Wrap question

[phydough]

How durable are wraps? As in, rock chips and sandblasting from tires on the doors and rear fenders.

 

[firematt422]

I don't have one on my truck, but my friend does on his Raptor. It will tear, but not very easily. Sandblasting (from offroading) isn't an issue. A rock might get it, but the same goes for paint.

The main issues to watch out for are to be careful with application. If you stretch it too far or overheat it, it will tear and over time it can crack in the sun if it's stretched too thin. Also, make sure you don't trim it off too short around the edges or it can peel up over time. Best off having someone who knows what they are doing install it and you should be fine.

 

[Gofastrob]

I'm 50/50 on installing mine. You may have just pushed me towards having it done.....

 

[Fred]

I'm 50/50 on installing mine. You may have just pushed me towards having it done.....

do it...

 

[bstoner59]

I like the idea. Think about sandblasting or any chips/tears in the wrap would have damaged the paint. It's a lot easier to replace a wrap on a panel than to repaint the same panel. Just an added layer of protection.

 

[firematt422]

I'm 50/50 on installing mine. You may have just pushed me towards having it done.....

I assume you mean doing it yourself? Tough call... Saves a LOT of money, but it took 6 of us about 8 hours to do my friend's. Raptors have some crazy curves, especially with his Boatec fenders.

Areas to look out for: fenders (obviously), the painted piece between the grille and the bumper, covering the area where the bed overlaps the back of the cab, and around the sunroof.

 

[Gofastrob]

Mine is hood only, I have to remove the factory wrap first. Then add the new wrap.

I may remove the old wrap myself and then have the wrap installed by a local shop...

Truly a 50/50 job then.

Rob

 

[firematt422]

Mine is hood only, I have to remove the factory wrap first. Then add the new wrap.

I may remove the old wrap myself and then have the wrap installed by a local shop...

Truly a 50/50 job then.

Rob

Removal might be tougher than install actually. I don't know how they put the factory one on.

Hood only shouldn't be too bad with a couple buddies. Go slow and watch for bubbles. Invest in a felt edge squeegee and a heat gun. Clean the area thoroughly. If you can feel it on the paint, you'll see it in the vinyl. It's just like putting a sticker on your window but about 100 times larger. The vinyl is pretty forgiving material and you won't have to stretch fit it much on the hood. If you get a crease or a bubble just pull it back up and try again. Sometimes the heat gun will kill a bubble, but don't count on it. Remember to remove your hood vents. You can do it. I believe in you.

Felt tip squeegee: Felt Edge Squeegee - Specialty Tools - Tools - Griot's Garage

 

[Gofastrob]

Damn peer pressure......

OK, just ordered the felt squeegee thing. Pics to be added in a few weeks.

First will add new fenders, then remove factory wrap, then get painted and have paint shop fade onto hood and doors for better match. Then, add the new wrap and post about wonderful success. ( or not post if it's a complete failure....)

 

[phydough]

What about the existing paint and body damage from sand and rocks, how does that affect application and durability?