Q: HI,

I'm picking up a new car in Tulsa next week and driving back to Upstate NY. Given our winters, with all the salt and cinders on the road, I'd like to avoid the paint chips that inevitably show up. I write for a couple of auto mags and am wondering if installing a PPF kit by yourself is possible (I'd write a tech feature) or a distaster waiting to happen. Whose kits do you like? Will they survive our winters? Any opinions? I realize most of you are pros - I get questions like this all the time when I'm out working with $20k worth of photo gear hanging off my shoulders - but would appreciate candid opinions and not just flame jobs.

Thanks,

Tim

A: I'm curious, what kind of vehicle do you have?

A: Oops, probably could use that info. A 2003 Saab 9-3 Vector.

A: Tim-

I would strongly encourage you to have the product installed by an experienced individual in order to achieve the desired appearance you are looking for. I won't go into the problems of a 'do it yourselfer' as the list is too long. I have recommendations for two very good installers there in NY, great guys, great work and there information is listed below. Give both of them a call to see which one would be closer to where you live.

Q: Thanks for the #s. Both area codes are in the NY Metro area, four or so hours away.

What are a couple of the bigger problems? What would a ballpark be as far as cost for a job like mine? I'm trying to decide if there is a story here.

Thanks.

A: There is a story available Tim, but I"m afariad it wouldnt have a happy ending, YES it is possible for someone to self install, BUT it depends on the difficulty level of the car itself. Even on flat hoods, there are certain techniques that a novice just wouldnt know in order to achieve a result that a professional could. There are many variables, such as car color, temperature, amount of solution properly mixed, type of squeegee used and so on. If your picking up the car in Tulsa, see if you can have an installer there do it before the drive back. That way your protected for the trip back to NY.

A: Hi Tim:

Don't try this yourself.

A: Tim-

Depending how much coverage you are seeking (front package: Hood, Fenders, Mirrors, Bumper, Lights) would run up to $995. If you wanted more areas covered such as rocker panels, door edges, front roof, etc the more you cover the higher the price will run. I think Schmo touched on the installation issues that could have an impact as to the quality of the install.

A: Although most pre-cut kit mfg's will both suggest you have it installed and tell you that you can can do it yourself, I would say have it installed. While I have seen acceptable self installs, I would only suggest it as a last resort. If there is nobody anywhere near you then you are better off with a self install than no protection at all. It is tricky to install properly, but even if it does go on and look so-so it will do its job.

Did you ask the dealer in Tulsa if they could have one put on before you pick the car up? I thought there was a free hand wizard from OK. here, but maybe I am thinking about somebody else...

I don't think I would want to drive 1200-1300 high speed miles with a brand new car without PPF. The newer the paint the softer and more susceptible it is to chipping.

On a side note, who do you write for??

Best of luck!!

A: HI,

Most of my writing is for european car or Sport Compact Car. I started as a photographer, so photos show up in a number of places.

Turns out we going to need to make tracks if I'm to be back to coach my son's first hockey practices of the season. As I haven't officially purchased the car yet, I don't know if there will be time to have PPF installed. How long does something like that take? It is a 2003 so the paint is well cured.

Thanks.