Ceramic Coating

[FredJ]

So I finally gave in and ordered an AT4 today. Red Quartz Tintcoat.  Although if I ever get to see a Carbon Black in person, soon, and fall in love with the colour, I'll change it. 

Anyway, my dealer is offering to apply a ceramic coating when the truck arrives in 10 weeks. 

I'm tempted to do it myself instead. When I bought my 2015 Challenger, I clay barred it and applied a ceramic coating that was highly recommended, and ended up with a gorgeous finish. The theory was the claybar would remove any contaminants from shipping, etc. 

I doubt that my dealer would go to the extent to claybar the truck before applying this ceramic coating. 

So I'm asking for opinions based on anyones experience. Have you done this yourself, or is the dealer likely going to do a superior job?

Probably a big difference here too is the AT4 will be a daily driver, workhorse, fun truck; while the Challenger is a bit of a garage queen. 

[superhighsierra]

Did my truck a few months back. Really if you want to do it right you should:

 

1)wash it

2) clay bar

3) polish it

4) wipe down with diluted iso-alchohol

5) wipe down with iron filings remover

6) wipe down again with alchohol

 

CarPro Quartz is $75, goes on very easily and so long as you time the second coat correctly, is easy to get great results. Best bang for your buck, combined with being easy to apply. 

 

To answer your question unless the dealer was doing it for free, I'd do it myself. Took me about 10 hours to do it. How much is ten hours of your time worth? Prep is everything IMO...

 

Hit it with CarPro Reload every 3-4 months and it will last a long time. 

[TheTicketTX]

I’d personally rather go protection film. Xpel Ultimate all day

[Kevin0311]

Adams polishes and do yourself so you know done to your liking is what i recommend. Add polishing to recomdations above to remove swirls and paint defects along with clay and alcohol wiping. I personally wouldnt let a dealer touch it except for pdi, dont know how much crap is in there washmitt.  

[Jim E]

Xpel/Clear Bra and a Ceramic coating.

 

I've been eyeing the Adams products myself for my wifes Terrain.  I've always been happy with their products, but haven't used any of their ceramic products yet.  I figure I will work our the process on her car.

[bobbobtar]

Did the last three vehicles with CarPro Quartz, patiently waiting for it to warm up so I can do the 2020 Silverado. I also use  CarPro Reload and it does make a difference.

[AEmedic]

On both of our new vehicles, 2019 Tahoe and a 2020 HC Silverado, we did Xpel PPF and their ceramic coating.  Honestly, do both, you will not be disappointed!

[FredJ]

Dealer wants to do a 3M application on the nose of the truck. I checked a display model out and it looked pretty good. I assume this is similar to Xpel PPF? If I did a ceramic application, I would only do the non coated paint. Or should I apply this over the plastic film too?

[GF7PE]

Dealer wants to do a 3M application on the nose of the truck. I checked a display model out and it looked pretty good. I assume this is similar to Xpel PPF? If I did a ceramic application, I would only do the non coated paint. Or should I apply this over the plastic film too?

I had xpel and ceramic pro done on my daily. Xpel on full front end and ceramic on whole car. Definitely worth coating the film. Next time I will put the film on the whole car for sure.

Truck will be coated with Adams when weather gets better.


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[kenny_r]

Clay, polish, ceramic coat, film, ceramic coat.....like a boss [emoji1421]

[Ranchonodinero]

Turtle wax ceramic spray. Easy and cheap!

[Kchampagne]

I did my truck this weekend with Adam's Polishes Ceramic Coating Kit. It came out awesome. Very happy with the result. Couple of tips:. Take your time, clean with microfiber towel and isopropyl alcohol, work in small sections, don't let it on too long (as soon as it rainbows, buff it off), use the UV flashlight to ensure coverage and overlap.  I got my kit on Amazon.  I am really impressed with Adam's products.  Great customer service too. Here's the kit I bought. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZDKLZ2F/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_B2c1Eb712Q7XH

[Kchampagne]

[99silveradoz71]

The effect of the Adam's spray on my wife's van is unreal.