x-pel lamp protection kit installed

Just an update for those interested in the x-pel headlamp & foglight protection kit (4 pcs total, made by 3M). As per instructions, conditions call for room temperature (60F is good enough).<br><br>Yesterday late afternoon, I installed the headlight kit first: the first piece was difficult since I've never done it before, and the Trib's headlamp lenses are quite contoured at the sides, but with the help of a hairdryer (to warm up the film and keep it pliable), I was able to squeegee it into place. The 2nd piece took less than half the time since I knew what to do by then. I'll install the foglight pieces probably tomorrow morning or afternoon.<br><br>Tip: Turn on your lights to warm up the lense surface, and focus the hairdryer on the film before, during, and after installation to keep it pliable and make it easy for you to squeegee out all the alcohol solution and make it conform w/ the shape of the headlamps. Keep your fingers wet w/ the alcohol solution when touching the adhesive side of the film though -- of course, dry your hands before using the hairdryer again!(The foglamp pieces shouldn't be a problem since the foglamp lenses are flat.)<br><br>Result: Perfect fit, slight haze in small sections are appearing as the alcohol solution is evaporating (as per instructions). I'm driving w/ my headlights on for now until the solution evaporates completely. The film is *VERY* tough to scratch up and damage ('tried using a sharp stone -- not even a scratch).

where did you purchase this from and how much?<br><br>thanks

MacNeil Auto has them for $39.95 (vs. $66.95 from Reflex, makers of X-Pel). MacNeil part# is H0313W. Go to <a href=http://www.macneilauto.com target=new>http://www.macneilauto.com</a> (under "LampGard").<br><br>For more detailed info (specs, FAQs, etc.) on this item, go to the manufacturer's site: <a href=http://www.xpel.com target=new>http://www.xpel.com</a>

Note: As Bobmazda mentioned several hundred posts ago, the headlamp lenses are made of plastic -- although plastic is more resilient than glass, it can still crack. I'm just not taking any chance (personal choice).<br><br>The foglamp lenses ARE made of glass though! As seen in the Edmund's long term review of the Tribute, replacement cost for the foglamps alone make it worthwhile to have at least those puppies protected.

Thanks for the info. I am surely going to get one now, especially for the Foglamps !<br><br>Found my driver side foglamp lens shattered. Friggin stone chip cracked the glass lens sometime over this weekend.<br><br>Anyone tell me if replacement foglamp will be covered under warranty ? BOBMAZDA...your 2 cents ?

My lens shattered also, not exactly sure how. When I brought it in for the fuel smell I mentioned the foglamp lens and they replaced at no cost.

thanks. so it is covered under warranty ?

Up

A while back there was a post about a headlamp protector kit sold by Macneil Auto. It is not available in Canada but the distributor here is looking into it. I will advise if I hear anything.<br><br>Has anyone installed the kit sold by this company and if so, how is the quality?

'Just finished installed all 4 pieces yesterday (headlamp set last week, foglamp set yesterday). It's clear (wouldn't know it was there unless you actively looked for it), thick, and tough. 'Tried a piece of sharp stone just to see if it scratched a bit ... nada. I'm very happy w/ it. Installation is a bit tricky for the contoured headlamps (less than 1 hr for both and a lot of squeegee'ing effort), but the foglamps are easy (~5 mins total for both).

Are the ones on MacNeil Auto the same as the X-Pel? Do they have the $1000 guarantee?

macneil markets their XPel product as LampGards. as for the $1000, they don't directly guarantee it. told me to call xpel and ask.<br><br>just got mine from macneil, and will be installing it this weekend if the weather cooperates.<br><br>zoomin!