PPF/XPEL on a Dark Horse

[Dark Sprite]

@Skye @Tony Alonso my PPF installer has suggested a fifth option that they recommend:

5. Install clear (gloss) PPF across the entire hood, then apply satin PPF (XPEL Stealth) on the bonnet stripes. This way it is fully protected and looks like stock. Here is an image where they have laid some over the top to show what it will look like. You can see where the gloss is over some of the decal and on top of part of that they have put the stealth PPF so that you can see the difference. This seems like a good solution to me, fully protects and maintains the original look. They recommended not to leave the decals uncovered. Apologies for the low quality image, I snipped it from a video.

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[Skye]

I was offered something similar for my hood and rocker panel decals.

Protection of decals is an option each person would have to weigh for themselves. No wrong answer. It's purchasing insurance. You weigh the risk of damage against the cost of coverage and come up with a solution you're happy with.

Covering a panel with a single piece of PPF, decals and all, is generally not recommended. Given temperature changes, age, shrinkage, etc., PPF tends to lift at the edge, where the decal meets the paint and the PPF transitions across. This results in a "bubble" situation, where the PPF is pulling away from these areas.

With a plotter and database, my provider cut PPF for coverage up to the edge of the decals. I was given the option to place a ghost strip of PPF over the decals themselves, but declined.

The decals are made to last for several years. While not as strong as PPF, they are something of a sacrificial layer, protecting the paint. Considering the expense of adding a ghost strip across the decal, I could replace the decal itself.

Three years in, the decals have held up very well. No noticeable fading. No damage. But I do realize I could take a good strike in the right place tomorrow. To my hood decal, it's a few inches back from the frontal areas. And it's not as broad as the DH hood piece.

At the 10-year mark, it will be time to remove/replace my PPF. While that is done, the decals will be replaced.

Yet another option is to remove the decal. Some Mach 1 owners removed theirs but kept the badging. It's a personal choice.

Some other areas to consider, depending on the provider and their offerings:

- Mirror backs

- "Raccoon eye" sections, under the headlights

- Headlight lenses

 

[Dark Sprite]

Mirror backs and raccoon eyes I’m going with stealth. Still not sure what to do with the hood, I’m most tempted by the cut out and ceramic coat on the decals tbh. Will ask them to leave it until last, so I have a couple days more to decide.

I can see the logic with respect to not covering the whole decals as there will be a very small space where the PPF meets and goes over the edge of the decal, which I can imagine would get worse over time. However, the work will be warrantied, so I can always bring it back in if it doesn’t work and get them to do the alternative. Not covering the decals would mean there’s an edge of the clear PPF right next to it, so I will have to trust their ability to do the best job possible to line it up accurately. I don’t doubt they’ve got the skills, I’m just not sure what’s best for me.

 

[N1T3MRE]

For reference, have a heap of pics with PPF in the link https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/s650-delivery-road-trip-home.162873/post-3456929

Nearly 18 months, Northern Qld Sun and heat (45 degree days), and no issues with PPF over the decals - so far so good

 

[Arrow29]

Sorry to revive an old thread.
A question about those with the dark horse appearance package - is the gloss black roof painted or a PPF type film from factory?

My PPF place called today to say it’s a gloss black film from factory and although they could do it, if applying PPF over the top it would ripple / be noticeable and so would prefer to ceramic coat the roof.
Anybody heard similar?

 

[Dark Sprite]

Even if it is a vinyl rather than painted they can still PPF over the top of it - they did with my bonnet decals (stealth for matte and clear for gloss).

 

[rbuike]

Can you buy a new set of hood decals? Remove the factory decals, PPF the whole hood and apply the replacement decals over the PPF?

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