DYI vinyl wrap protection; who'z done there own install?

[bcdave]

Who's done there own clear vinyl paint protection install; 24x60" on the hood & all front exposed to gravel chips.

Got the clear bra wrap on Amazon; looks doable by "self"; but there's always tricks; water with a dab of baby shampoo to float it?; clean wax off with dawn; spray rubbing alcohol + H2-O & soapy solution; position vinyl; peel backing; start squeegeeing out air / water mix; ...ok, looks easy so far ....but what to do when I get to funky ridges and curves; yipes!

will repositioning and heat gun do the rest? Yes I've been watching some training videos ...

experience / suggestions appreciated.

 

[Hepar]

I installed a clear bra on mine. A bit tedious but not too bad. My first suggestion would be to clean the area that's going to be covered thoroughly. Make sure to clay bar the whole area as well.

 

[bcdave]

I installed a clear bra on mine. A bit tedious but not too bad. My first suggestion would be to clean the area that's going to be covered thoroughly. Make sure to clay bar the whole area as well.

ok; got some experience now; cleaned with dove soapy solution followed by wiping down with rubbing alcohol to remove all grease / residue.
tedious, yes;
take your time;
warm garage or temps above 65F (16C) makes the vinyl easier to work with;
along with a heat gun (hair dryer) & small flexible squeegee / plastic ....
did headlights across the front and around a bit; did quite a lot of pressing / rubbing with fingers to get it to stick 45 mins on the first attempt; 20 mins on the second with ok results; I can see some small air bubbles that Ill have to go back to to pinprick and push out the rest of the air.
also got 2 lower signal / drive lights done and
some sections of the mid front bumper ... I'm leaving the bigger hood piece to when I'm feeling more experienced ... probably $50 in materials spent and invested 10 hrs in research / installing / ordering vinyl.

was quoted $750 to do the front end where it can get gravel chips at a boxing day holiday discount, am I ahead? maybe yes maybe no by the end.

 

[Hepar]

While I was ok doing it solo, I do feel a second set of hands would have been very helpful.

 

[YellowSnow]

*their*

 

[bsa70]

ok; got some experience now; cleaned with dove soapy solution followed by wiping down with rubbing alcohol to remove all grease / residue.
tedious, yes;
take your time;
warm garage or temps above 65F (16C) makes the vinyl easier to work with;
along with a heat gun (hair dryer) & small flexible squeegee / plastic ....
did headlights across the front and around a bit; did quite a lot of pressing / rubbing with fingers to get it to stick 45 mins on the first attempt; 20 mins on the second with ok results; I can see some small air bubbles that Ill have to go back to to pinprick and push out the rest of the air.
also got 2 lower signal / drive lights done and
some sections of the mid front bumper ... I'm leaving the bigger hood piece to when I'm feeling more experienced ... probably $50 in materials spent and invested 10 hrs in research / installing / ordering vinyl.

was quoted $750 to do the front end where it can get gravel chips at a boxing day holiday discount, am I ahead? maybe yes maybe no by the end.

For me, I'd rather pay for the professional job or just do with out it. Im ocd and adhd, those air bubbles would drive me nuts. I've got to have straight lines. No way could I pin prick them. But hey, thats me......

I bought an SR5 used and it had already been installed on mine. The prior owner must have paid for it when they bought the vehicle new. Very well done...