Dark Grey Matte wrapped 2007 LTZ Tahoe

[Slurpglass]

So, I wrapped my 2007 LTZ Tahoe in the course of two weeks. The first week I wrapped a panel a day (Johnny Cash style) until there was just a bumper remaining. Then I took a few days off before tackling the dreaded front bumper. I managed to get it all done in a little under 40 hours (cleaning/prep/wrapping).

I’m quite pleased with the outcome. I did find some newer Chevy five-spoked factory wheels in gloss black on the local CL for the low too, so that was a nice addition as well.

For those wondering, yes, I did work for a reputable graphics shop here locally in Houston, TX so I do have “some” experience. [emoji854] thanks for looking!

 

[Tahoe14]

You did a great job.

 

[Rocket Man]

Wow awesome job. I only wish I had the skill for that.

 

[NathanJax]

looks good

 

[Hi-psi]

Looks great.

What was the approximate cost of materials?

 

[Slurpglass]

Looks great.

What was the approximate cost of materials?

I order the material (3m 1080) at cost just before I threw my two weeks in at the graphics shop. A full 25yd 60” roll is needed. I paid $525 for the roll.

 

[delightskinned1]

I was looking into doing this as I have some fading on the hood and light scratches from on the doors where the molding was. What do you have to do as far a preventive maintenance on the wrap to keep it clean or what kind of precautions as far as washing etc?... I live in the Dc area so I deal with salt in winter and yellow pollen in the spring where I used to have to wash it weekly to keep it clean after my 4th child I couldn't keep up with the waxing.

 

[07Burb]

Looks good! Now to do something about those hazy headlights

 

[Slurpglass]

Looks good! Now to do something about those hazy headlights

Lol! I had them polished by a detailer friend of mine like a year ago but didn’t upkeep them. One of the housing has broken mounts so they are getting replaced, along with the tails. Any good suggestions on aftermarket lights? I have a few in mind.


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[Slurpglass]

@delightskinned1


The main reason I wrapped it is because my passenger fender was repaired, but the shop did a horrible job of paint-matching it. The matte finish also toned down the 6 dents in the hood, and the handful on the exterior body. The matte finish doesn’t reflect light as much, so the dent reflections aren’t as visible anymore.

Probably just under 20hrs of the total 40hrs I spent on this project was the thorough cleaning (I live in Houston & work in Conroe, TX so I can relate with the mast amount of pollen). Remove as much as possible (to ensure a full wrap), and to remove any and all sand, dust, dirt, etc. Wrapping anything is just a fancy word for applying a giant sticker. Obviously if it’s dirty, shit won’t stick! So every weatherstripping was removed & cleaned, along with removing items like the handles, mirrors, rear wiper, roof rack, etc. to make the wrapping process easier.

Once the bulk of the dirt was off the vehicle every panel got cleaned with clay bar & 70% alcohol prior to vinyl installation. This ensures the best possible bound and finish.

As for maintaining it, treat it like a quality sticker. Obviously don’t use anything abrasive, as it will just scratch and or burn through the vinyl. Avoid mud, I say that because usually a pressure washer is used to clean the debris, but that also is super abrasive. So hand washes (foam cannon) and just quick detailer (Meguiar’s) in-between washes will be sufficient.



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