Front bumper protection

Haufski762 · March 12, 2024

Gents,

I noticed my 23 Trailboss is starting to accumulate rock chips. I called the local auto accessory shop and they quoted me 1100$ to fix the paint and install a clear bra on the bumper, hood, and mirrors.

Are there any cheaper options? I was interested in finding a clean bra that I could install myself.

ember1205 · March 12, 2024

That actually doesn't sound all that high of a cost...

In order to install PPF, the paint surface needs to be pretty much perfectly smooth. Rock chips have to be either properly filled and leveled or the front end needs to be re-painted and re-cleared. The biggest thing I would be concerned about is that the paint / clear work needs to be done, allowed to fully cure, and THEN the PPF can be installed. I've personally had issues with paint work where the clear doesn't properly take, especially if the panel or part is not fully removed from the vehicle, and it needs to be re-done within a few weeks or so. If there's already PPF on there, that's not a repair I would be happy to have done.

Have you considered Dr. Colorchip and do the rock chip repair yourself? I've used it on my Camaro and it does a really good job overall. Color match is absolutely perfect, but I don't know that it would hold up under PPF.

Haufski762 · March 12, 2024

9 hours ago, ember1205 said:

That actually doesn't sound all that high of a cost...

In order to install PPF, the paint surface needs to be pretty much perfectly smooth. Rock chips have to be either properly filled and leveled or the front end needs to be re-painted and re-cleared. The biggest thing I would be concerned about is that the paint / clear work needs to be done, allowed to fully cure, and THEN the PPF can be installed. I've personally had issues with paint work where the clear doesn't properly take, especially if the panel or part is not fully removed from the vehicle, and it needs to be re-done within a few weeks or so. If there's already PPF on there, that's not a repair I would be happy to have done.

Have you considered Dr. Colorchip and do the rock chip repair yourself? I've used it on my Camaro and it does a really good job overall. Color match is absolutely perfect, but I don't know that it would hold up under PPF.

I am open to any option to help protect the bumper. I will have to look up that Dr. Colorchip product.

Haufski762 · March 12, 2024

I just looked up that product. I thought it was a protectant. I have the factory touchup pens and I will use those for touchup but I still want to protect the bumper.

ember1205 · March 13, 2024

13 hours ago, Haufski762 said:

I just looked up that product. I thought it was a protectant. I have the factory touchup pens and I will use those for touchup but I still want to protect the bumper.

Yeah, it's a touch-up paint. Immensely better than anything else out there, including the GM touch-up options.

dieselfan1 · March 13, 2024

Quit tailgating.

Where do you think the rocks come from?

Haufski762 · March 13, 2024

7 hours ago, dieselfan1 said:

Quit tailgating.

Where do you think the rocks come from?

Oh is that where they come from?

It's called Montana in the winter. No matter what distance you follow a vehicle you get pelted with rocks. Trust me, I am the last guy to tailgate.

SporkLover · March 14, 2024

I used Ecological Bumper Shellz. They also have a grill cover

https://www.ecoological.com/bumpershellz.html

rickit · March 17, 2024

On 3/13/2024 at 9:44 PM, SporkLover said:

I used Ecological Bumper Shellz. They also have a grill cover

https://www.ecoological.com/bumpershellz.html

how does it look and fit?

Haufski762 · March 17, 2024

On 3/13/2024 at 7:44 PM, SporkLover said:

I used Ecological Bumper Shellz. They also have a grill cover

https://www.ecoological.com/bumpershellz.html

Interesting.

GETGONE · March 19, 2024

I had run across those bumper shells on ebay last year, but couldn't find them when I was looking after I found this thread. Looks like the refresh front covers are "coming soon".

SVG · March 19, 2024

Honestly, $1,100 doesn't sound like a bad price.

I had PPF, with a lifetime warranty, installed in Missoula 3 years ago and is was a few dollars under $1K.

No paint work but I had PPFinstalled in a few additional locations (door handle wells, A-plillars, headlights).

GN2018 · March 21, 2024

On 3/13/2024 at 8:35 AM, dieselfan1 said:

Quit tailgating.

Where do you think the rocks come from?

I thought about this on my trip this week (highway driving) and realized you get a pretty good spray from some vehicles as you pass them in the left lane - no tailgating required.

Haufski762 · March 22, 2024

13 hours ago, GN2018 said:

I thought about this on my trip this week (highway driving) and realized you get a pretty good spray from some vehicles as you pass them in the left lane - no tailgating required.

Yep, it happens.