Lorne34
Project Hidalgo
I have to agree with you on some of this. I have had 2 other Mustang's with PPF and both times it was a good install, but I still was not 100% happy with how it looked. I had several areas that got hit where the ppf buckled and created a bump in the ppf which I would run my wash mitt over. It's a delicate balance between wanting to protect the car, but having to deal with the dirt lines, etc...I have done PPF in a lot of cars (GT350, ZR1, GT3RS). I have used several different installers and here is my summary of years of dealing with PPF:
- It has advantages and some pretty distinct disadvantages
- No install was perfect. A true perfect installation is cost prohibitive as it requires them to disassemble all trim pieces and custom cut film. The cost for this is 2-3x labor than regular template based film
- Its true that film gives you piece of mind but its not as practical as the paint. Meaning, to remove/reapply PPF isnt as easy as you think. I have seen many, many, MANY installers talk about paint peeling off (in Porsches, Corvettes, BMWs) even with using steamers. They blame bad paint from factory, the manufacturer does not warranty the work, so you are fucked. I am talking about 4 different installers over a 3 year period on 5 different brands. So it can happen to anyone.
- If you need any paint work on the car, you must remove all the ppf on surrounding panels to blend the paint.
- The edges of PPF turn into black borders with dirt. No way around it. I have tried various approaches like washing it weekly, using a brush, etc. but its so much headache
- you cant polish off ppf as you can a clear coat to remove scratches etc. this self healing film thing is a BS. I have accumulated 150,000 miles with PPF and not once I could take advantage of this. I have lots of scratches (due to dirt getting stuck on a wash mitt during wash) that I am staring at.
I would still cover cars where panels are CF. The ZR1/GT3RS hoods cost over $15,000 (no its not a typo). The wing cost $5,000, front splitter $4,000. In these cases, $500 per panel is worth as insurance. But for GT350, I would not PPF it at all.
I did not do the whole vehicle on my two previous models because I saw a Dodge Challenger with a full wrap and the lines and break points just didn't appeal to me.
I decided to go with full top of the line Gtechniq ceramic on my 350 and skip the ppf. I will deal with chips as they come. I also purchased track armor tape for track days and long trips so that I can protect it in those situations.
I do feel for the original poster... I don't understand why any business would immediately get defensive about their work unless of course they do shitty work and are always battling with customers.
I think going up the chain to Xpel Corp is the way to go, if someone did a shoddy job, gave me a hard time about even brining it in and was not courteous and attentive to my needs there is NO WAY I would have them touch the car again....
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