3M Paint Protection Film

[Hammer757]

Does anybody use the 3M paint protection film on their truck? Some of the dealerships around here offer it. Not sure if it stands up to off-road use, but it sounds like it helps prevent scratches and washes off dirt easy.

 

[1pieceatatime]

I have it on the rockers. It works OK - but if the installer doesn't do a good job, it can have bubbles and grit under it that may be hard to take if you are OCD.

Mine is starting to peel away from the body just under the door jamb after about 1.25 years on the truck - a little on the annoying side, but perhaps not surprising as a high-wear/contact area.

 

[dexter]

Does anybody use the 3M paint protection film on their truck? Some of the dealerships around here offer it. Not sure if it stands up to off-road use, but it sounds like it helps prevent scratches and washes off dirt easy.

You can buy it on Amazon.

I put it on the door sills and the fenders behind the wheels.

Great stuff, no scratches.

 

[3TV]

I had it installed on a Jeep, and after the deer hunt had numerous deep grooves in the film in some of the most exposed areas, like on the a-pillar. After removing the film the paint underneath was in perfect condition. It saved the Jeep from countless brush scratches.

 

[grizzstang]

It works well. I have had on several vehicles and currently have it on my truck and our Jeep.

Don't have it installed at a dealer. Go to a reputable detail shop, it will be way cheaper.

The dealer wanted $1100.00 to do the front of our Jeep Wrangler with A pillars and the fronts of the back fenders.

I ended up getting it done elsewhere for $500.00. They will warranty it and if it does start lifting it can be repaired.

Worth every penny in my book here in the rock chip capital of Alberta.

 

[Pull Ya]

I have had it on 2 of my trucks. Both sport models so I had the front wrapped along with the side mirrors. Never had any problems, IMHO it saved many small chips to the front end. Made it a lot easier to remove bugs. It never discolored. Protected the paint extremely well. Always have a pro install it and use a good brand. Installation is the most important part. Premium materials and a pro installation will cost you close to $1000.
Jay

 

[joeygster]

I'm a fan of paint protection film on vehicles. I've been using various brands since the early 2000's. I've always had it installed for me. It's not a DIY thing in my opinion.

I've got PPF all over the place on my RAM to try to protect it. It's worked out really well for me for four years...no lifting of edges or anything.

I've got:
-Whole front bumper
-Bottom portion of doors.
-Rocker panels
-Bottom portion of truck bed
-Sides of rear bumper
-Inner portions of the Bushwacker fender flares
-Inside area of the doors

 

[CVX20]

It dose go yellowy after a while.Shows up bad on certain colors.

 

[joeygster]

It dose go yellowy after a while.Shows up bad on certain colors.

The first generation PPF would do that especially on white and silver cars. The the new stuff however, is pretty resistant to yellowing. Mine is 4 years old now and I've maintained it by using sealant/wax on it when I'm doing the rest of the truck. It still looks perfect.

 

[Pull Ya]

I've also never had a problem with yellowing. I also wax mine to give it added protection.
Jay

 

[Hammer757]

Sounds like this works well. Now to find a good installer.

 

[magician]

There are DIY kits all over the inter web. I’ve done several of my own cars and my truck has it in place of the hood deflector. Headlights and fogs are also covered but with a more optically clear product same with the camaro and wife’s Avalon.

Expel and Laminex are two products I’ve used. Kits come precut and they sell all that you need to do it yourself. Note, as with anything that’s related to the finish on a vehicle, preparation is critical.

 

[tron67j]

Resurrecting this thread for updates and thoughts. I got an estimate of about $500 for just front of hood and above each headlight paint protection film install. That seems kind of pricey for such small areas and is from a 3m Pro Shop. While I obviously want a quality install, I figure that, after my cost for materials, I estimate I am paying about $150 an hour for install if it takes 2 hours.

I have thought more about this, and one big concern is that the film does nothing to deflect objects from impacting the hood past the film where a separate hood deflector could almost eliminate the possibility. Thoughts? The down side is there are zero wind deflector type units that full extend across the full length of the metal above the headlights. What have others with wind deflectors done it found to happen to these areas if not protected?

Also, my last Ram had paint chips in edge above windshield. I asked for estimate of film to include that but not done. Anyone have ideas on how they protect that area?

Thanks

 

[jejb]

I've been shopping around a little for the film for my wife's brand new Pacifica. $300-$400 just for the material. I have installed the film several times, so will do that part. But $500 installed does not seem like a bad deal. But OTOH, I don't know what the kits cost for Ram's.

I just put a wind deflector on my Ram. You do have me thinking about maybe adding some film to the metal over the far outside edges of the quarter panels though.