Ceramic Coating/Clear Vinyl Wrap

[gat0r]

I just did a ceramic coating from McKees 37 on mine myself and it was a very easy process if you are familiar with auto detailing and waxing. My 2015 Yukon had clear coat failure on the roof from living outside in the Florida sun and I think the ceramic will make it easier for me to keep it up since it is a 3 year coating with proper maintenance / washing.

I have xpel film on another car and it is clouding after 3 years. Still looks ok but I would expect about that long from it. If you drive on the highway a lot it will protect from chips; but, may not be worth the cost over 10 years if you have to keep reapplying every 3-4 years.

pretty sure its just failure on GMs part in paint/prep part of manufacturing process.
lots of rides in this platform are all having similar issue w/ roof & hood
feels smooth but looks like ****. between multiple forums, i've seen pics of over 40 people w/ same issue & more that have complained about it.

vinyl wrap is good cover to it outside of repainting it

 

[91RS]

I have xpel film on another car and it is clouding after 3 years. Still looks ok but I would expect about that long from it. If you drive on the highway a lot it will protect from chips; but, may not be worth the cost over 10 years if you have to keep reapplying every 3-4 years.

That's odd since so many people claim Xpel to be the best. I have Suntek on my SS and it still looks like new after 4 years. Just had 3M done on my Escalade after I replaced the bumper and grille.

 

[scott53]

I've been a car guy for over 50 years. I like all of my vehicles to look good. I'm considering Xpel and/or ceramic coat for my 2021 Tahoe in Cherry Red Tintcoat. I received a price of $504 to apply Xpel film to just the front bumper. I had film on my 2004 TrailBlazer, 2010 Camaro and 2014 Corvette and was very pleased with the protection from rock chips. In the past washing and waxing my vehicles was relaxation for me. Now with aging causing a bad shoulder and arthritic back, I can no longer do those things. Actually I can, but the pain aftewards is not worth it. I received a quote this week of $1115 for paint correct, 5 year ceramic coat of entire vehicle and face of wheels. I've schedueld the ceramic coat and I'm still thinking about the Xpel as we don't much highway driving anymore and stone chips may not be as big a deal as they once were. In the Spring I plan to have my Camaro SS ceramic coated too. A friend had his Bullitt Mustang and His F-150 done and both look awesome!

 

[Steve1081]

pretty sure its just failure on GMs part in paint/prep part of manufacturing process.
lots of rides in this platform are all having similar issue w/ roof & hood
feels smooth but looks like ****. between multiple forums, i've seen pics of over 40 people w/ same issue & more that have complained about it.

vinyl wrap is good cover to it outside of repainting it

My dealer agreed to split
The cost to repaint the hood and roof... cost me $900 and they did a pretty bad job on the color match... but it still looked way better than the failing clear coat. I still think more frequent waxing / protection on my part and it may have lasted longer... but definitely failed prematurely... it is a general trend in paint with environmtal regs... the clear coats don’t last like they used to.

 

[Steve1081]

That's odd since so many people claim Xpel to be the best. I have Suntek on my SS and it still looks like new after 4 years. Just had 3M done on my Escalade after I replaced the bumper and grille.

Correction I actually have Llumar PPF... they recommended that over xpel at the time. Perhaps xpel is better.

 

[91RS]

I've been a car guy for over 50 years. I like all of my vehicles to look good. I'm considering Xpel and/or ceramic coat for my 2021 Tahoe in Cherry Red Tintcoat. I received a price of $504 to apply Xpel film to just the front bumper. I had film on my 2004 TrailBlazer, 2010 Camaro and 2014 Corvette and was very pleased with the protection from rock chips. In the past washing and waxing my vehicles was relaxation for me. Now with aging causing a bad shoulder and arthritic back, I can no longer do those things. Actually I can, but the pain aftewards is not worth it. I received a quote this week of $1115 for paint correct, 5 year ceramic coat of entire vehicle and face of wheels. I've schedueld the ceramic coat and I'm still thinking about the Xpel as we don't much highway driving anymore and stone chips may not be as big a deal as they once were. In the Spring I plan to have my Camaro SS ceramic coated too. A friend had his Bullitt Mustang and His F-150 done and both look awesome!

For $500, I'd do the clear bra if you're planning to keep this truck for a while. A new bumper and repaint will cost way more than that.

 

[scott53]

Good point 91RS. I do usually keep my vehicles for 7-8 years. I appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.

 

[mb1500]

Depends on pricing , vehicle in question, and your needs. People paying 3-4K for ceramic is insane IMO but if you run it through the car wash multiple times a week than you almost don’t have a choice because if not the paint is going to be BEAT with that ritual.

If you hand wash only than I don’t see the value in expensive ceramic. Affordable shop or DIY sure why not. Clearbras are definitely worth it but you’ve got to get them on early and done properly. Plastic bumpers aren’t bad but painted steel like F150 look like trash after a few years when the rust starts showing through everywhere it has been peppered.

These trucks hold value pretty well so spending a little bit of money to make sure the appearance is good for the length of your ownership is justified IMO. If you’ve got a lease or don’t stay in a vehicle more than 2-3 years than I wouldn’t bother.