Lens protection
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From: Detroit (48209)
Lens protection
Any of you guys (or gals) out there that have any ideas on what I could do to protect the headlamp lenses besides using covers?...really want to keep those things clean and scratch/chip free...seeing as they are such (IMHO) a integral part of that new front end!
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From: Detroit (48209)
Originally posted by green21
geo036,
I just got the xpel put on my truck and love it. Although I didn't get my headlights done. They have little small cracks all over, so as soon as I get those replaced I will get some on it.
geo036,
I just got the xpel put on my truck and love it. Although I didn't get my headlights done. They have little small cracks all over, so as soon as I get those replaced I will get some on it.
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I believe I once heard it described as being like a clear tint on steriods. It is put on somewhat like tint. You can do it yourself but it is supposed to be fairly hard. I would try it on my headlights but I don't think I would do it on the body.
Scott
Scott
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From: Commerce Twp, MI
Xpel is a company that cuts custom fit pieces of 3M Scotchcal. It is a clear protective plastic that sticks to your paint. There are other companies that sell this stuff, like Invinca Shield and Stongard. I have used Invinca Shield and wish I had gotten it sooner. I think all my vehicles will get some kind of this protection. Detroit is a mecca of gravel haulers on highways during rush hour, I think.
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From: Detroit
Originally posted by APT
Xpel is a company that cuts custom fit pieces of 3M Scotchcal. It is a clear protective plastic that sticks to your paint. There are other companies that sell this stuff, like Invinca Shield and Stongard. I have used Invinca Shield and wish I had gotten it sooner. I think all my vehicles will get some kind of this protection. Detroit is a mecca of gravel haulers on highways during rush hour, I think.
Xpel is a company that cuts custom fit pieces of 3M Scotchcal. It is a clear protective plastic that sticks to your paint. There are other companies that sell this stuff, like Invinca Shield and Stongard. I have used Invinca Shield and wish I had gotten it sooner. I think all my vehicles will get some kind of this protection. Detroit is a mecca of gravel haulers on highways during rush hour, I think.
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From: Palm Springs
RLPT1
check out www.xpel.com It's almost like putting tint on your windows. When you first see it it looks like the pieces are too small for your hood and bumper but it stretches across. You start at one end and adhere it like you would window tint. They say it lasts 5 yrs and then you may have to replace it. I haven't owned any of my vehicles that long to see if it lasts. X-pel even has classes for you to take. The training is 3 days long. It isn't easy to put on either. I like to do most things myself but I know my limits and leave this to the professionals.
It does protect the hell out of your paint though.....I have it on my top and bottom bumper, the chrome around my grill, the hood, and the sides of the light.
check out www.xpel.com It's almost like putting tint on your windows. When you first see it it looks like the pieces are too small for your hood and bumper but it stretches across. You start at one end and adhere it like you would window tint. They say it lasts 5 yrs and then you may have to replace it. I haven't owned any of my vehicles that long to see if it lasts. X-pel even has classes for you to take. The training is 3 days long. It isn't easy to put on either. I like to do most things myself but I know my limits and leave this to the professionals.
It does protect the hell out of your paint though.....I have it on my top and bottom bumper, the chrome around my grill, the hood, and the sides of the light.
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From: Detroit (48209)
Originally posted by APT
Detroit is a mecca of gravel haulers on highways during rush hour, I think.
Detroit is a mecca of gravel haulers on highways during rush hour, I think.
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From: Commerce Twp, MI
I bought mine from Invinca Shield and applied it myself. Their kits come with a spray bottle, some concentrate to make the solution, and a plastic squeegee. Just need some isopropyl alcohol. Besides written instructions, they also sent a 15 minute instructional video tape.
I bought the standard kit, the mirror pieces, and the 3 cab top pieces Their 97-03 hood piece is an old design and is only like 4" wide which is not very much. So, they cut me a custom piece that extends more, about 10" at the widest part and goes straight across the hood now instead of one that follows the front edge of the hood. I did not have the main hood piece on yet at that time. It looks like their 04 F-150 kit has a more approriately sized hood piece.
Here is a picture of the right front fender corner piece. You cannot see it from 10 feet away. Mostly noticable when looking perpendicular to the lines.
Installation is not difficult, except when there are curves. I did the cab top pieces first which were very easy. I had my wife help me lay the long center piece, but then I finished it up. Same with the hood piece, I had her help set it in place. I tried a mirror piece which is curved on the -03 models. I couldn't get it to set right without folds, so I gave up after a little bit. I may go back and try again with more time/patience.
BTW, 10% off with promotional code IS002 until end of October. When I was deciding which company to go with, I looked at coverage and price. I advise you to do the same.
As for professional installers in Detroit, I do not think there are any for Invinca-Shield. I know Stongard has some as a friend of mine has it one his car. I didn't see an 04 F-150 kit on their web site yet, but I am sure professional installers can custom cut their pieces. I am sure Xpel and Stongard both have numbers to call to get some installer information.
I bought the standard kit, the mirror pieces, and the 3 cab top pieces Their 97-03 hood piece is an old design and is only like 4" wide which is not very much. So, they cut me a custom piece that extends more, about 10" at the widest part and goes straight across the hood now instead of one that follows the front edge of the hood. I did not have the main hood piece on yet at that time. It looks like their 04 F-150 kit has a more approriately sized hood piece.
Here is a picture of the right front fender corner piece. You cannot see it from 10 feet away. Mostly noticable when looking perpendicular to the lines.
Installation is not difficult, except when there are curves. I did the cab top pieces first which were very easy. I had my wife help me lay the long center piece, but then I finished it up. Same with the hood piece, I had her help set it in place. I tried a mirror piece which is curved on the -03 models. I couldn't get it to set right without folds, so I gave up after a little bit. I may go back and try again with more time/patience.
BTW, 10% off with promotional code IS002 until end of October. When I was deciding which company to go with, I looked at coverage and price. I advise you to do the same.
As for professional installers in Detroit, I do not think there are any for Invinca-Shield. I know Stongard has some as a friend of mine has it one his car. I didn't see an 04 F-150 kit on their web site yet, but I am sure professional installers can custom cut their pieces. I am sure Xpel and Stongard both have numbers to call to get some installer information.