not satisfied with either xpel or Fedex service

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Recently installed the headlight protection kit from xpel on my truck, it went well, looks good, so I ordered their kit to protect the paint on my grille. (the film is made by 3M) It arrived with a big kink in the middle, thanks to FedEx, and the driver didn't even leave it the first day, didn't even ring the doorbell, and there were 2 people home to hear him, had he done so. Made a big sign "FedEx, the doorbell works !"
After delivery, I went to install it, with the help of a professional window tinter. BIG MISTAKE. It would not fit right, no matter what we tried, the curves that were die cut into the film did little to compensate for the bodywork compound curvature... We followed the instructions exactly, but the end results were still terrible. Had to peel it off, the grille looked like Rosie O'Donnell's thighs. Ugh.
I do not see any way possible that 3 well-coordinated fighter pilots and 2 monkeys could have competently installed this particular kit, particularly if the monkeys weren't holding their bananas at the time...
SO... . I called them up. Didn't get anywhere. They said they would call FedEx to come out and look at the package, tried to blame the kit problem on their damaging the package. Waited 3 days, called FedEx 5 times, no luck. Called xpel back. Tough luck, they say. I'm out over $100 on this kit. I'll have to send it back and stop payment on my credit card. Don't expect any customer service from this company, guys, they don't care. Since I work for 3M, I have certain avenues of communication I'll approach from within my company, regarding the business they are doing with these people.

[This message has been edited by Briar Hopper (edited 10-23-2000). ]

 

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Briar,

Sorry to hear of your trouble, even sorrier that I have an x-pel package waiting to be installed. I bought the headlight and paint kits, but no grill. The package was in good shape and came very quick. I hope the install works OK, otherwise it sounds like I "bought it". Any install tips, since I plan on attempting this myself????

Shelby

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2001 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH, DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Took delivery on 10-06-00. Coming soon: E-Brake and a custom aluminum work body / flat bed.

 

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I'll try to help, Shelby. The light kits are relatively easy. Follow the instructions carefully, they are not kidding about keeping your fingers wet if you have to touch the adhesive side. (I didn't have to, the light covers were easily handled by their edges) You need a bottle of 70% rubbing alcohol, and mix that 50/50 with water in a good spray bottle. keep the lights sprayed WET. It might help to have a kid with a 2nd spray bottle, if you have both hands occupied... Do the job when it's warm, the film and lights need to be at least 70 degrees, more if possible. You'll need a hair dryer too, to dry the edges as you squeegee the solution out. The edges don't want to stay in place. One light at a time, patience, patience... You didn't say what area of the truck the paint film is for. I'm assuming it's for the hood and front leading edges of fenders(above headlights) Those should not be hard to do, do a fender tip first, it's small, will be easy to work with. WARNING: keep it wet. You will definitely need a second person. Not the wife(unless she is so comfortable around cars she has changed her own flat tire before) not the kids(unless they're old enough to take out the trash without having to be reminded)
The major problem I ran into, was the die cut pattern for the grille was a very poor fit, it needed to be stretched, and this stuff doesn't like to be stretched. The compound curves of the grill surface do not lend themselves well to the pattern they have... .
Hope this helps, feel free to ask anything else, I'll help if I can.

 

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Briar,

Thanks for the tips. Yes, the paint film is for the hood above the grill and the fenders above the lights. Hope this all works out. If it works, I think it will be a better solution than the other option, which is the deflectors.

Shelby