[JerseyM3]

Anyone ever attempt installing PPF themselves? I realize it's not of faint of heart but most of us seem to have no problem tearing into their cars to mod them, and since PPF can be removed why not give it a shot? Are there precut kits for specific cars? Interested if you've done it or tried and how it turned out.

Thanks!

[NSXR]

PPF is simply not something you want to DIY because it takes very specialized skills to do it right, unlike turning a wrench. The pre-cut kits to my knowledge won't give you the fold-over edges, which will cause you to see the line in the short term, and leave all of the un-PPF'd areas damaged in the end. I'd recommend against it, especially on a '25 M3C. This is one of those times IMO that you need to spend the money. If you're wanting to cut costs just choose the track-pack, which is all of the high-impact areas.

[JerseyM3]

Originally Posted by NSXR

PPF is simply not something you want to DIY because it takes very specialized skills to do it right, unlike turning a wrench. The pre-cut kits to my knowledge won't give you the fold-over edges, which will cause you to see the line in the short term, and leave all of the un-PPF'd areas damaged in the end. I'd recommend against it, especially on a '25 M3C. This is one of those times IMO that you need to spend the money. If you're wanting to cut costs just choose the track-pack, which is all of the high-impact areas.

I tend to agree with you. Two reasons/experiences.. one, I once attempted to install window tint on a daily beater car I had BITD when I lived in Queens NY. It was a 1995 GTI in lovely screaming bright yellow. The side windows came out ok. The back not so much. Second, I tried to install carpet in an apartment I lived in once. I'm a DIY guy at heart but after buying the carpet and padding, renting the kicker, I realized why people pay the install cost. My knees were tore up! Carpet looked like crap! Some things are best left to the pros.

But curious if anyone tried to install PPF. Just curious 🤔 😆

[egparson202]

I’m hoping to hear someone say: “I did it. It turned out great, and it wasn’t even that hard.” I think I’m gonna start with pre-cut headlight film as a test.

[NSXR]

Originally Posted by JerseyM3

I tend to agree with you. Two reasons/experiences.. one, I once attempted to install window tint on a daily beater car I had BITD when I lived in Queens NY. It was a 1995 GTI in lovely screaming bright yellow. The side windows came out ok. The back not so much. Second, I tried to install carpet in an apartment I lived in once. I'm a DIY guy at heart but after buying the carpet and padding, renting the kicker, I realized why people pay the install cost. My knees were tore up! Carpet looked like crap! Some things are best left to the pros.

But curious if anyone tried to install PPF. Just curious 🤔 😆

LOL

That's pretty gangsta with the carpet. Props to you!

[Dagstar]

I wouldn't attempt DIY PPF, aside from side mirrors and headlights, which I'm doing soon myself. I'm ok with messing up a foot or two worth of ppf and starting over, but not 7-8ft of it, for say, screwing up a bumper.

[erickonphoenix]

I agree it's a very special skillset compared to basic maintenance.

However, having witnessed a 22 yo kid do a auto to manual trans swap on his e46 BMW in one long weekend with no real mechanics background. Who can say you might not have some natural skill to pull it off, clearly you are motivated which is half the job.

[JerseyM3]

Originally Posted by NSXR

LOL

That's pretty gangsta with the carpet. Props to you!

Ha! Thanks. Brother never again! I mean I consider myself fairly knowledgeable when it comes to home reno. I've gutted two homes and did it all myself but will hire a carpet installer every time! 😆

[JerseyM3]

Originally Posted by egparson202

I’m hoping to hear someone say: “I did it. I turned out great, and it wasn’t even that hard.” I think I’m gonna start with pre-cut headlight film as a test.

Yes!!!

[JerseyM3]

Originally Posted by erickonphoenix

I agree it's a very special skillset compared to basic maintenance.

However, having witnessed a 22 yo kid do a auto to manual trans swap on his e46 BMW in one long weekend with no real mechanics background. Who can say you might not have some natural skill to pull it off, clearly you are motivated which is half the job.

True. For me I've graduated from YouTube U. So I've watched enough vids to see that 22 yo with the heat gun, spray bottle and smoother do it, why can't this 50 something yo seasoned man? 😆

[c1pher]

That’s like me wrapping Christmas presents. I leave that to the professionals (my wife in that case lol).

[Yuille36]

As for me, I would rather pay a professional to do it and have it done right the first time.

[JerseyM3]

Originally Posted by c1pher

That’s like me wrapping Christmas presents. I leave that to the professionals (my wife in that case lol).

That's true... and I deliberately destroy wrapping so the expert takes over in utter disgust. (It's MILLER TIME)

[JerseyM3]

Originally Posted by Yuille36

As for me, I would rather pay a professional to do it and have it done right the first time.

You might see a new post from me asking if anyone has removed PPF by themselves

[Yuille36]

I have seen PPF removed two different ways; using a steam gun and the other is pouring hot water directly on the PPF, then pulling up on the edges. The hot water and steam losing up the adhesive glue that bonds the PPF to the body part. When I had old PPF removed from my AMG, the installer charged me extra because they said that my PPF was very difficult to removed from the door edges and inside the door handle pockets. And I agreed, as that PPF was about 7 years old. All the new PPF lasts longer and much better then what I had on it. I want to have new PPF installed on the front quarter of my M3. That will cost about $1500

[Portimao Blue M440ix]

Originally Posted by JerseyM3

You might see a new post from me asking if anyone has removed PPF by themselves

Made me laugh.

[Force.One]

I did PPF for a living for a few years, any precut kit out there is only going to be 90-95% accurate. The tricks and knowing how to "read" the film are not something I would wish to learn with no experience on a brand new car. I'd say it took 2-3 months to understand it and even then it's always a learning experience, especially on new models. At the shop I worked at we would modify the templates available to us (Suntek software) to get proper coverage, roll over certain edges and removed certain pre-cut areas to make the install easier. Then it became a game of knife work to trim fitment along with the fun task of not cutting paint.
Personally, I would find a local shop known to do good work and spend the money. If you are dead set on giving it a go, start with headlights, rockers aren't too difficult and mirror caps are generally cut in 4-5 pieces each that aren't too bad. Front bumper is a whole different story...

[Hit_Apex]

I'm a guy who family and friends think can do anything mechanical in the garage, construction around the house, and solve problems with creative solutions in a high performance manner. PPF is a trade that takes honed skill, patience, understanding of film properties, how it behaves on varying shapes and conditions, dexterity and precision with a blade. It's one of those arts that takes numerous repetitions to achieve just a novice level. To get to master level takes years. This is who I go to for my PPF needs - his accolades puts this into perspective. With that said, you might beat the odds. Good luck to you - document and share please.
https://americanwrapco.com/about-tyler/

[whyzee125]

I unfortunately don’t have experience but I will say that in college, I tried tinting windows one time. Turned out absolutely hilariously bad.

I recently put lamin-x on a set of headlights and it was a piece of cake.

No idea where ppf falls in there lol

[JerseyM3]

Thanks everyone for the strong likelihood of talking me out of attempting to PPF my M3. DEFINITELY a honed craft. Was hoping someone or a few of you would have chimed in and said; pppff no BFD bro!! Get this kit or that kit and have at it! Nah. I'll stick to trying my luck again at installing carpet. 😆

[ZPD]

I did mine myself (mirrors forward). I initially used a precut kit, which didn't fit that well. For the hood, I used a roll and found it a bit easier.
Some errors:
1. The compound concave curves (like the air inlets on the front of the G87) had gaps and lift-offs in the root of the corner. I couldn't get the precut kit to stretch enough and stick in those areas. If I didn't use a precut kit, then it may have worked.
2. I didn't do a good job on the wrap around on the edges. I should have watched more videos on techniques there
3. I picked a terrible time to install it. It was easily over 100 degrees, and I was sweating. Sweat drops caused problems.

This was all acceptable to me because this is a track car and not a show car. If it were a show car, I might consider paying someone to do it for me. From 6' away, everything looks great. You have to get pretty close to see my mistakes.

[JerseyM3]

Originally Posted by ZPD

I did mine myself (mirrors forward). I initially used a precut kit, which didn't fit that well. For the hood, I used a roll and found it a bit easier.
Some errors:
1. The compound concave curves (like the air inlets on the front of the G87) had gaps and lift-offs in the root of the corner. I couldn't get the precut kit to stretch enough and stick in those areas. If I didn't use a precut kit, then it may have worked.
2. I didn't do a good job on the wrap around on the edges. I should have watched more videos on techniques there
3. I picked a terrible time to install it. It was easily over 100 degrees, and I was sweating. Sweat drops caused problems.

This was all acceptable to me because this is a track car and not a show car. If it were a show car, I might consider paying someone to do it for me. From 6' away, everything looks great. You have to get pretty close to see my mistakes.

Interesting.. did you do anymore other than the hood and mirrors? How long that all take you?