Paint Protection

[TheDonVon]

Hey Guys,

Im new to the boards, and im new to RAM. I just picked up my 2013 1500 Sport on Saturday. LOVE IT!

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for paint protection. Some of my buddies suggested getting a "clear bra" on the bumper, grill, hood, mirrors and maybe fenders.

Any suggestions of things to do to preserve the paint and prevent rock chips and such? Is this even needed or should i just start building a monster?!

Thanks everyone!

 

[JohnD72]

I can tell you I've got a 2012 Sport with only 6k on the odometer and it already has some small rock chips on the front bumper. I'm thinking about getting it covered before it gets worse.
The grille and hood seem to be fine, but that painted bumper cover takes a beating.

 

[RamExpress]

you could have opted for the maximum care package and had any damage on vertical panels (including grill and bumper) fixed for free once a year. I made my dealer pay for it. they Teflon coat the whole truck and so far so good. hammered the crap out of it last weekend scouting for ducks on some nasty gravel/mud roads. we'll see how it goes next year though when I take it in for its yearly service.

 

[FancyStancy]

If you gonna be lifting it one of the most damaged areas will be the lower sections of the doors and rocker panels because of large tires and offset. That is what I would protect first.

 

[Chewy]

I will say that when you buy the dealer applied "teflon" sealant coatings, you're paying ONLY for the warranty. The sealant they use is nothing special and there are many out there TONS better. Just make sure you read the fine print VERY VERY well. They'll do EVERYTHING to get out of doing the work.

The clear bra's DO work, but they too get beat up over time and after 4-5 years will need to be replaced. I have it on my G8 and it's kept the front looking pretty decent. Would I do it again? NAH! I'd just pay to have the areas resprayed.

Chris

 

[Unfused]

If you gonna be lifting it one of the most damaged areas will be the lower sections of the doors and rocker panels because of large tires and offset. That is what I would protect first.

I don't mean to hijack the thread of the OP but I have a query in regards to your statement. I have not yet lifted my truck nor am I sure that I will do so. However, I do plan on getting wider tires and I removed the mud flaps and added flares.

Since adding the flares I got the entire lower tone and rockers linexed. Will that suffice for stone chip protection or should I be searching for another fix.

Thanks! And sorry to the OP for the mild hijacking.


Cheers!

 

[kkreit01]

What Chewy said. Their magic sealant is a $25 bottle. You can do much better on your own, and take pride in it. It's pure profit in the salesmen's and finance manager's pocket. I would only recommend the dealer package to those who aren't able to DIY (elderly, disabled, etc.). It's certainly better than nothing.

 

[TheDonVon]

I will say that when you buy the dealer applied "teflon" sealant coatings, you're paying ONLY for the warranty. The sealant they use is nothing special and there are many out there TONS better. Just make sure you read the fine print VERY VERY well. They'll do EVERYTHING to get out of doing the work.

The clear bra's DO work, but they too get beat up over time and after 4-5 years will need to be replaced. I have it on my G8 and it's kept the front looking pretty decent. Would I do it again? NAH! I'd just pay to have the areas resprayed.

Chris

Any suggestions for a product/sealant that will provide good protection? I have no problem doing the work i just dont know of any product that is worth while.

 

[Pull Ya]

It depends on the length of time you want the surface protected. Wax usually last about a month, sealant usually last about 6 months and Opti seal 2.0 lasts for years. Go to autogeek or autopia and do some research on the various products that are available. Everyone here has their personal favorite and they all swear theirs is the best, cheapest, fastest, lasts the longest and makes your truck look the best. I'm sure they will all chime in and give you their opinion. Some will even try to sell you products.
Jay

 

[TheDonVon]

It depends on the length of time you want the surface protected. Wax usually last about a month, sealant usually last about 6 months and Opti seal 2.0 lasts for years. Go to autogeek or autopia and do some research on the various products that are available. Everyone here has their personal favorite and they all swear theirs is the best, cheapest, fastest, lasts the longest and makes your truck look the best. I'm sure they will all chime in and give you their opinion. Some will even try to sell you products.
Jay

Hey thanks. Correct me if im wrong but waxes and sealants are not going to strengthen my paint surface to help protect from rocks? I know different products will last different periods of time and protect against elements like water and dirt, but are their products out their that will strengthen the paint surface to protect from rocks? Or is my only option a clear bra or respraying every time my paint gets chipped up?

 

[Chewy]

I do NOT recommend Opti Seal for the NooB! Also, it only lasts until you need to correct/polish an area and then you have to remove and reapply. Well, on my DD, that's at least once a year. It's also harder to apply and if not careful, can yield some less than desirable results.

Personally, I use Adams Quick Sealant. You get 6-8 months plus out of two back to back applications, you can do a whole CC truck in 30 minutes or so depending on climate and you can top with any wax you like within 30 minutes. Fact is, if you want the shiniest paint, you need to polish it at least once if not twice a year on a DD. OptiSeal is great for the guy not wanting to do anything but wash his vehicle every so often. I for one, want it to look its best.

Sealants and waxes WILL NOT protect against rock chips, but they will protect against the proteins in bugs or bird poo eating into your paint. You still want to remove bugs and poo as quickly as possible.

Chris

 

[TheDonVon]

I do NOT recommend Opti Seal for the NooB! Also, it only lasts until you need to correct/polish an area and then you have to remove and reapply. Well, on my DD, that's at least once a year. It's also harder to apply and if not careful, can yield some less than desirable results.

Personally, I use Adams Quick Sealant. You get 6-8 months plus out of two back to back applications, you can do a whole CC truck in 30 minutes or so depending on climate and you can top with any wax you like within 30 minutes. Fact is, if you want the shiniest paint, you need to polish it at least once if not twice a year on a DD. OptiSeal is great for the guy not wanting to do anything but wash his vehicle every so often. I for one, want it to look its best.

Sealants and waxes WILL NOT protect against rock chips, but they will protect against the proteins in bugs or bird poo eating into your paint. You still want to remove bugs and poo as quickly as possible.

Chris

Ya when it comes to sealants and waxes Im pretty well versed. There is always more to learn but i have been a car enthusiast since i was 16 and have always detailed my car a couple times a year. I personally like to use chemical guys m seal. 2 coats once a year and then a coat of wax every couple months. i usually strip all product before applying a sealant, apply 2 coats, finish with a wax and im good to go!

On a side note, one of my favorite products is Optimum no rinse wax and wash. I use it as a quick detailer and it is amazing.

I am really looking for rock protection as i have no experience with this. One of my friends recommended 3m paint defender. Im gonna look into it and see what i find.

Eric

 

[Burla]

Yeah those high tech plastic covers are the best, but another option if you are that worried about it is paint Monsta Liner or bedliner all over your truck. A ton of guys on the Jeep forums are doing it. Good news is you can just drive your truck until it starts getting dinged up, and then do it.

 

[Pull Ya]

I had a "clear bra" put on the front of my '10 Sports and it seemed to work pretty well. It was not cheap--$700--and I had it on the truck until I traded it. It did not yellow and seemed to protect the paint pretty well. I did the front bumper, the grill, a strip on the front of the hood and the back of the outside rear view mirrors.
Jay

 

[hunter99]

I have clear bra's on all 3 of my vehicles. There are a few things to know about it. Yes, it can get expensive to have ti put on. I have done some of it myself with good results but it really looks best when applied by a professional. That why it is really important to find an installed with stellar feedback. If done right it really blends in.

As for looking bad after several years it can. I just pay to have it removed and then replaced. If its just a normal car I remove it before I either sell it myself or trade it in. The paint looks amazing.

Another thing is don't buy the cheap stuff. I firmly believe in the 3M stuff as I have had great results with it and they invented it. That being said Lamix is also a great product too. Do not buy the cheap stuff. It isn't UV balanced so the paint will not fade evenly with the undone areas. Also, the cheaper films tend to start peeling up in areas along the edge where the good films usually look like new. The last thing to know if you can take care of the film the same as your paint.

Anyway, the smart thing to do is what you are here and ask a lot of questions and read up a ton on it. Good Luck

 

[TheDonVon]

Pull Ya & Hunter99 thanks for the great input. Did you guys ever get wax buildup or dirt build up along the edges of the film? I got a price from a local shop to clear bra the truck and tint my front windows for $750. Seems like a pretty good deal.

Has anyone had an experience with the 3m Paint Defender kit? Seems like it takes some time to apply properly, but with patience i think it can be done no problem. The kit is only 45 bucks, plus im sure you would need a couple extra cans of spray. so all together it would cost about $100. Not sure if its a solid product though or if i would be wasting my time. time is money.

 

[kkreit01]

I think one could probably respray a bumper 5 years from now for less than $750. I guess if I drove a lot of gravel roads, I would consider this.

 

[Pull Ya]

If you wax across the edge of the clear bra you might get a wax build up but if you don't wax across it you shouldn't have any problem. Even if you get a small build up you should be able to remove it with a toothbrush. I don't know anything about the 3M kit.
Jay