TAC Tech => Exterior => Topic started by: Gene-73 on April 22, 2021, 04:04:39 PM
-
Anyone used a clear vinyl wrap like Expel for their rear wheel flares?
https://www.xpel.com/shop/paint-protection-film (https://www.xpel.com/shop/paint-protection-film)
Considering how this area typically gets a lot of rock chips, I'm thinking it's a good way to protect the paint.
My Corvette has a small clear piece of vinyl in this area so I thought it might make sense for the Firebird.
If you've done this, what brand vinyl did you use? Expel seems to be the best but not sure if that's just marketing.
Did you cover the whole flare or just the front?
Apply under the welting or up to it?
-
Funny my brand new paint has chips on the rear flares. I literally just touched them up.
I am about to do something like this. Probably cut my own.
-
It goes without saying that even the smallest mudflaps are going to do something, and it's the front wheels that throw stones up when cornering on the back flares. Rear mudflaps are mainly for other vehicles. I've collected several sets of flaps over the years from original GM that are quite large and obvious, to small removable types that are like a thin abs deflector sheet. No flares but had a couple of chips in door lower section from front wheels.
-
True.
I just can’t stomach the look of them.
Although, chips aren’t fun to look at either lol.
-
I used something like this. Worked great.
https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Paint-Protection-Bulk-25-inches/dp/B00B3IXSMA/ref=asc_df_B00B3IXSMA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312126224579&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5815774162486856083&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010783&hvtargid=pla-569046109371&psc=1
-
I ended up buying the XPEL brand film. I had seen a demo by someone local who took a wire brush to a sample panel covered with XPEL, then applied a heat gun to it (to simulate sitting in the sun) and the scratches completely healed up. It was pretty neat.
I discovered that you can buy it directly from XPEL by the foot in various widths. I purchased a roll 9 inches wide by 3 feet long for $25 but only used about 2 feet of it.
Here is the pattern I came up with. It only covers the front surface. I would include a photo of the wheel flare but the vinyl is virtually invisible. Very easy to install.
-
I bought the 3M from Amazon above have t installed it yet
-
That is a great idea! I will be painting my car at some point in the near future so i might do the same thing.
Keep me posted on the install.
Thanks
-
I would also post a picture with the 3M but as Gene mentioned, you can't see it.
Be sure you wait until the paint is fully cured. Hate to hear the paint came off with the vinyl in the future.