Hi everyone,<br>I have a question regarding the paint issue mentioned in skookumsoft in message #7208 about the paint. I wonder if anyone can note the options for protection of the paint, especially on the front end. Forinstance, a front end mask, a good reliable hard wax, or anything else? I recall seeing a message either here or on groups that talked about a clear cover similar to the mask but is has a "sticky" back inwhich you use it to adhere to the paint surfaces. Not being familliar with new car issues I would like some information if possible.<br>Thanks

I highly recommend: <a href=http://www.xpel.com/ target=new>http://www.xpel.com/</a><br><br>p

the vinyl masks provide EXCELLENT protection but you'll need to wax heavily(underneath) to start and remove frequently to wash. They allow water and dirt to collect and sit longer than it should.

I did not see a listing for the Prius on xpel.com. Did you purchase a paint kit for another Toyota car and modify it?

Try looking about half way down this page:<br><br><a href=http://www.xpel.com/paint/product.asp?make=Toyota target=new>http://www.xpel.com/paint/product.asp?make=Toyota</a><br><br>2 Prius kits listed. One for bumper. One for hood. They also list, on another part of their site, one for headlights. I have the hood and headlights kits installed.

Re: xpel.com product<br>How do you like it? Is it something you have to remove or do you leave it on? I've looked at the products (I had an interest in the headlight kit) but I do wonder about the effects on the paint (discoloration/cold weather and the like). If you have any information on it and how long you've had it I would appreciate it.<br>Thanks

I had it installed at the first of the year. After only 2 months of driving in N.TX, I had over a dozen small paint chips out of the nose of the hood.<br><br>I got the hood kit for XMas, and added the light kit on my own. Then took both kits to Artech Window Tinting and had them do the professional installation at the same time as the window tinting (the product is only completely warranteed if it is professionally installed).<br><br>While it is removeable, it is not subsequently reinstallable, so you just leave it on. When the car is clean, you have to be within about 15 feet of the car to even notice that it is there. When the car is dirty, extra dirt tends to "pile up" on the top edge of the film, making it a little more apparent, but still a pretty subtle transition.<br><br>Since the film is designed to be optically neutral, it should have no long-term affect on the paint color. Unlike an opaque bra, you won't get a difference in paint fade between the covered and uncovered areas. Best of all, I have 0 (zero, nil, nada, zilch) additional paint chips on the hood since having it installed. I am regretting now not spending the money for the bumper kit, as it is getting pretty beaten up pretty quickly (thank you gravel trucks).<br><br>Expect to pay as much for film installation as for the film itself (I got a small discount as I was having 2 kits + window tinting all done at the same time).<br><br>p

Thanks for that info...<br><br>Now, I am going to have it done this Saturday for $660 (hood, bumper, headlamps) installed professionally. If I had my last car for 15 years and original paint job..but with stone chips..now is the time to do it.<br><br>Since I saw some of it applied from the factory on the rear doors..I figure It is approved by Toyota.

Did you order the kits from expel? Did they come to you or directly to the installer? And how long will installation take? I do not have an authorized installer in my area. I'm curious if I could get the installation done during a weekend trip to the Bay area.

I ordered the kits directly from XPel. Installation took about 2 hours for all windows plus the two kits. I did make an appointment in advance so that I could be sure to minimize the queueing time.

One other question. How soon can you get it applied? I have thought about getting it done within a week of the Prius arrival. I have seen (but I don't recall which site-groups or club) about the paint being somewhat of an issue(?) and washing the car within a certain time period (?). So since I'm in a northern region I'm looking to time it.<br><br>Thanks

I know of no time restrictions or considerations. If I had it to do over again, I would have had it installed prior to the first chip...<br><br>p

Sorry to be a dunce, but are you saying you don't have any paint chipping problem?<br><br>Nancy