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Paint Protection and tinting

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Hello All,

I am a new owner of a Tesla model X. I have seen quite a few videos on youtube about ceramic coatings and clear bra's for the front of the car. I guess my question is, is this worth the cost? Is the Tesla paint susceptible to damage more so than other car paints?

I live in the Jacksonville Area of Florida. Does anyone know of a shop that has experience in window tinting and the protection for the paint. I looking for recommendations on the shops that can do these (tinting and protection) and the onions of current Tesla owners.

Thanks

Doug
 
Auto Paint Guard and Presidential Auto Detailing in Tampa did my Model X. Paint correction, Full front Suntek PPF install, and Ceramic coating. They did a great job and are one of the vendors advertising on this website. They needed 2 full days to do it. I did my tint with a local vendor that is great but I'm in Palm Beach so that doesn't help you.

First Impression is the other vendor that advertises on here and based on their before/after pics they do an amazing job as well. They offer pickup/delivery which might be a deciding factor for you.

I know of a ton in Palm Beach now that I wasn't aware of before (wish I was) but that is even further for you. I found them via Instagram. These people don't typically advertise so you really need to do your research. My suggestion is to call around to local performance shops that cater to Supercars or Exotics (not muscle cars or imports) and ask them if they recommend anyone for paint correction and ceramic coating. If you find someone they likely have an Instagram page showing all their work. Once you follow them you start finding others in the area that do the same. It's a small community.
 
Auto Paint Guard and Presidential Auto Detailing in Tampa did my Model X. Paint correction, Full front Suntek PPF install, and Ceramic coating. They did a great job and are one of the vendors advertising on this website. They needed 2 full days to do it. I did my tint with a local vendor that is great but I'm in Palm Beach so that doesn't help you.

First Impression is the other vendor that advertises on here and based on their before/after pics they do an amazing job as well. They offer pickup/delivery which might be a deciding factor for you.

I know of a ton in Palm Beach now that I wasn't aware of before (wish I was) but that is even further for you. I found them via Instagram. These people don't typically advertise so you really need to do your research. My suggestion is to call around to local performance shops that cater to Supercars or Exotics (not muscle cars or imports) and ask them if they recommend anyone for paint correction and ceramic coating. If you find someone they likely have an Instagram page showing all their work. Once you follow them you start finding others in the area that do the same. It's a small community.

I'm also in the WPB area, and I'm looking into some options for paint protection for my Model S that will be delivered in a few weeks. Could you list any of the detailers you've found in the area?
 
For Palm Beach specifically I'd recommend Squeaky Pete's and The Film Authority. Squeaky Pete's does all the paint correction and coatings and he shares his bay with The Film Authority who does the PPF install. They are located in Wellington just behind the Wellington Mall.

Squeaky Pete's Home

Home | The Film Authority

Tell them Jason Ward recommended them. They're busy so don't expect to get right in and have a 1 day turnaround. Expect to give them your car for about 3-5 days.
 
I looked into this for my model S. I got a quote for front clear and xpel the vehicle. They wanted 5K for it and claimed it would last 10 years. I'm sorry but after 10 years if I daily drive my Tesla. I will spend a few more thousand and get it re-painted.
 
For Palm Beach specifically I'd recommend Squeaky Pete's and The Film Authority. Squeaky Pete's does all the paint correction and coatings and he shares his bay with The Film Authority who does the PPF install. They are located in Wellington just behind the Wellington Mall.

Squeaky Pete's Home

Home | The Film Authority

Tell them Jason Ward recommended them. They're busy so don't expect to get right in and have a 1 day turnaround. Expect to give them your car for about 3-5 days.

Jason definitely knows his stuff and would rely on any recommendation he makes.

For another option, check out ACE Custom Signs & Window Tinting. They did a great job on my car. Talk to John (561) 281-7325. Tell him Todd Stewart sent you. They are located right across the street from the WPB Telsa store.
 
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I looked into this for my model S. I got a quote for front clear and xpel the vehicle. They wanted 5K for it and claimed it would last 10 years. I'm sorry but after 10 years if I daily drive my Tesla. I will spend a few more thousand and get it re-painted.

For a factory quality paint job you're gonna spend more than $5k and you're gonna be going around for a few years with a car that looks like it needs a paint job unless you plan on repainting with every few nicks from road debris.

Front PPF coverage should cost you around $1500 to $2000. Full PPF wrap on car is around $5k. It's a crap ton of work if done right. If it's much more expensive than that it's overpriced and if it's much cheaper I'd question the quality of work.

Paint correction and ceramic coating fluctuates a great deal based on your paint condition. A 1 step correction and moderate quality ceramic coating should cost you about $1000-$1500. But if you need 2 or 3 step correction you're gonna pay more. And I've seen brand new cars off the truck that need major paint correction. No reputable paint correction specialist should quote you without inspecting your vehicle first.

Lasting 10yrs? That is a stretch. PPF will likely need replacing every 5-7yrs depending on install quality and material quality. If your meticulous like me and always garage kept 10yrs would be the exception and not the rule.

I can't tell you how many people ask me what is different about the paint on my car when they see it. They don't understand why mine looks so much "wetter" or "deeper" than any other Tesla they've seen. It really makes a difference.

Of course, if you just drive it and DGAF then just let it ride and save the money. To each their own. For me... we're on about day 10 or 12 of rain in South FL and it's making me mental that my Model S and Model X look like I live on a farm. I can't wait for some sunshine so I can wash my car!!!!

Disclaimer - I'm no expert but I've done a ton of research.
 
I'm also in the WPB area, and I'm looking into some options for paint protection for my Model S that will be delivered in a few weeks. Could you list any of the detailers you've found in the area?

I actually have my Model X at Squeaky Pete's this week getting some love. He mentioned that you spoke with him but were only considering front bumper PPF. If that is all that is in your budget then something is better than nothing.

Having said that, if you think your hood doesn't need it you are mistaken. My wife's Model S has no PPF and there are about a dozen solid nicks in her hood from road debris. I regret not wrapping hers. I wasn't really aware of all this when I got her car.

Bumper, hood, and mirrors are the most likely to get damaged. But I'd also wrap the qtr panels and rockers (since yours are painted) if it's in your budget.
 
I actually have my Model X at Squeaky Pete's this week getting some love. He mentioned that you spoke with him but were only considering front bumper PPF. If that is all that is in your budget then something is better than nothing.

Having said that, if you think your hood doesn't need it you are mistaken. My wife's Model S has no PPF and there are about a dozen solid nicks in her hood from road debris. I regret not wrapping hers. I wasn't really aware of all this when I got her car.

Bumper, hood, and mirrors are the most likely to get damaged. But I'd also wrap the qtr panels and rockers (since yours are painted) if it's in your budget.

I thought I recognized your car on his IG feed. Thanks for the advice. I agree. I don't know why he thought I only wanted the bumper, I told him at least the bumper, hood, mirrors, and rear bumper. Anyways, I've actually decided to go with a full stealth wrap. I saw some pictures of one done in blue, which is what I ordered, and it looks amazing.
I met Pete a couple of days ago, when I asked him to detail my dad's car that I had borrowed and he did an amazing job. You can tell he really cares about what he does, and is very knowledgeable. I feel lucky that I live so close to where he works. I highly recommend Squeaky Pete's to anyone in the area.
 
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I thought I recognized your car on his IG feed. Thanks for the advice. I agree. I don't know why he thought I only wanted the bumper, I told him at least the bumper, hood, mirrors, and rear bumper. Anyways, I've actually decided to go with a full stealth wrap. I saw some pictures of one done in blue, which is what I ordered, and it looks amazing.
I met Pete a couple of days ago, when I asked him to detail my dad's car that I had borrowed and he did an amazing job. You can tell he really cares about what he does, and is very knowledgeable. I feel lucky that I live so close to where he works. I highly recommend Squeaky Pete's to anyone in the area.

It may not have been you he was talking about. Might've been someone else how read this thread and contacted him. No worries.

Glad you had a good experience. Squeaky Pete's is top notch!
 
Here is the finished product.
 

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OP,
I got a full XPEL Ultimate wrap on my 3 two months ago, and already swear by it. The only downsides I can report are that dirt let's say from a wet road appears like a streak of cloudy watered down milk or something. This appearance is fine, it's just different from what my eyes are used to seeing when looking at dirty paint; and when removing bugs (let's say lovebugs, since you're from JAX) from the nose, my tried-and-true habit of using my fingernail on unwrapped paint DOES NOT WORK on film and will damage or tear the film. So it took me a few washings to get that habit out of my brain. Enjoy the peace of mind of the wrap, next time a dump truck full of sand pulls onto a crowded freeway right in front of you!