Tesla Cybertruck DIY PPF Batman Black In Just One Day Under $1,000 Says This Cybertruck Owner

Should you attempt to apply PPF yourself to your Cybertruck? You should if you want to save thousands, according to a recent Kobra Told Ya YouTube channel episode, in which the host shows how it is possible with today's PPF DIY kits from Tylyard Autoparts, that includes their "Tesla Cybertruck Color Paint Films Matte/Glossy/Laser Paint-Like Color Pre-Cut Full Coverage PPF" for $899.

Why PPF Your Cybertruck?

PPF (Paint Protection Film) for your Cybertruck is necessary not only for putting your own touch on your CT to separate you from every other CT owner but also for protecting it.

PPF on your Cybertruck effectively shields its stainless steel exoskeleton from scratches, road debris, environmental damage, and too-curious-for-comfort non-Tesla owner fingerprints.

Seeing a need for the DIY type Cybertruck owners, PPF providers have come up with new non-traditional PPF designed for CT owners that possess key aspects such as:

1. A self-healing film of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) with heat-activated self-healing properties to remove minor scratches.
2. Matte or gloss finish allowing owners to transform a raw stainless-steel kitchen appliancesque-look into a remarkable finish with a personal touch.
3. Pre-cut kits that are Cybertruck-specific to make DIY installation easier.
4. Clear, colored, and textured surface PPF to add an even more unique appearance.

But just as important is that today, DIY installation is possible and does not require professional or expensive professional tools. Much of the work is cleaning, spraying, aligning, and squeegeeing the film onto the truck's large, flat panels using inexpensive Harbor Freight tools.

What's the Downside to DIY PPF Application?

Before you get too excited about the prospect, DIY PPF is not for everyone.

If you decide to do it yourself, you can expect some installation difficulties and potential problems:

1. Installation Difficulty: While the plus of Cybertruck design is its large flat surfaces and few curves to complicate application, you will find that applying film comes with occasional bubbles and creases that have to be smoothed out even with the flattest of surfaces where alignment is difficult with large pre-cut sections of PPF.
2. Time-Consuming: A complete DIY installation can take several hours to a full day, depending on your skill level. Much of which is the all-important thorough cleaning to remove all dirt, smudges, and fingerprints.
3. Edge Peeling: If not sealed properly, the film can lift at the edges, especially around sharp angles, and dirt can accumulate along its edges.
4. Trapped Dirt Under the Film: Any dust or debris on the surface before application can create visible imperfections.
5. Durability & Maintenance: Hand-applied DIY PPF may not adhere as well as a professional heat-treated installation.
6. Stainless Steel Surface Challenges: Most PPF is designed for painted surfaces, and the Cybertruck's stainless steel surface may affect adhesion over time depending on the source of the DIY kit.

However, as shown by the host of the video provided below, all of the difficulties above are within reason for a nonprofessional, that can result in a satisfying and significant money-saving DIY project.

You Can Do It!!! Affordable DIY PPF for the Tesla Cybertruck

Follow along with the host as he shows and tells:

1. Garage preparation for the DIY application.
2. Vehicle prep with special attention to key areas.
3. His approach to applying the PPF sections.
4. How to make your own "slip solution" to make application easier.
5. Why this is a two-person job.
6. How to squeegee the surfaces.
7. The body parts that need to be temporarily removed during the PPF installation.
8. How to deal with obstacles like the rearview mirrors.
9. The pros and cons of applying PPF to a Cybertruck.

For additional articles about the Tesla Cybertruck, here are two for your consideration:

1. The Most Honest Tesla Cybertruck Review You Will Ever Hear
2. Don't Buy a Tesla Cybertruck If You Have This Phobia

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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