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Well they turned out pretty good! I wrapped all 8 chrome strips on my new 2020 G550 out of Gloss Black film with a clear Matte film over the top so they appear Satin-ish and blend in well with the rubber. I had them make the strips 6' long so there was extra in case I messed up (didn't) and about 1/16" wider than the chrome strips since the rubber is a little irregular and this way it allows for a little wiggle room to ensure the chrome is covered but overlapping a tiny bit on the rubber. I used a flat trim tool to smooth it side to side as I moved along (a credit card can also be used) and I was able to pull the wrap up if it was not going on straight; however, as I said they are a little bigger so you do not have to lay it perfectly. I did not remove the running board end caps but I did remove the 3 push pins on each side to allow me to start each strip underneath the end caps so trimming it to match the outline of the end caps was not necessary, and I used a trim tool to raise the end cap in order to start and finish the strips. Needless to say I cleaned each chrome strip well and finished it with a wipe down with rubbing alcohol prior to installing the strips.
I forgot to mention that the shop that made the wrap will sell the kit to others and ship it, for about $140 I think (will find out tomorrow for sure). Keep in mind that it is double-thick wrap (base color and clear) and the material is for made for use on vehicles so it should last a long time. I will update this thread with specifics soon.
That looks pretty darn good! Can you post the shop info to purchase please.
Thanks, and I will post the contact info here tomorrow when I get in touch with them. They saved the files with the exact measurements and you will just have to ask for the "2019+ G Class Running Board Wrap Kit" . It really was not that hard to do but if you have never done it before just take you time and do a few inches at a time and it will be fine. Stay tuned...
Here is the information to order the wrap kit: contact Julie at Fast Signs in St. Augustine FL ( julie.fuller@fastsigns.com ) and ask her for the "2019+ G Class Running Board Wrap Kit". The cost is $142.50 plus tax ($19.99 shipping and handling to FedEx if not local). They also offer a military discount (vet, active, retired, reserves, etc.) so please let her know when you order. Before I decided to go with her I contacted several places and they provided the best film at the best price. Another local shop quoted me $450 to wrap it or $200 for the material. If you have any questions on installation, etc. let me know and I will be glad to help. By the way, someone asked about what appear to be gaps in one of the pics but there are none at all and I think they are reflections.
Looks great! I'll be curious to see how this holds up over time. The black exhaust tips are a nice touch too. Where did you get those?
Thanks all. I will take a side pic to show what it looks like from that angle, which is how we see them most of the time. Since it is double-thick wrap it should hold up very well as per Julie and she said it was her best outdoor film.
I had the tips powder coated Satin Black and while they blend in to the background now compared to the chrome ones I really like the look since they match the running boards and wheels. I have still not taken pics of it since I am still working on my mods - I have all the side trim off now and today I will be trying the 3M Adhesive Remover Wheel to get the remaining residue off (what a *****!).
Thanks all. I will take a side pic to show what it looks like from that angle, which is how we see them most of the time. Since it is double-thick wrap it should hold up very well as per Julie and she said it was her best outdoor film.
I had the tips powder coated Satin Black and while they blend in to the background now compared to the chrome ones I really like the look since they match the running boards and wheels. I have still not taken pics of it since I am still working on my mods - I have all the side trim off now and today I will be trying the 3M Adhesive Remover Wheel to get the remaining residue off (what a *****!).
You have to cut off the tips to get powder coated, right?
You have to cut off the tips to get powder coated, right?
Nope, the mufflers unbolt and I took those in and they did them. I had them go a little further up the tips, to the actual muffler since that can be be seen. It only cost just $140 to powder coat both:
For those that have asked here are the specifics on the materials used:
The black vinyl is Oracal High Performance Cast 751C and it's 2mils thick, and the matte laminate is HP Polymeric Overlaminate and it's 3 mils thick thus the strips are 5 mils thick.
I also blacked out the running boards with a different solution. Tried:
(1) Only Oracal High Performance Cast 751C; it turns out it is way too thin and weared out very quickly.
(2) The vendor Bob recommended, who also use Oracal but with a protection film. I dropped this option because of price.
(3) [current solution] XPel Truck Bed kit. They have been put on my truck for over 4 months now. No peeling up, no wear-out so far. Haven't tested yet if it would leave any tape marks but I hope XPel's brand would speak for itself. https://www.xpel.com/universal-bed-rail-kit-black. Nit: I bought two 17' x 4" rolls and both turned out only 16-1/2' long, sort of annoying because I made my patterns assuming 17' length and it made me waste about 1/3 of the rolls.
Thinking of doing my running boards also, and looking at all options. Is there a reason powder coating works for exhaust tips but not for running boards? Did anyone consider truck bed liner?
Powder coating requires taking off all the rubber strips -- there are 4 strips on each and 8 in total. Indeed I tried to remove the strips as well since I want to ensure the tapes absolutely cover the entire chrome area. The middle two narrow strips are easy to come out using just a screw driver, but the other two strips are really hard to work with and I eventually gave up.
Another obvious reason for not powder coating: tape is revertible while powder coating is not. If tapes are durable enough, IMO I don't see strong reasons to go powder coating.
Powder coating requires taking off all the rubber strips -- there are 4 strips on each and 8 in total. Indeed I tried to remove the strips as well since I want to ensure the tapes absolutely cover the entire chrome area. The middle two narrow strips are easy to come out using just a screw driver, but the other two strips are really hard to work with and I eventually gave up.
Another obvious reason for not powder coating: tape is revertible while powder coating is not. If tapes are durable enough, IMO I don't see strong reasons to go powder coating.
Thanks for this. My concern is accumulating grit on the tape or having someone with a stone in their shoe sole step on it. Powder coat would require all rubber strips to come out. I'll take a closer look to see what's required.
Thanks for this. My concern is accumulating grit on the tape or having someone with a stone in their shoe sole step on it. Powder coat would require all rubber strips to come out. I'll take a closer look to see what's required.
I have had sand and grit on mine and the clear protective film must be doing its job since again, mine look as good as new with no tears, etc. The film is very strong stuff!
I have had sand and grit on mine and the clear protective film must be doing its job since again, mine look as good as new with no tears, etc. The film is very strong stuff!
Mr. Z - nobody on this forum believes there has been even a bit sand or grit on your running boards ... ever! We envision you as always having a feather duster and a can of compressed air within arm's reach at all times (lol).
Mr. Z - nobody on this forum believes there has been even a bit sand or grit on your running boards ... ever! We envision you as always having a feather duster and a can of compressed air within arm's reach at all times (lol).
Ha! It sounds like you know me from Rennlist! My Porsche stay spotless but the G not so much, but close! I do take it on the beach every so often. Remember where I live though!
Mr. Z - nobody on this forum believes there has been even a bit sand or grit on your running boards ... ever! We envision you as always having a feather duster and a can of compressed air within arm's reach at all times (lol).
Haha....isn't this what we all do?. Mine gets wiped down after every use.
Bob…beautiful job. Curious if you also powder coated the wheel flange and if, at your convenience, you could please post a side picture of your car? I’d love to see how it all comes together,
08-20-2020, 05:28 PM
