post PPF treatment, Cquartz vs ?

[Mike02z]

I had PPF on the front end and I put CQuartz on top. If you have ever worked with CQuartz, check one of the used suede application cloths after 24 hours. It's as hard as a rock. I like having that level of protection from bird poop, acid rain etc.

While it won't prevent chips, like a PPF, it puts a hard shield on your paint that will last up to 2 years (3 if you have a garage queen). I think I paid 85 bucks for the 50ml bottle and the "reload" spray. Well worth the 85 bucks.

Like everything else in car care, the prep is the key. Using a clay bar and a paint correction compound with a D/A is mandatory. I just spent 4 hours doing the hood of a new Jetta last week. It was Black and the dealer screwed it up horribly during PDI. It came out pretty well. I then had it wrapped with PPF and will be doing the CQuartz later this week.

Here's what 4 hours with a D/A and a paint correction compound can do. This is post paint correction. There is no PPF, Wax or sealant on this.

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[Tomster]

I had PPF on the front end and I put CQuartz on top. If you have ever worked with CQuartz, check one of the used suede application cloths after 24 hours. It's as hard as a rock. I like having that level of protection from bird poop, acid rain etc.

While it won't prevent chips, like a PPF, it puts a hard shield on your paint that will last up to 2 years (3 if you have a garage queen). I think I paid 85 bucks for the 50ml bottle and the "reload" spray. Well worth the 85 bucks.

Like everything else in car care, the prep is the key. Using a clay bar and a paint correction compound with a D/A is mandatory. I just spent 4 hours doing the hood of a new Jetta last week. It was Black and the dealer screwed it up horribly during PDI. It came out pretty well. I then had it wrapped with PPF and will be doing the CQuartz later this week.

Here's what 4 hours with a D/A and a paint correction compound can do. This is post paint correction. There is no PPF, Wax or sealant on this.

Mike, you need to fire your electrician. Nice work on the paint correction however.

 

[EF300]

Mike, you need to fire your electrician. Nice work on the paint correction however.

HAHAH thats some funny shit lol

 

[AirBusPilot]

I have high quality ppf on mine, nose, half hood, lower doors and front of rear quarters. Nearly invisible and it's doing its job. But I personally don't feel like adding a special coating, too. The paint on mine is actuallly excellent. Got lucky, I guess.

 

[Mike02z]

Mike, you need to fire your electrician.

LOL! Yes, that has not been a top priority for me but I knew when I took it that I would get those comments. Should have known it would be you, Tom :cheers:

 

[Tomster]

LOL! Yes, that has not been a top priority for me but I knew when I took it that I would get those comments. Should have known it would be you, Tom :cheers:

I was a former IBEW journeyman electrician. Then one day I was stupid and took a flying lesson. :doh:

 

[snaproll]

I hear you. I just "drove the car" with my last 350 and even with track tape all over, stuff still got through during HPDE's. Pitting in windshield, paint, etc.

I priced out partial PPF to the areas that needed it and that brought it within "close enough" to just do the whole damn car.

Sure, slam it into the wall at turn (whatever) and the track insurance will certainly cover my 25k GT350R mustang, however track insurance will not cover the diminished value when the car looks like it was flown through a volcanic ash cloud.

5 k is worth it to me, especially since I got the car for almost MSRP.

Carpe diem, omni omni VOR, and happy new year,

No regrets

Damnit! I forgot The windshield! You just cost me another $200!

All I say is somewhat tongue in cheek. I too bought at $70k mustang. I come here for thereapy. And validation. It's all crazy brother.

And really I just hope my broad experience applying Radome boots and leading edge condoms translates into clear bra skills. Maybe I quit flying and become the local clear bra guy? :cheers:

 

[Tomster]

Damnit! I forgot The windshield! You just cost me another $200!

All I say is somewhat tongue in cheek. I too bought at $70k mustang. I come here for thereapy. And validation. It's all crazy brother.

And really I just hope my broad experience applying Radome boots and leading edge condoms translates into clear bra skills. Maybe I quit flying and become the local clear bra guy? :cheers:

I hear ya. Please post your results. I'm a pretty handy guy that can do just about anything, but one thing I have learned is that people who specialize in something like this know a heck of a lot about this more than me.

 

[snaproll]

I hear ya. Please post your results. I'm a pretty handy guy that can do just about anything, but one thing I have learned is that people who specialize in something like this know a heck of a lot about this more than me.

[ame]

At least it's starting out good! This Xpel stuff goes on nice. If I can do it in the dark in a thunderstorm, it ain't that hard! More later ...

 

[Tomster]

At least it's starting out good! This Xpel stuff goes on nice. If I can do it in the dark in a thunderstorm, it ain't that hard! More later ...

Yea!!

I had the whole car done and the roof wrapped black. I'm thinking I may put an xpel sheet over the roof wrap myself.

I'm anxious to see your result!

 

[Minn19]

At least it's starting out good! This Xpel stuff goes on nice. If I can do it in the dark in a thunderstorm, it ain't that hard! More later ...

So you are doing it outside in the wind and rain where a bunch of contaminates can get stuck under the film? :shrug:

My installer wouldn't even take my car outside after prepping it on a nice day for fear of just that.

Seriously with no sarcasm imreally do hope it turns out ok.

 

[snaproll]

So you are doing it outside in the wind and rain where a bunch of contaminates can get stuck under the film? :shrug:

My installer wouldn't even take my car outside after prepping it on a nice day for fear of just that.

Seriously with no sarcasm imreally do hope it turns out ok.

Shit happens. Remember, rain water is distilled water.

 

[Minn19]

Shit happens. Remember, rain water is distilled water.

I think the rain would be the least of my worries in that setup. ;)

 

[snaproll]

Two full days later I finished my install. Also got the splitter on and a couple Ford racing catch cans.

I bought the xpel product to apply to the film and cquartz to do the rest of the car. I expect to have another day in the paint coating. Then I'll take some good pics and it will be all downhill from there :cheers: I will say that front bumper is no joke to get on the car. All in all, I have learned that the install pros earn it when doing this work! It takes artistry. I'm pretty happy with my DIY result but I do have some minor experience. 15 minutes to do the A pillars and about a 10" strip on roof but all damn day to do the bumper and surrounding parts. I have a few minor flaws but none that will motivate me to redo anything. One day in the sun has resolved much of the little fluid pockets. I was going nuts on a couple dirty fingers when I realized they were the factory install bits on the wheel arch. Anyway, my driveway install is just proof that, like any hot rodding, some prep and trial and error can get a job done. Next one of these jobs is going to "clear bra George" down the street. My back hurts! PM me if you want more info.

 

[Minn19]

Congrats on the install and sweet looking car!

And thank you for making me feel better about paying to get mine done. That sounded like it really sucked to do and would've probably taken me twice the amount of time.

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