Xpel the whole car or just the front?

[Jericho]

I did the front of my c7 and it's been great, was wondering if I should do the whole car this time. Any opinions about this?

[the_sim]

I was thinking of putting xpel on the whole car but I will wrap the car instead. Much cheaper and should do the trick.

[MReid]

What was the cost for Expel and a whole car wrap?
Thanks

[Jericho]

Sorry, does wrap==non-clear film that changes the color of the car vs xpel which is essentially clear bra for the car? I paid 2k for the front of my c7 and was told the whole car would be around 4K about 4 years back. How much cheaper is a wrap?

[JB]

Ive heard from one of our forum members that he spent 5 grand wrapping the whole c7 back in 2014

[Steevo76]

Have used xpel and suntek on my last 4 cars. I have done full wrap on each. Xpel relased thicker product that I switched to last year. Does not change the color at all in my opinion. Covered black, dark red, gray and dark blue. Has saved me several times on track and parking/road debris dings. Down sides: should always hand wash. If you take to a car wash may catch an edge and pull off the film. Maybe paronoia as I know many people still take their cars through auto washes with film. Second is certain petroleum products may yellow or damage the film although I haven't had an issue over 7 years and 4 vehicles and still use some petroleum containing products. Usually use Plexus or Honda polish to finish after wash or for quick spot cleaning. Also the film may enhance small paint chips so make sure to apply it sooner than later. Have done 3 coupes and an SUV and all between 4 and 5 grand.

[the_sim]

I got a quote to do a partial xpel on my car and it was over $4k. I can get a wrap for $2-$4k for the whole car. It is not as thick but would protect the car against chips.

[gthal]

I got a quote to do a partial xpel on my car and it was over $4k. I can get a wrap for $2-$4k for the whole car. It is not as thick but would protect the car against chips.

There is a good video I'll try to find with a professional (Ammo NYC, IIRC) comparing a wrap and a film. The conclusion was the wrap provided way less protection to serious chips and dings. Better than nothing but not as good as a film. Their conclusion was choose a wrap for looks and a film for protection but don't choose a wrap hoping to get as much protection.

OP... I will put xpel on the entire car. My GT4 had full coverage and it saved me a number of times. The other BIG benefit is peace of mind... you completely stop worrying about the car (or at least I did). One of my kid's bikes fell into the GT4 and there was zero damage to the rear quarter panel where it hit. Without the film, it would have been SUPER bad. Had someone open their door into the car too... no damage at all. To me, the peace of mind is worth it.

[Inactive]

I did the front of my c7 and it's been great, was wondering if I should do the whole car this time. Any opinions about this?

We may be a bit bias but we vote wrap the whole thing.

That said, the most common protection option for Corvette is to wrap the entire front end and rocker panels. This includes the full hood, full front fenders, front bumper, mirrors, and headlights. Also includes the rocker panels and a piece behind the rear tire to protect that impact area as well. This package generally goes for $2500-2900 depending on the size of the material and the labor rates for that installer.

For a full wrap on a C8 you can expect anywhere from $5,750 - $8,750. This again will vary based on labor rates in your area.

[meyerweb]

The only place on my C7 I've gotten any chips is on the front valance, and there are some scratches on the factory plastic just ahead of the rear wheels. I'd do those two areas, and maybe the black "blades" on the side vents.

[jackfrostpdx]

Typically I don't even buy a case for my smart phones and it shows.

This C8 might get me to change my ways.

I must admit the prices for cosmetic enhancements like this are a bit of an adjustment to get used to.

[Klinn]

The only place on my C7 I've gotten any chips is on the front valance, and there are some scratches on the factory plastic just ahead of the rear wheels.

I get scuffs on the front air dam / fascia and lower sides from ricocheting orange pylons that I hit while autocrossing.

At the end of each racing season I dig out the clay bar and clean them up before winter. During the summer I just think of them as proudly earned battle scars.

[Meldoon]

For 8 Grand you could buy a C5 to beat the **** out of and save the C8.
$5750-$8750.........literally highway robbery! 😎

[khanmark]

The only place on my C7 I've gotten any chips is on the front valance, and there are some scratches on the factory plastic just ahead of the rear wheels. I'd do those two areas, and maybe the black "blades" on the side vents.

Did you also have the splash guards on your C7? I'm wondering as well if I need to xpel the rocker and rear panels since I ordered the splash guards for my C8.

[meyerweb]

Did you also have the splash guards on your C7? I'm wondering as well if I need to xpel the rocker and rear panels since I ordered the splash guards for my C8.

I do. They help, but when the front wheels turn they extend well past the guards, which are pretty small. The rockers seem fine, though, except right in front of the rear wheels. In the rear, the guards offer better protection since the rear wheels don't steer.

The production cars may come with a plastic protector in front of the rear wheels like the C7 does. We'll have to wait and see.