A Killer Croc - My Cayman GT4 Ownership Journal
08-26-2015, 11:40 PM
#77
Videos don't do it justice. Just insane in person 
So I've heard. I guess I'll have to make a quick decision on that as he does include that in his price. Almost wonder if it would be worth the risk to keep my headlights looking better for longer or if the Xpel will look worse after a couple years than the bare headlights...
I think I'm going to just hit up the car with a clay and light polish and any trouble spots (there is a front bumper scratch from the dealer) and then call it a day in hopes that I don't mess up his wrap prep.
We usually have good prices here in GA. Hopefully he doesn't get a call before I take my car in lol. I'm with you on the headlights...would rather wrap them if they will look better for longer.
I believe the installer I'm booked with said his patterns are modified to wrap the important edges. All sides of hood, fenders wrap into hood compartment, top of bumper wraps in. He does not wrap the back of the fenders as he says those edges will just lift over time.
So I've heard. I guess I'll have to make a quick decision on that as he does include that in his price. Almost wonder if it would be worth the risk to keep my headlights looking better for longer or if the Xpel will look worse after a couple years than the bare headlights...
I think I'm going to just hit up the car with a clay and light polish and any trouble spots (there is a front bumper scratch from the dealer) and then call it a day in hopes that I don't mess up his wrap prep.
We usually have good prices here in GA. Hopefully he doesn't get a call before I take my car in lol. I'm with you on the headlights...would rather wrap them if they will look better for longer.
I believe the installer I'm booked with said his patterns are modified to wrap the important edges. All sides of hood, fenders wrap into hood compartment, top of bumper wraps in. He does not wrap the back of the fenders as he says those edges will just lift over time.
I've had Xpel on my 2005 Boxster headlights for over 10 years now and no issues whatsoever, still look new.
08-27-2015, 11:25 PM
#78
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
OK, tonight's update:
I installed the the clear LED side markers (made an install video too). The installation is such a joke...I'm surprised they don't fall out of the bumper on the road. Please, please do not pay a dealer anything to do this. I noticed a weird defect on the top center of each clear lense. Looks like flashing from manufacturing or something. I checked online and notice Suncoast's part picture has that same defect. So either I got their defect demo pieces or they are all like this... I guess I can live with it.
Also, I cleaned the leather and treated it with Leather Master products. This is one of the best detailing products that actually works as promised. Leaves the leather with that factory matte finish. (No pics...it looks the same as new)..
Xpel install is scheduled for next week. After that I'll drive the car to 1,000 miles and do the break-in oil change.
You can see the defect on the top center. It is also present on the orange light but less noticeable.
I installed the the clear LED side markers (made an install video too). The installation is such a joke...I'm surprised they don't fall out of the bumper on the road. Please, please do not pay a dealer anything to do this. I noticed a weird defect on the top center of each clear lense. Looks like flashing from manufacturing or something. I checked online and notice Suncoast's part picture has that same defect. So either I got their defect demo pieces or they are all like this... I guess I can live with it.
Also, I cleaned the leather and treated it with Leather Master products. This is one of the best detailing products that actually works as promised. Leaves the leather with that factory matte finish. (No pics...it looks the same as new)..
Xpel install is scheduled for next week. After that I'll drive the car to 1,000 miles and do the break-in oil change.
You can see the defect on the top center. It is also present on the orange light but less noticeable.
08-27-2015, 11:59 PM
#79
OK, tonight's update:
I noticed a weird defect on the top center of each clear lense. Looks like flashing from manufacturing or something. I checked online and notice Suncoast's part picture has that same defect. So either I got their defect demo pieces or they are all like this... I guess I can live with it.
I noticed a weird defect on the top center of each clear lense. Looks like flashing from manufacturing or something. I checked online and notice Suncoast's part picture has that same defect. So either I got their defect demo pieces or they are all like this... I guess I can live with it.
I actually let our dealer do the install when I picked it up....no charge.
08-28-2015, 12:04 AM
#80
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
08-28-2015, 01:25 AM
#81
Race Director
A Killer Croc - My Cayman GT4 Ownership Journal
Very impressive write up, I'm relieved/happy that no mention of the very long the gearing was made… Do you still feel like you can row the gears on the road? Or do you just accept that second and third year are most of all you'll ever use?
08-28-2015, 10:38 PM
#82
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I've only driven the car home from the dealer so far with that first road trip. I am waiting to get the Xpel on before I do more driving.
08-29-2015, 03:25 AM
#83
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Cheers,
Mike
08-29-2015, 04:28 PM
#84
Looks like a standard plug - the trick is to use a good allen socket tool (like SnapOn or equivalent) and make sure it's fully seated before applying pressure, and the plug will last a long time. When I put the plug back, I am careful to snug it down but not overtighten - like 20-25 ft lbs or so.
Cheers,
Mike
Cheers,
Mike
Just take your time, make sure the allen head is all the way in before applying torque on the socket.
When installing I hand tighten first then torque.
08-30-2015, 12:29 PM
#85
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
So...I just realized that even with the leather interior option, my seat bottoms are synthetic and the uppers are real (there is a slight difference in the material to the touch and visually). I guess I didn't understand that from the configurator. I figured the leather upgrade removed the partial leather seating...
Might explain why the outer seat cushion bolster developed a cease on both seats from day 1...
Might explain why the outer seat cushion bolster developed a cease on both seats from day 1...
08-30-2015, 01:02 PM
#86
Rennlist Member
So...I just realized that even with the leather interior option, my seat bottoms are synthetic and the uppers are real (there is a slight difference in the material to the touch and visually). I guess I didn't understand that from the configurator. I figured the leather upgrade removed the partial leather seating...
Might explain why the outer seat cushion bolster developed a cease on both seats from day 1...
Might explain why the outer seat cushion bolster developed a cease on both seats from day 1...
Translation "Why, that sucks !"
08-30-2015, 04:01 PM
#87
Advanced
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Dubai
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Very interesting write up, thank you for doing that Accel.
Regarding Xpel, are you going to wrap the headlights? I remeber I read somewhere that it damages the uv protection layer and introduces some delamination.
I only did the front bumper, mirrors and door cups. These are the parts that took a lot of beating in my old car.
Thanks again and keep the impressions coming....
Regarding Xpel, are you going to wrap the headlights? I remeber I read somewhere that it damages the uv protection layer and introduces some delamination.
I only did the front bumper, mirrors and door cups. These are the parts that took a lot of beating in my old car.
Thanks again and keep the impressions coming....
08-30-2015, 10:10 PM
#88
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Very interesting write up, thank you for doing that Accel.
Regarding Xpel, are you going to wrap the headlights? I remeber I read somewhere that it damages the uv protection layer and introduces some delamination.
I only did the front bumper, mirrors and door cups. These are the parts that took a lot of beating in my old car.
Thanks again and keep the impressions coming....
Regarding Xpel, are you going to wrap the headlights? I remeber I read somewhere that it damages the uv protection layer and introduces some delamination.
I only did the front bumper, mirrors and door cups. These are the parts that took a lot of beating in my old car.
Thanks again and keep the impressions coming....
I think I am going to do the headlights. I figure if Xpel is really self healing perhaps the Xpel will look better longer than pitted headlights.
08-30-2015, 10:13 PM
#89
I also plan on covering the headlights.
Have had it on my Boxster for 10 years and they still look brand new.
08-30-2015, 10:15 PM
#90
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
So today I have been prepping for/starting some initial paint correction before I take it to get wrapped. Washed it twice, clayed, washed again. Fortunately, it does not need much correction. I fixed a pretty good scratch that came from the dealership on the front bumper but otherwise the paint looked pretty good so I'm just giving it a finishing polish and then I'll wax it for the trip to the Xpel guy. One thing that irked me was the taillights. Just with the one dealer wash they are pretty swirled up. I'm afraid to rub on them in case they have some sort of UV coating like the headlights are said to have.
