Dark Grey Matte wrapped 2007 LTZ Tahoe

[Slurpglass]

So, I wrapped my 2007 LTZ Tahoe in the course of two weeks. The first week I wrapped a panel a day (Johnny Cash style) until there was just a bumper remaining. Then I took a few days off before tackling the dreaded front bumper. I managed to get it all done in a little under 40 hours (cleaning/prep/wrapping).

I’m quite pleased with the outcome. I did find some newer Chevy five-spoked factory wheels in gloss black on the local CL for the low too, so that was a nice addition as well.

For those wondering, yes, I did work for a reputable graphics shop here locally in Houston, TX so I do have “some” experience. [emoji854] thanks for looking!

 

[Tahoe14]

You did a great job.

 

[Rocket Man]

Wow awesome job. I only wish I had the skill for that.

 

[NathanJax]

looks good

 

[Hi-psi]

Looks great.

What was the approximate cost of materials?

 

[Slurpglass]

Looks great.

What was the approximate cost of materials?

I order the material (3m 1080) at cost just before I threw my two weeks in at the graphics shop. A full 25yd 60” roll is needed. I paid $525 for the roll.

 

[delightskinned1]

I was looking into doing this as I have some fading on the hood and light scratches from on the doors where the molding was. What do you have to do as far a preventive maintenance on the wrap to keep it clean or what kind of precautions as far as washing etc?... I live in the Dc area so I deal with salt in winter and yellow pollen in the spring where I used to have to wash it weekly to keep it clean after my 4th child I couldn't keep up with the waxing.

 

[07Burb]

Looks good! Now to do something about those hazy headlights

 

[Slurpglass]

Looks good! Now to do something about those hazy headlights

Lol! I had them polished by a detailer friend of mine like a year ago but didn’t upkeep them. One of the housing has broken mounts so they are getting replaced, along with the tails. Any good suggestions on aftermarket lights? I have a few in mind.


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[Slurpglass]

@delightskinned1


The main reason I wrapped it is because my passenger fender was repaired, but the shop did a horrible job of paint-matching it. The matte finish also toned down the 6 dents in the hood, and the handful on the exterior body. The matte finish doesn’t reflect light as much, so the dent reflections aren’t as visible anymore.

Probably just under 20hrs of the total 40hrs I spent on this project was the thorough cleaning (I live in Houston & work in Conroe, TX so I can relate with the mast amount of pollen). Remove as much as possible (to ensure a full wrap), and to remove any and all sand, dust, dirt, etc. Wrapping anything is just a fancy word for applying a giant sticker. Obviously if it’s dirty, shit won’t stick! So every weatherstripping was removed & cleaned, along with removing items like the handles, mirrors, rear wiper, roof rack, etc. to make the wrapping process easier.

Once the bulk of the dirt was off the vehicle every panel got cleaned with clay bar & 70% alcohol prior to vinyl installation. This ensures the best possible bound and finish.

As for maintaining it, treat it like a quality sticker. Obviously don’t use anything abrasive, as it will just scratch and or burn through the vinyl. Avoid mud, I say that because usually a pressure washer is used to clean the debris, but that also is super abrasive. So hand washes (foam cannon) and just quick detailer (Meguiar’s) in-between washes will be sufficient.



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[PG01]

Damn, alot of work but it looks really good bud.

 

[Slurpglass]

Damn, alot of work but it looks really good bud.

Haha yup. One reason I put it off for so long. I knew it was going to take some time. It was nice breaking it up one panel at a time everyday after work. Although I did lose a lot of sleep over it. Lol. My entire 4th of July was actually spent wrapping 11am-4am. But it was also raining/flooding here in Houston all day too, so there wasn’t anything better to do anyways. Luckily it was already in the garage before the rain hit.

 

[Tahoe14]

I would check out Ebay for headlights and taillights. You could do OEM or aftermarket, better pricing, no tax and free shipping.

 

[09 L9H]

Any good suggestions on aftermarket lights? I have a few in mind.

Might just be me but I much prefer the look of OEM heads and tails. Get some good LED bulbs for everything but the high and low beams and call it a day. Much cheaper. I will say that hybrid tails might look good though. I think they sell for just over $200 a pop on GMpartsdirect.com.

 

[Slurpglass]

Might just be me but I much prefer the look of OEM heads and tails. Get some good LED bulbs for everything but the high and low beams and call it a day. Much cheaper. I will say that hybrid tails might look good though. I think they sell for just over $200 a pop on GMpartsdirect.com.

My last vehicle was a Subaru BRZ. I customized those OEM lights with brighter LED’s, retrofit better projectors & bulbs, and painted the housings black . I may do the same with these if I can find the time. Still would need a new set though as the mounts are broken on the passenger headlight. Which if I have to buy new, I might as well change it up a bit- be a little different than the normal crowd.


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[Rocket Man]

My last vehicle was a Subaru BRZ. I customized those OEM lights with brighter LED’s, retrofit better projectors & bulbs, and painted the housings black . I may do the same with these if I can find the time. Still would need a new set though as the mounts are broken on the passenger headlight. Which if I have to buy new, I might as well change it up a bit- be a little different than the normal crowd.


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These NNBS heads are fairly easy to do that to. I retrofitted my 08 CC heads and they came out pretty nice.

 

[Keanen55]

Looking good! I wish I had the time and patience to do that job myself!

 

[Slurpglass]

Looking good! I wish I had the time and patience to do that job myself!

Thanks! Yeah, it’s tedious AF. Even worse when you’re as OCD as I am. Haha. Definitely worth it in the end though!


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[sarneson91]

OOh, another former Import guy, I had a S2000 till it got t-*****.. Also pulled the headlights apart, there was just not many good ebay headlights to choose from. I'm with Rocketman, retrofit some projectors, throw in some LED switchbacks and call it a day

 

[Slurpglass]

BEFORE PHOTOS:

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