3M Paint Protection Kit questions....

[Boogeyman]

While I am waiting on my Taco and thinking of mods, the 3M Clear Paint Protection film comes to mind. My Taco is Superwhite and the lovebugs here in N. Florida are fierce and without doubt, I need to deal with them somehow so my paint won't be destroyed.

For those that have it, what are your thoughts? was it worth it? what did it run? what parts did you have done? Did you install yourself or have it done etc? Does it hold up well and offer good protection?

I am thinking the front bumper area, hood, mirrors at the minimum.

Thanks for any input!

[Obxfishn]

I bought the headlight prtection film and I love it. I plan on purchasing for my 06 soon. I had it on my 02 Taco and it really works especially for those painted bumpers. The secret is to put it on then the truck is fairly new.

[Boogeyman]

Originally Posted by Obxfishn

I bought the headlight prtection film and I love it. I plan on purchasing for my 06 soon. I had it on my 02 Taco and it really works especially for those painted bumpers. The secret is to put it on then the truck is fairly new.

Thanks for the reply! I am planning to have it installed within the first week of taking delivery on the truck. The dreaded love bug season here is off the chain lol...

[HUTCHSTACo]

i have it on this taco and my last, works great...i hate chips

[Boogeyman]

Originally Posted by HUTCHSTACo

i have it on this taco and my last, works great...i hate chips

What brand and was it a kit "fit" or cut to fit at install? I've also found materials by Venture Shield and it looks pretty good compared to 3M.

Thanks

[rydr1]

does anyone know where i can get the rockpanel 3M protectors for cheap.

i just need the ones for the rear fender are to get covered, by the exhaust tip.

[freddytran]

Quick question along the same lines ... has anyone installed it themselves? The eBay kits are very inexpensive and look pretty strait forward to install.

[Boogeyman]

Originally Posted by HUTCHSTACo

i have it on this taco and my last, works great...i hate chips

Just for comparison sake, here's what seems like a great product. Just talked to an installer who's a couple of hours away and waiting on a quote.

[Jeddak]

Originally Posted by freddytran

Quick question along the same lines ... has anyone installed it themselves? The eBay kits are very inexpensive and look pretty strait forward to install.

'Been reading for a while, but have not posted.
I used to do vehicle wraps for living. Applying 3M kit is easy. It does not have Comply adhesive (like their 180 vinyl does), but a wet install works just as easy.

Make a 5-10% solution of Joy dish soap in a spray bottle. It is a 3M-approved soap.
Degrime the area to be worked on--almost any car road tar remover will work. Degrease it with 70% rubbing alcohol. Be very generous with alcohol. If you think truck is clean, go back and rub for another 30 minutes. Most of failed installs I've seen were because of poor prep work.

If you cut pieces off parent roll, round the pieces' corners, they will stick better.

Spray the area with soap solution. Make sure you do NOT touch the adhesive with you fingers. If you applying more then one piece, start working from the back of the truck, working forward, overlap seams by 1/2".

Put a friction sleave on a squegee, work your way from the center to the outside. Soap will help to push air bibbles out. Give a few hours to dry. Apply in the shade, garage is btter--keeps the dust down.

If you need to go around corners, you may use a heat gun and SLIGHTLY heat the vinyl. it will stretch. If you heat too much, it won't stick as well. Make release cuts, of you need to. Again, front flap needs to be on top of the back flap, you do not want wind picking it up and ripping vinyl off.

[HUTCHSTACo]

mine was a custom cut 3m kit from Accutint in bellevue, they did a great job, and its not easy to install...if you want to do it yourself just flush your money down the toilet...you will get frustrated...have a pro install it

[acidchylde]

I had mine done not long after I got it. If I recall right, it was something like 14" back from the edge of the hood, down the sides to the fenders, and the pieces just below the headlights (nothing on bumper or grille - plastic and eventually I'll replace the bumper anyway), the mirrors, and a quarter-inch or so strip down the edges of the doors. I think it all ran about $150 and he had it done in a couple of hours. Made a point of showing how he rolls/wraps edges (rather than just cutting before the edge) which apparently a lot of places don't do. Used the 3M stuff, and I'm happy with it. There are a couple of spots where it warped or looks like an air bubble, but they're not noticeable unless it's your truck, and that's what happens when you lay something flat over a curved surface.

/edit Oh, and I had him do the dished out portion behind the doorhandle as well - major saver on fingernail and key scratches.

[HUTCHSTACo]

i had hood, bumper, headlights, fog lights, below head lights, hood scoop edge, door edge, door cups, tailgate cup, mirrors, and ipod.

Local seattle people accutint in seattle and bellevue is the best around...425-213-1060
they also do tint and details

[Boogeyman]

Originally Posted by HUTCHSTACo

mine was a custom cut 3m kit from Accutint in bellevue, they did a great job, and its not easy to install...if you want to do it yourself just flush your money down the toilet...you will get frustrated...have a pro install it

Lord and do they every charge around here. I got a price this afternoon for hood, front bumper, mirrors, headlights etc which is pretty common I guess and I choked when he said $600. That was with using Venture Shield product with lifetime warranty. I know getting hoods is expensive but whoaa. I can't imagine the materials costing much, it's' labor intensive though. Think I'll get more prices.

[HUTCHSTACo]

the material is very expensive actually...you would be surprised... at least the good stuff is...install also

[akide]

i got the 3m paint protection for my car right after i purchased my car and i must say i'm very happy, get it done! it saved me two paint chips already on my hood.. i wish i got my entire front bumper covered ..