Anyone using a paint protection film on their Taco?

I installed a 8mil precut kit today from ebay. It didn't come with any sort of brand markings, but I'm pretty sure it's by the company Suntek(?).

Anyway, install took me all afternoon + evening. Back is sore as hell, hands are dried out from soapy water and alcohol.

Couldn't get a perfect install on the front bumper, but did OK on the hood and fenders.

I'm probably in the minority putting a clear film on a truck, but my last truck was in really great shape except for the front bumper and I always regretted not taking better care of it. Highway driving will pit the front of any car so easily, and it scares me that the Taco has such a large painted flat part on the front bumper.

I can post pics if anyone is interested but I'm just curious if anyone else has done theirs and if there have been any issues.

 

Could you post a link

 

Xpel also makes kits for vehicles. I have been thinking about trying one. Especially with their self healing product.

 

True.

One reason I like my base w/black bumper 'fleet looking' truck. For me it's a long term keeper, and that bumper will be quite easy to refinish, even if I do it with monstaliner

I like the look of the fancier front ends. Have thought about buying a (used) white bumper cover, different grill, etc to spiff up the look. Just can't bring myself to do it, for exactly the reason you state.

 

Here is the item I bought:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181600360326?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

how is this product holding up and can you post up some pics. im looking into getting some of this for my truck

 

For the most part, it's as good as the day I installed it. I have a slight suspicion that it is starting to discolor, but it could be my memory is just bad or the outside lighting was different at the time.

Now I do need to point out that my truck sits in covered indoor parking most of the time so the UV hasn't had a chance to test the film. I wash it probably twice a month after I go for a highway drive and get the front all bugged up. I also keep it regularly polished and waxed, so this will go towards longevity.

In terms of protection, I haven't noticed any spots where rocks or debris have punctured, so it is keeping the paint from getting chipped.

However, if you leave bug stains on it for long enough, they'll actually stain. I think butterflies (the colorful ones) are the biggest culprit. Since I have a white truck, the stains are pretty obvious, but you can either hit them with a mildly abrasive polish or use some isopropyl alcohol.

Here's a shot of the hood from about 4 feet away. See if you can find the edge of the film.


And now a closeup:

 

thanx for pictures I have super white color also and I am concerned with the front bumper area that picks up bugs/debris especially , I see that this kit is very reasonably priced compared to others and includes film for the headlights and door handles where other higher priced kits do not, also the kit states that its somewhat easy to remove if eventually gets yellowed or becomes dirty at the edges is a concern. I noticed on my truck in front of the rear wheels the factory applied film has become slightly yellowed and dirt around the edges this shows up more on the white color I think. if you can can you post up a picture of your front bumper and are there any tricks or methods you used when applying the film I have never done this before.

 

I use ceramic pro. Works wonderful.

 

where did you get it, did you apply it yourself?

 

What he said.

 

I had factory film on the hood and mirrors when I ordered my Tacoma. I then tried to put the whole bumper and from grill, etc. I don't have enough patience to do it. In the end I had a company do the whole front for 400. The kit I had was about 260.00. I'm going to sell the kit lol. I found its better to spend a little more for professionals to install it.

 

there are some other YOUTUBE vids on this stuff one says its a permanent application. I have never heard of anyone using or reviewing this product

 

Like the others have said, the curved areas are a real pain. I was able to get about 95% of my front bumper covered properly, but some of the corners are lifting up.

The thing about this film is that you can't really just.. make it stick if you don't apply it correctly. It has a springiness that is always there, so even if you can get it to conform to a surface, a week later it'll pop up.

If you just want it there for protection, go ahead and do it yourself and see how far you can go. If you want it to look 100%, pay a pro.

 

was reading another thread says to use an exacto knife to cut slits/wedges to make the film lay down better in the curve spots,theres a 3m video shows how to do it

 

I had a kit put on yesterday that covers the front bumper section and part of the hood and front fenders. It should do a good job on keeping the truck chip free and help with bugs messing up the paint. It's not perfect though, all those contours of the 2017/2016 make it hard to apply. I was left with some cuts that were not symmetrical and a few bubbles here and there. I'm kind of a perfectionist though so minor things bother me.

 

It's kind of hard to notice unless you're ocd like myself. I'm hoping the bubbles will resolve after it dries well.

 

what brand kit did you use, and did have it done by a shop? im concerned also with the front bumper with bugs and road junk more than anything, im a perfectionist too know what u mean

 

It was suntek and a shop did it. I'm assuming with all those contours of that bumper it would be hard to get perfect so I didn't press the issue. It cost me 650 for the front bumper kit and the front part of the hood and front fenders. They did the scoop down to the front. It was pretty expensive but I didn't want to mess with it myself and hopefully it will keep the front of my ride nice for years to come.

 

I had Xpel professionally installed and I'm very happy with it. Only downside is it's $$$. Everything lines up perfectly and on the hood they wrapped it over/around the edges.