Toyota’s TRD Pro trim was introduced for 2015 and has received small updates over the years to keep this off-road-focused model fresh. The owner of this new 4-Runner contacted us to discuss PPF (Paint Protection Film) options for this amazing SUV.
Out of a few options given, this client selected full body coverage which is really the best overall choice for maximum protection of your new vehicle! Our client chose to not protect the roof portion for the time being and may re-visit that at a later date. Installation would take 1 week, dates set, deposit given and we were ready to apply protection to this TRD Pro!
PPF Install Time!
The 4-Runner has quite a bit of unique angles and design aspects which greatly affect PPF installation. No worries as this vehicle was in great care! Furthermore, we opted to remove the hood scoop and mud flaps for a better overall installation on this vehicle. Removal of some parts helps with overall installation, reduces visible edges and at times some seams. Equally important is emblem removal and reinstall is also common with our installations.
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- Focusing on the details is what makes a PPF installation good or bad.
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- Focusing on getting the PPF in just the right spot!
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- Focusing on getting the PPF in just the right spot!
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- PPF alignment is of utmost importance to us.
Our Tried And True PPF Prep Process:
- All PH neutral cleaning supplies.
- 2 bucket wash system with grit guards.
- Chemical iron decontamination.
- Mechanical clay bar process.
- Panel prep alcohol solution on all panels and edges.
- All nooks and crannies blown out with high pressure air to remove hidden debris.
Wrapped Vs. Non Wrapped Edges
A well discussed installation topic on the internet concerns wrapped vs. non-wrapped edges. So which one is better? Well, the answer to that question depends on a few factors, some of which are vehicle specific. While wrapped edges are “preferred” by many because of the reduction of visible edges, on the contrary it’s not always feasible from a longevity viewpoint. To have a proper wrapped edge, the film which is thick by nature needs to have a full 180 degree turn to hold. Example: The top portion of a hood is flat, edge rolled and the bottom flat again. Film should wrap from flat to flat in order to hold long term. Ending the film on the rolled edge almost always ends in failure.
What to and not to wrap should be left up to your professional PPF installers discretion to achieve the best installation possible. If wrapped edges are a major concern of yours, we invite you to schedule an appointment to view our personal vehicle which showcases our work. An article of that vehicle can also be viewed HERE. Seams are a necessity for film application as well, however, where they’re placed can be minimized and well thought out. On this particular 4-Runner we limited 2 seams / 8 relief cuts on the rear outer bumper pieces by “bulking” them.
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- Even the areas less visible still get our highest attention.
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- Getting your vehicle elevated off the floor allows us to focus on each panel properly.
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- Many solutions are used during PPF application, rest assured these solutions will never touch your wheels.
Plotter Pattern or Bulk?
Patterns have increased 100 fold over the years with many technology improvements such as 3D scanning and verification processes. There are, at times, certain panels or parts that can be bulked to achieve less seams and / or relief cuts. This process can be noted on this particular installation of the outer upper rear bumper areas. These 2 areas included 1 giant seam on the hard outer angle as well as 4 relief cuts. We opted to use a bulking process to achieve zero seams and zero relief cuts. The only con to this process was that full coverage into the hatch area was not achievable. However with the hatch closed, no edge is seen and coverage is complete. It’s truly a pro / con situation in areas like this and the pros of no exterior seam or relief cuts greatly outweighed the 1 con.
Our Tried And True PPF Installation Process
- Patterns cut and prepped.
- Panels given and additional wipe down.
- Film applied to all panels.
- Edges that are to be wrapped are wrapped and tucked.
- Specific edges left to cure overnight prior to final wrapping.
- Vehicle remains inside climate controlled bay overnight.
- Remaining edges wrapped the next morning.
- All edges, necessary seams and relief cuts examined closely.
- All edges, seams and relief cuts heat sealed.
- Vehicle pulled outdoors for examination and remains for 1 hour minimum.
- Final inspection is performed and client notified vehicle is complete.
Our processes may seem lengthy to some, we believe strongly in them and stand behind the process to provide all clients with the absolute best installation possible. This 4-Runner exceeded our customers expectations as we’ve become known for highly detailed PPF installations. You can rest assured that you will receive the best installation possible no matter what vehicle you drive.
Pictures Are Worth 1,000 Words
Enough technical mumbo-jumbo, you’re here to see this installation which can be viewed with the photos below! Above all to say this 4-Runner is well protected now is an understatement, sporting full body coverage, this client now has absolutely nothing to worry about while driving their new vehicle on or off-road!
Ready To Start Your Project?
If you would like more information about this Toyota 4-Runner or the the SunTek Ultra Clear Bra we used on this project or any of the other products or services we offer, click HERE. If you have questions about automotive window tint or would like a quote or to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling (910) 742-0579 or email us at info@southernstyleztinting.com. We service the entire greater Wilmington, North Carolina area and look forward to serving you!