Looking for advice - Front end paint protection

[Accountant]

Considering getting the front end protected with film. Installer recommended front 1/4 of hood, headlights and painted area below the headlights and front edge of fenders.

Also asked about ceramic coating and he suggested getting detailed once a month instead. I'm lazy lol.

Any advice welcome! Thanks!

 

[joeygster]

I'd do the whole chrome bumper if you're doing it.

Here's a picture of what I did.

Initially, I only did the side of the front bumper where the Bushwacker Flares ended and there was no protection from the tires flinging winter debris. I didn't like how the film terminated so I had the whole front bumper wrapped. It looked way better.

I also did the bottom portions of the doors all the way back to the rear bumper to help against stone chips.

I used Xpel Ultimate which has self healing properties when it gets hit with debris.

The areas with the light blue markings I also had covered as well as the inside area of the flares that is above the tires.

 

[Accountant]

I'd do the whole chrome bumper if you're doing it.

Here's a picture of what I did.

Initially, I only did the side of the front bumper where the Bushwacker Flares ended and there was no protection from the tires flinging winter debris. I didn't like how the film terminated so I had the whole front bumper wrapped. It looked way better.

I also did the bottom portions of the doors all the way back to the rear bumper to help against stone chips.

I used Xpel Ultimate which has self healing properties when it gets hit with debris.

The areas with the light blue markings I also had covered as well as the inside area of the flares that is above the tires.

Perfect! thanks for the suggestions! What brand are your side steps, they look great!

 

[joeygster]

Perfect! thanks for the suggestions! What brand are your side steps, they look great!

You're welcome. The steps are Westin HDX Drop Steps. I'm really happy with them. There are quite a few of us on the forum with those steps.

 

[Accountant]

You're welcome. The steps are Westin HDX Drop Steps. I'm really happy with them. There are quite a few of us on the forum with those steps.

Thanks for the info! They look way better than bent tubes welded together with a foot plate tacked on. Very sleek, yet rugged..

 

[firecadet613]

I just had that done to my truck as well as the door sills, door edges and door handle cups. I'd forgo the coating as well and just wash it frequently.

On my '16 F150 I did the same but also the bumper and grill as they were painted.

 

[joeygster]

Thanks for the info! They look way better than bent tubes welded together with a foot plate tacked on. Very sleek, yet rugged..

Ya I love them....there's another version made by Westin that came out after I bought mine. They're cool too.

https://www.westinautomotive.com/hdx-xtreme-nerf-step-bars

 

[userjh160]

I'm waiting on availability of the drop steps for the '19. My guy is calling weekly to check with them.

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[Accountant]

I just had that done to my truck as well as the door sills, door edges and door handle cups. I'd forgo the coating as well and just wash it frequently.

On my '16 F150 I did the same but also the bumper and grill as they were painted.

WOW! Looks nice and super clean! Just got my front end done today. Getting bedliner tomorrow.

 

[Accountant]

Ya I love them....there's another version made by Westin that came out after I bought mine. They're cool too.

https://www.westinautomotive.com/hdx-xtreme-nerf-step-bars

Love those too! Hope they come out with the 2019 option soon. thanks for the suggestions!

 

[joeygster]

You're welcome.

 

[likes2build]

OK so my White '18 Express just hit 1K miles and I'm starting to see stone chips in the front bumper. Who makes / sells a really good pre-cut paint film kit to fit a Rebel / Express?

 

[Purplert]

3m or xpel has a kit


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[adrianp89]

There is no kit for the '19s yet. My guy had to figure it out on his own... said it is a PITA with the hood too.

 

[firecadet613]

XPEL has a kit. Even added B-pillars per my request...

http://www.xpel.com/search-coverage...r_Cars_and_Light_Trucks/2019/Ram/1500/Laramie

 

[adrianp89]

XPEL has a kit. Even added B-pillars per my request...

http://www.xpel.com/search-coverage...r_Cars_and_Light_Trucks/2019/Ram/1500/Laramie

My guy uses 3M, maybe that is why.

 

[firecadet613]

My guy uses 3M, maybe that is why.

My guy uses Llumar...but can get the patterns from XPEL for his cutter. I'd assume anyone could if you pay for the patterns?

 

[adrianp89]

My guy uses Llumar...but can get the patterns from XPEL for his cutter. I'd assume anyone could if you pay for the patterns?

No idea lol. The fit was perfect when he finished it though - so no complaints here.

 

[firecadet613]

That's all that matters!

 

[Pull Ya]

If you have painted mirrors you might also consider doing the back of them also.
Jay