield won't get any worse. Hopefully.
Time will tell.
Windshield Skin® windshield protection film from rocks - https://windshieldskin.com/
The application covered the smaller nicks but the larger dings are still visible and luckily I only had 2 or 3.
Overall the glass actually seems clearer.
At least the windshield won't get any worse. Hopefully.
Time will tell.
Windshield Skin® windshield protection film from rocks - https://windshieldskin.com/
turbo8
Supporting Vendor
Is that a typo on their site? 8mm or 12mm thick?I added Bray windshield protection film. This film is like window tint or security film except it goes on the outside of the windshield. It is extremely clear and shows no optical aberrations as far as I can tell. I literally can't tell it's there.
The application covered the smaller nicks but the larger dings are still visible and luckily I only had 2 or 3.
Overall the glass actually seems clearer.
At least the windshield won't get any worse. Hopefully.
Time will tell.
Windshield Skin® windshield protection film from rocks - https://windshieldskin.com/
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
Wow I didn't notice that. It can't be 8 or 12mm. It's thicker than Saran wrap but I don't have the exact specs.
turbo8
Supporting Vendor
I bet they meant 8/12 mils
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
Now that's a great guess. Makes sense.
I didn't know it came in 2 thicknesses and I have no idea which thickness I got.
I trust the guy in the shop who installed it so I didn't really pursue it.
I didn't know you could do this otherwise I would have installed it much sooner before there were ANY windshield dings.
As I mentioned, the glue & film seems to eliminate the tiny marks caused by "sandblast" from the highway.
Overall, it appears clearer with the film.
The shop owner said is he puts in on cars whose owners race them and that the film is incredibly tough.
He claimed that before he started putting on this film his racing customers were replacing a windshield every week.
On some BMW's he said a windshield costs $4000 to replace.
Insurance doesn't cover racing unless you take out special coverage which he says is more expensive than replacing the windshield.
So, after hearing about it I put it on for the following reasons, a few of which came from information and anecdotes I read in this forum:
- We're heading out on a long trip in June with about a dozen consecutive campsite stays and the potential delays due to a broken windshield would be an absolute catastrophe.
- Windshields on a 200 series are expensive esp. if you go OEM which is what I would do..
- Whoever installs your windshield WILL screw it up at least once resulting in leaks that will destroy your electronics.
- Therefore I want to replace the windshield at a time and place of my choosing.
- Cost ($600) was not an issue given the above.
HburgEagle
SILVER Star
New engine and cabin air filters. Then did a little "manscaping" on the engine bay covering. I feel so much better! Now I just need to give it a good cleaning under the hood. The multi-tool was the perfect tool for the job on the trimming. Quick and nice and neat.
I saw these advertised but didn’t pursue it. Frankly given I’m on my third windshield and mine has several rock chips, I will likely do film for the next one.Now that's a great guess. Makes sense.
I didn't know it came in 2 thicknesses and I have no idea which thickness I got.
I trust the guy in the shop who installed it so I didn't really pursue it.
I didn't know you could do this otherwise I would have installed it much sooner before there were ANY windshield dings.
As I mentioned, the glue & film seems to eliminate the tiny marks caused by "sandblast" from the highway.
Overall, it appears clearer with the film.
The shop owner said is he puts in on cars whose owners race them and that the film is incredibly tough.
He claimed that before he started putting on this film his racing customers were replacing a windshield every week.
On some BMW's he said a windshield costs $4000 to replace.
Insurance doesn't cover racing unless you take out special coverage which he says is more expensive than replacing the windshield.
So, after hearing about it I put it on for the following reasons, a few of which came from information and anecdotes I read in this forum:
Wish me luck.
- We're heading out on a long trip in June with about a dozen consecutive campsite stays and the potential delays due to a broken windshield would be an absolute catastrophe.
- Windshields on a 200 series are expensive esp. if you go OEM which is what I would do..
- Whoever installs your windshield WILL screw it up at least once resulting in leaks that will destroy your electronics.
- Therefore I want to replace the windshield at a time and place of my choosing.
- Cost ($600) was not an issue given the above.
@FrazzledHunter I was about to ask how installation went, but I saw your mention about the shop doing it. Has anyone done one of these themselves? I’d imagine it would be easier than a multi faceted piece (eg: headlight), but the downside being you’d notice likely any imperfection after install.
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
Within the first few months of ownership I did the headlights with protection film and an entire wrap of the car except the rear roof under the roof rack and the rear lift-gate/door with 3M paint protection film.
No one mentioned doing the windshield and I didn't think to ask, having never heard of it being done at the time.
I'm also going to do film on our travel trailer which has a front facing "moon" window.
Did you do the exterior windshield film yourself though?
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
No I didn't. I had a shop that does sound systems, security systems and films for paint and glass. The films I had done on the LC by this shop* were 3M Security film on the insides of all the windows and the sunroof. The windshield film goes on the outside as it's job is to protect against rocks.
I just squeegeed the film for the first time and with the exception of 2 or 3 of the larger rock dings (which are almost unnoticeable as-is) it looks like a new windshield. The Windex cleaner beads up on the film when you spray it and individual beads run down the glass. Prior to the film Windex sprayed out evenly and ran down the windshield. This stuff is REALLY smooth. Also there's no noticeable optical aberrations. I just came in from driving toward the setting sun and saw what seemed like a perfect piece of glass. Let's hope it stays that way!
*SoundWorks - Maryland Car Audio | Window Tinting | Vinyl Wraps - https://soundworksmd.com/
Ordered husky floor mats for front and middle row the other day, also removed the rear seats. I tried to order the rear HE mat to cover the holes but nowhere wants to ship one to Canada (stuggles of owning one of the few 200s in the great white north). Picked up a heavy duty rubber shop mat from HD and cut it to fit instead. Inspector had a look and seemed content with the results.
7000ft
SILVER Star
I had my midnight black metallic 2020 LC200 HE completely wrapped with XPEL STEALTH PPF this past week while I attended the Mecum auction.
I had the entire front end and small impact areas wrapped with the clear XPEL PPF 5 years ago when I purchased it. They removed it easily ( looked as clear and pliable as the day they installed it) before installing the satin STEALTH PPF.
The installation is perfect and looks so much better than the gloss metallic black IMO. The metallic still is visible under certain light conditions. 4th vehicle to be wrapped with XPEL PPF over the past 10-15 years with the same shop. Big shout out to Robbie, Aaron and Mike at Protective Film Solutions (PFS) of Scottsdale, AZ.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
I had the entire front end and small impact areas wrapped with the clear XPEL PPF 5 years ago when I purchased it. They removed it easily ( looked as clear and pliable as the day they installed it) before installing the satin STEALTH PPF.
The installation is perfect and looks so much better than the gloss metallic black IMO. The metallic still is visible under certain light conditions. 4th vehicle to be wrapped with XPEL PPF over the past 10-15 years with the same shop. Big shout out to Robbie, Aaron and Mike at Protective Film Solutions (PFS) of Scottsdale, AZ.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
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Glad you like it. The job and product look great but not my cup of tea. Both Stek and Xpel make really good stuff. I actually thought long and hard and was looking for a silver HE for the sole reason that it would look good with matte PPF. But silver and magnetic Grey metallic proved to be ultra rare compared to white and black.
prwillard2
SILVER Star
what'd this set you back?
I am contemplating getting my wrap updated in a couple years and willing to drive to Arizona to not pay the crazy prices here in Cali
7000ft
SILVER Star
Got the 200 back from Aylestock Automotive in Lovettsville, VA on Wednesday. Peter torched the KDSS valves and installed some Dobinsons IMS struts and shocks with the variable springs in back and lighter ones up front as I’m not looking for a lift. The variable rear springs should sit dead level with the trailer hooked up 
I’ll adjust spring rates as things are added in the future.
Also had him put on some Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstops front and rear.
Then took it down to John Brochu of Adv4x4 to have him reflash it with Overland Tailor Tuning’s Medium tune with Spicy added when the ECT Pwr button is pushed for towing. Incredibly positive seat-of-the-pants feeling. The horrible off-the-line bog and shifting is gone and it’s hunting less at highway speeds. Not nearly enough data to say whether fuel efficiency was affected, but that didn’t even weigh into it for me. Well worth it, IMO. Can’t wait to pull the trailer and see how much better it does!
I’ll adjust spring rates as things are added in the future.Also had him put on some Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstops front and rear.
Then took it down to John Brochu of Adv4x4 to have him reflash it with Overland Tailor Tuning’s Medium tune with Spicy added when the ECT Pwr button is pushed for towing. Incredibly positive seat-of-the-pants feeling. The horrible off-the-line bog and shifting is gone and it’s hunting less at highway speeds. Not nearly enough data to say whether fuel efficiency was affected, but that didn’t even weigh into it for me. Well worth it, IMO. Can’t wait to pull the trailer and see how much better it does!
