PhilDavid
Active Member
I agree with your sentiment, and this is why I researched PPF installers in the DC area for almost 6 months. The prices are all over the place. Some quotes are in the 5-digit range!
I consulted with the best installers I could find based on volume of installs, familiarity with Tesla vehicles, and reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp. I'm trying to save everyone else the hassle I went through by trying to setup the same offer I received for all the Tesla owners on this forum.
Prices are all over the place and even places that seem "nice" quickly become almost resentful after you ask a few specific questions and raise concerns such as ensuring they don't cut your paint while installing PPF. One place pretty much told me, oh that's why we get you to sign a disclaimer that we are not responsible if we cut your paint! I was like what?! You expect me to sign a disclaimer that absolves you from any damage you inflict on my car? I feel many of these places are used to dealing with customers who drop off they car, ask very few questions, and pay whatever is quoted.
At the end, we found a SunTek authorized PPF installer that emailed after our consultation to reiterate how they guarantee that they will not cut or otherwise damage the paint. They further said in the unlikely event they cause any damage, they will fix it without question. Plus the owner really seemed like a genuinely nice guy who cares about customers and patiently answered all my questions and concerns (I had a few!) without taking offense. When I told them I was concerned about my car in the parking lot, he promised it will be indoors in their shop from the time I drop it off to pick up. This is also the place that offered us a very reasonable quote as well. And the quote is not for some plotter cut pieces with edges showing but a full custom job with edges wrapped.
We are now finalizing the deal and will post the details soon.
BTW vinyl offers no protection and in fact could be even thinner and more vulnerable than paint. We'll post the details of the place after we get the first car wrapped so you may want to follow up with them for a no BS quote. Hopefully, the research we are doing now will help bring some sanity and clarity to anyone considering PPF for a reasonable fee.
Thanks so much for doing all the research!
When do you expect to have the group buy details finalized with the installer? I'll be down there for about a week for a conference and would love to get the car wrapped during that time.