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Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:27 am
by lrp374
I just picked up my van from having the windows tinted. The guy also does rock chip protection via computer generated film cuts. Of course the Delica is not in his system but he is willing to make a template if enough people are interested .( He wanted to keep my keys - even after I paid for the tint ) He took a few measurements to get some idea of cost. Once he has the template made you could order direct and he can ship to anywhere.

The cost would be in the order of $ 200 for the kit and if you are in Kamloops he would do the install for under $ 100.

I have had this protection on my Dodge Ram and after 2 winters and numerous trips over the Coq and elsewhere in the winter ( likely 30 000 km plus ) only a few rocks have made it through to damage the paint. My Delica has already gone from 0 chips to many just since December - likely less than 1500 km.

His web site is http://www.autoprotectors.com/

Let me know if their is any interest . I plan on getting this done in the fall.

Larry

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 5:48 pm
by jessef
I'll take a set Larry.

I've seen the xpel film in person and it does it's job.

Can you ask him if he can do the headlight assemble template as well ?

That works the best. I had it on my subaru = no rock chips.

Thanks
Jesse

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 6:25 pm
by lrp374
He offered to do headlights as well but I didn't think anyone would want that protection

Larry

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 6:46 pm
by Green1
He offered to do headlights as well but I didn't think anyone would want that protection
considering that a rock chip destroyed one of mine on my drive home from the dealer... that's the most important part!

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:06 pm
by jwfchase
I'd be in, and I'm in the Loops.

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:57 pm
by Profister
You do not need to go that far to get it; Fine Line Signs in North Van (304 Harbour Ave) applied it to all 3 of my cars within the last 10 years.
http://www.finelinesigns.ca/

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:41 pm
by JMK
Can you apply it yourself and save money, or is it too hard to get it right? For example this seller in the UK sells it on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/3M-paint-protection- ... .m63.l1177

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:11 pm
by Profister
JMK, if you a perfectionist I would recommend going to a professional, especially when an application is large.
Believe me, I went through this.

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 1:03 pm
by lrp374
I talked the Auto Protectors today wrt headlight protection. They can cut a separate kit for the headlights alone. The cost would
be about $80 plus about $ 20 for install.

To clarify how these would work the guy would take measurements from my van and input to his computer. The cuts would be precise which should make the install easy. He will provide a sheet with the install procedures for those who wish to do their own. The headlights should be easy but as has been stated earlier the larger pieces for the front of the van could be harder and the last thing you want to do is screw-up.

At this point from what I can see the only options would be with or without the "4WD" on the front. The wipers and washers would be simple openings. The only other option would be for the square headlights and this kit would likely not fit.

Any other questions let me know.

Larry

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:33 pm
by Golf Cart
Erebus was in town a few weeks back ( Hi Fred ) and he had a film on his lights that he got from Napa.

A 3M product that was a good 3/16 inch thick. It came in a sheet and you cut to fit. He said it was about 15 bucks a sheet.

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 3:36 pm
by Green1
Golf Cart wrote:Erebus was in town a few weeks back ( Hi Fred ) and he had a film on his lights that he got from Napa.

A 3M product that was a good 3/16 inch thick. It came in a sheet and you cut to fit. He said it was about 15 bucks a sheet.
I have the same stuff on mine, I picked it up at Part-Source (I believe Erebus did too... I was his inspiration). I bought the largest size they sold, it was enough for both headlights, both front turn signal/running lights, both my new fog lights, and had some left over. Erebus also did his corner lights, but I think he may have bought a second sheet to do so, or he may have skipped the fog lights as he has covers for his... don't remember exactly.

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:23 pm
by Erebus
Yup it was Part Source. I bought 2 packs. One didn't quite cover everything. But then, I did headlights, corner lights, turn signal/parking lights, and fogs, and still have a few odd sized bits left over. You do have to take time, heat up the film with hair dryer before putting it on, so that it will stretch slightly to fit better. Also, make sure you really press it on hard, and let it "dry" for a while. Really makes a difference in adhesion.

Now I just have to do something about all the stone chips on the metal parts of the front, then get some film put on it. Or gravel-guard paint, or Rhinoline it.

EDIT: found the wrapping of the film: "Leader" is the brand. "Headlamp protector and repair" Green1 and I both got the "super size" ones, each package has two 8"x18" films. Part number 08018. http://www.leaderprotects.com/cat1_1.htm The price appears to be $50 a pack. But considering the Depo headlights are $300 a set, I think it is money well spent.

I found out how well it works this weekend offroading. I had the foglights on when I went through some water (video http://www.flickr.com/photos/fexlboi/3440721190/). That cracked the glass, but the film is holding it all together, still perfectly aligned. So right there I think it paid for itself, otherwise I'd be buying new lights. Memo to self: don't use the fogs while fording puddles.

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 11:19 pm
by starwagon
If I can get a new window for a $200 deductible, then can I get the roughly 1,000 rock chips and 2 right through fixed at the same time? I was thinking of getting some wrapping done with the same stuff they put on buses. I could write backwards "No I am on the, Right side!" or Yes, its really hard driving on the wrong side. I usually say "only when I'm drunk" That stops the question. Anyway thanks for the ideas, I am 2 headlights down and some serious acne on the bush bars too. Thanks again, Ross

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:27 pm
by jwfchase
lrp374 wrote:I talked the Auto Protectors today wrt headlight protection. They can cut a separate kit for the headlights alone. The cost would
be about $80 plus about $ 20 for install.

To clarify how these would work the guy would take measurements from my van and input to his computer. The cuts would be precise which should make the install easy. He will provide a sheet with the install procedures for those who wish to do their own. The headlights should be easy but as has been stated earlier the larger pieces for the front of the van could be harder and the last thing you want to do is screw-up.

At this point from what I can see the only options would be with or without the "4WD" on the front. The wipers and washers would be simple openings. The only other option would be for the square headlights and this kit would likely not fit.

Any other questions let me know.

Larry

Did you ever get anywhere with this?

Re: Rock Protection Film

Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 7:46 am
by lrp374
jwfchase:

I have let this slide until fall approaches or more people are interested. At this point it appears only 2 or 3 maybe interested. As the 2 of us are in Kamloops we should still be able to get it done. I'm not sure if he would bother to make a computer cut pattern for just the 2 of us when we are both local.PM me and we can arrange a time to discuss.


If others are interested in either the lights only, van front only or both let me know.


Larry