Wanted to hear opinions on protective film, experience with different brands ... Have a gen 1 Spyder again (4th time is the charm?) ... and trying to decide on the protective film or simply have it detailed and ceramic coated ... it is guards red with black interior ~ 38,000 miles

 

I've had Xpel paint protection film on the front of my Cayman and Mercedes SL the past six years and it's held up well on both with no apparent yellowing or hardening. These are both occasional-use, garage-kept cars though, so they aren't out in the elements daily. The SL is also ceramic coated and that has held up well for the same period of time, but of course gives no protection from road debris, etc. We seem to get a lot of kicked up road debris in my area, so I'm happy having PPF. Ideally, you'd do both, but that gets pretty pricey.

I will say, if you are planning any auto-x or track driving, PPF can save from a lot of rock chips and cone scuffs.

 

I removed the 8+ year old PPF on my Spyder a couple months ago and had Road Runner Protective Films apply Xpel to the front end of the car plus the rear quarter pieces. I live in the PNW and at times there is gravel on the road so I like have the protection. It's also a 13k mile original paint car and I like to keep things mint. Before I had the PPF applied I had my detail guy do a 3 stage polish, then PPF and then ceramic coating. Probably spent $5k for everything.

 

Steve - I've got the 3M PPF on mine and really like it. And a ceramic coat (3M product as wll) on top.

The water beads off it and I'm protected for stone chips on the front.

From my 991.1 Carrera T, this is why I get it. I just replace the frunk PPF with no damage to the paint.

P.s. 4th time Spyder owner? You've got ONE up on me!!!!

 

@Joel,
as a side note my Spyder history
2011 white with red (sold last I knew it was in Canada) spec'ed it and bought new
2011 red with black (sold went to CA) spec'ed it and bought new
2011 red with black bought it back from the CA owner
2011 red with black (sold went to CA I am in contact with the current owner)
2011 white with red (sold I believe it is in CA)
2011 red with black purchased from owner in TX

So if I recount it is actually my 5th Spyder having owned the same red car twice ... yes clearly I have a problem

 

ordering fresh seat belts and door pulls will then get her in for detailing / film / ceramic ... pictures to follow and a full list of the freshening up that was done

 

Congrats on the new Spyder! Another red one to boot!

I’d definitely say yes to PPF, its saved my Spyder from several rock chips. I also installed clearplex on the windshield and wouldn’t go without. I’m planning to install both on my 964 soon.

 

WHOA!!!! Right on!!!

P.s. And this being said, I'm feeling in a good place now with my 3rd. I may add an A/C'd coupe at some time but the Spyder I have, like yours, is as good as it gets for options and a keeper for the years and hills and canyons ahead.

Right, Afshin?

 

Appreciate all the input … thank you …

 

I have a "track pack" on my Guards Red Cayman R, which I had installed in 2023 (full front clip, side mirrors, lower rockers, in front and behind the rear wheels). The installer removed a partial front kit (front half of the hood, front half of fenders, front bumper) that had been on the car probably since new. No issues with removal. One tip - Porsche headlights have a clear UV laminate on them that is known for de-laminating. Don't PPF the headlights or it will come off when you remove/replace it. The best installers will wrap all the edges of the car's panels, so you cannot see the PPF at all.

 

Yes to PPF. The PPF has some give to it, so it will absorb the rock chips vs chipping the paint.

Also regarding headlights, it is true that you can pull the UV coating from them. I still choose to PPF them because you can wet sand, polish and then PPF the headlights again all while keeping your headlights free of rock chips.

 

This is great to know. My six-year-old full front Xpel with headlights, mirrors, and rear quarter panels is still malleable to the touch with a fingernail and looks perfect with no hardening or yellowing. A previous owner had it installed and I will try to get another few years of use from it. I think it probably helps that mine is an occasional-use, garaged car, as it was for previous caregivers.

Agree. I'm not too worried about the PPF on my headlights because refinishing must certainly be cheaper than replacement of Bi-Xenon active cornering lights at $1k-plus each.

With the current sky-high cost of quality paintwork, I think PFF is a reasonably cost-effective way of preserving our cars.