Xpel Film
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I installed the xpel film on my last car (335) and my current car (G35), and have already ordered it for the 4R. I, personally, will never own another new car without some brand of "clear bra."
That being said, IMO xpel or the ventureshield are the two best films on the market. However, unless you have a LOT of skill, this isn't something you can do in the garage. The 4R doesn't look "too bad," but my friend/installer said my G35 was the hardest car he's ever done due to the curves of the front bumper.
I ordered the following for the 4R:
My 335's front bumper looked pristine, even after 2.5 years of ownership. My G (just made 2 years old) looks the same. I would recommend you install it as soon as possible, before you get any rock chips or other blemishes.
Fuzzylogic
New member
San Man,
Where did you order it? Who typically installs them?
Thanks.
Where did you order it? Who typically installs them?
Thanks.
A friend of mine who tints also installs the xpel film, which he orders from their website.
Again, be warned: he's done many of these installs and they typically take him half the day, depending on the car. My G took him the whole day lol
I'm sure you could find an installer in your respective city. Just be sure to ask to see a car being done or for referrals
Fuzzylogic
New member
Thanks for the info. I'll check around.
It looks like the material cost is about $400.
I'm sure your friend gave you a deal. But, what do you think the turn-key value is?
I don't really get a deal per se, but compared to other shops he's the cheapest and is a stickler for perfection.
You have to check the prices again. The bumper pic I posted is close to 500 by itself. Then you have to add on the hood/fender kit. After that, you get an idea of the $$ outlay you're looking at. Some people will say that for the price of the kit, you can respray the hood and bumper. While that may be true, (1) you can never get it to come out as good as from the factory, and (2) a respray decreases the value of the truck.
lowrange44
New member
I ordered a kit from InvisibleMask using 3M film. The accuracy of the template(s) they use to cut the film was near perfect. The price was much more affordable than other film dealers.
I took my time, but I was able to install the bumper, hood, fender, headlights, foglights, turnsignals, A-pillars, roof and door cup pieces over the course of a weekend.
The install took a lot of patience, but I was able to do it with the help of a friend. Neither of us had ever installed it before, but both of us are patient and detail oriented.
The cost to do the entire front end of my car myself from InvisibleMask was cheaper than having a pro do just the hood.
As for the film itself... I love it. I would never own another new car without having the film installed within the first couple of miles.
Some claim that the film is more trouble than its worth, but I think the protection is worth the added cost/hassle.
I took my time, but I was able to install the bumper, hood, fender, headlights, foglights, turnsignals, A-pillars, roof and door cup pieces over the course of a weekend.
The install took a lot of patience, but I was able to do it with the help of a friend. Neither of us had ever installed it before, but both of us are patient and detail oriented.
The cost to do the entire front end of my car myself from InvisibleMask was cheaper than having a pro do just the hood.
As for the film itself... I love it. I would never own another new car without having the film installed within the first couple of miles.
Some claim that the film is more trouble than its worth, but I think the protection is worth the added cost/hassle.
I just want to do the front facia (bumper area). Do I just need to order the "bumper kit"? I have never done anything like this but I think I can handle the bumber since the 4Runner has such a flat face
lowrange44
New member
Yes... The bumper kit is all that is needed for the lower portion of the front of the vehicle.
Believe it or not, the bumper was the hardest piece I did. The area around the fog lights required time to get it to lay flat with no wrinkles. Then there was a fair amount of stretching and smoothing in order to have the film make a smooth transition from the front of the bumper to the sides near the fender flares.
I don't want to intimidate you... But I just figured I'd share my experience. The hood was a piece of cake. As were the A-pillars and roof.
Watch the installation video and just be patient and don't panic. The film can be "worked" on the car for a fair amount of time before it really sets up.
Believe it or not, the bumper was the hardest piece I did. The area around the fog lights required time to get it to lay flat with no wrinkles. Then there was a fair amount of stretching and smoothing in order to have the film make a smooth transition from the front of the bumper to the sides near the fender flares.
I don't want to intimidate you... But I just figured I'd share my experience. The hood was a piece of cake. As were the A-pillars and roof.
Watch the installation video and just be patient and don't panic. The film can be "worked" on the car for a fair amount of time before it really sets up.
Xpel Dealers
Guys, sorry just getting back to this thread, wow, lot's of people took interest in this one! Anyway, a couple answers to questions I happen to have looked into.... (a) The factory film is made by 3M and (b) you can find Xpel dealers to do the install using their dealer search...here: Car Paint Protection Film Installer Locator - United States and Canada
Guys, sorry just getting back to this thread, wow, lot's of people took interest in this one! Anyway, a couple answers to questions I happen to have looked into.... (a) The factory film is made by 3M and (b) you can find Xpel dealers to do the install using their dealer search...here: Car Paint Protection Film Installer Locator - United States and Canada
Fuzzylogic
New member
OK...New issue. I'm interested in this product because of the love bugs in Florida (for those of you in other parts of the country, love bugs offer a special kind of paint damage...their bodies are full of acid, which burns through the clear coat and paint).
Anyway...I digress. Today, I saw a minivan with a clear film. The film was completely "spidered". Since we're in Florida, I assume it is a heat issue.
Hence, my question...how long will this product last in a very hot/subtropical environment? With this product negatively effect a black paint job?
I want the protection. But, if the risks are too high, I'd settle for a vinyl bra for May and September (love bug season).
Other bugs (Mosquitos) are no big deal. But, love bugs can destroy your paint in 24 hours if not wasked off.
