Q:I just finished reading a different post which brings a question to my mind that Ive thought about but never got around to asking. Im pretty new to PPF but I have been trained and installing for a few months now. I have good days and bad days but the number of bads are shrinking. I havent gotten adventurous in my installs as of yet and I try to follow my training examples as closely as possible. I tack my centers are work each side out from there. Can someone give my some examples of when and why it is an advantage to work coast to coast? Ive wanted to "play" around with an install but Im usually running behind and quite honestly dont want to waste a kit or should I say another kit.

A: Coast to Coast is a technique that allows the user to take full advantage of the elasticity of the film. By performing a "coast to coast" method, you eliminate the stretching/silvering that could occur in the middle of the hood (yes this can be avoided as well by working with your slip properly), not to mention easier alignment and quicker installs. This method does not work for all pre-cut kits, that is why on my last post I said that it would depend on the design house and exactly how they designed the kit.

After this technique was played with some, I have noticed some are designing their kits around this method which is good, but then how does one know where to start and where to finish on some of the newer kits? Well, experimenting with each kit you install you will learn what works and what doesn't work (coast to coast). This is the only problem I could can see with this type of "switch" in design methods. If the design method is consistent (from the one you probably learned in training, starting from the middle and working to the first contour, etc etc) then you will not be lost, but when you start switching the design methods, the user (you) of the new kits will only learn after installing a few with trial and error. By experimenting though, you will find certain tricks/techniques that will allow for easier application and a quicker installation overall! thumb.gif For example, if you take the new 6 series and try a coast to coast installation you will find there is excess material present in the middle. If you start in the middle however, it fits fine.

The coast to coast method works very well on the following vehicles from my experience, if others see I have left a few out, please add to the list to help the others reading this topic so that they may expedite their installations and also have a better turn out!

350Z Hood
G35 Hood (both sedan and coupe)
Toyota Highlander
Lexus SC430 Hood
Honda Accord Hood
Sport Trac Hood
Porsche 911 Bumper (both Aero and Regular kit)
360 Modena Bumper
Tahoe Hood
Acura TL Hood


There are a few, but like I said, there are more and if anyone can add to the list, please do. Remember that there is always more than one way to skin a cat. What you learned in training has armed you with the basics of installation, again experiment a little (without damaging the kit) and you will find certain techniques here and there that work well. Happy Hunting