What did you do to your Bronco Raptor today?

[TurboS]

Installed Escort 360 radar detector with mirror tap power cord. I used a mount from StickerFab that attached to the windshield with 3M double stick tape.

Miror tap for power:

Bronco Raptor Radar Detector Mount and Mirror Tap

I recently upgraded my Valentine V1 to the Gen 2 model and mounted it in my 2021 Bronco Badlands using the standard Valentine V1 radar detector suction cup mount and a mirror tap kit I got off Amazon. Here's a link to the kit I used: https://amzn.to/40LXHV5 I chose that kit because it offered...

www.broncoraptor.com

Windshield mount for newer Escort detectors with magnet mounting:

Radar Detector 3M Adhesive Mount (Escort, Uniden, Beltronics, etc) - Universal

Radar Detector 3M Adhesive Mount (Escort, Uniden, Beltronics, etc) *You must supply center section that connects to the radar Works for many brands Attaches with pre-applied 3M Suction cup mounts not working for you? This 3M mount attaches to your windshield or trim panels. NOTE: You must...

www.stickerfab.com

 

[Odonnks]

Today I added a full set of Dash Caddies from Sinister Speed Shop and a MagSafe phone mount to an accessory arm from the accessory mount on the dash.

View attachment 5859

Dragoon, can you provide specifics on where you purchased the accessory arm? I‘ve looked and haven’t been able to find it.

Thank you!

 

[Ironmike]

Dragoon, can you provide specifics on where you purchased the accessory arm? I‘ve looked and haven’t been able to find it.

Thank you!

67 Designs makes them, amongst others I'm sure.

 

[Dragoon]

Dragoon, can you provide specifics on where you purchased the accessory arm? I‘ve looked and haven’t been able to find it.

Thank you!

67 Designs and Bullet Point Mounting Solutions both have good options.

Carbon Fiber Series Arms

The broadest collection of arms and related components for your device mounting setup. We offer the options: Finish - Matte or Polished Length - from Nano to Large Color - Black Twill, Blue, Red, Silver, Green or Orange Clamps - for 20mm and 1" ball diameter found on bases and holders 67 Designs...

www.67d.com

Mounting Arms

Carbon Fiber Mounting Arms

www.bulletpointmountingsolutions.com

 

[TurboS]

Took delivery on October 7th, drove it for couple days, and it's been in the garage ever since while I prepare it for daily use this spring. I spent about 8 weeks installing PPF myself on everything Orange on the outside, still need to do inside tailgate. Note that I've installed PPF for 22 years as a hobby.
Door jams as seen in this thread earlier in this post.
Next was the rocker panels, I used some 15 year old leftover 3M Scotchcal film that isn't as compliant as the new films but I think offers better protection against stones.

Everything Code Orange is in Xpel Ultimate PPF (except lower rocker panels) with wrapped edges. Fender flares, grill, and lower bumper silver portion in Xpel Stealth. Note that the stealth sheen was flatter than our OEM flares, but after ceramic coating the stealth it restored the OEM sheen. For those that are considering PPF, note that the Xpel Ultimate really improves the reflective properties of the Bronco Raptor paint, the paint looks much more consistent, higher shine, and adds depth.

 

[TurboS]

Ceramic coated the front steel bash plate and polished the engine skid plate while I had them off. I wish all of the skids were Aluminum as I would polish them all. If I ever get the Foutz skid plates, I'll be polishing those too.

I just added another task to my future oil changes as they will be due for a re-polishing.

Added 10pm

Metal Polish with Long Lasting Sealant

This item is available in our store. We sell and deliver the best detailing products right to your doorstep. Our collection includes paint protectant, isopropyl alcohol, meta polish, sealant wipe, headlight restoration kit, and multi-purpose dressing & quick detail. We assure you'll like our...

whitediamondamerica.com

 

[TurboS]

I touchup painted chassis scratches from the assembly line and chassis/suspension welds that I could get to with black chassis paint using a small paint brush. Once paint is full cured, I will be adding 3M PPF in areas on the chassis that will likely be subject to stone impingement (probably a lot).

I didn't care for the flat black on the rear axle, so 2 coats of chassis paint resolved that. Still waiting since July for my Ford OEM alum diff cover to smooth, polish, and powder coat.

 

[SteelBronco]

Wow!!! That thing is going to be amazing!!! Look at that skid plate, I mean frame, no axle...I don't know where to look it's awesome!!! You do incredible work. I can't wait to see that diff cover. You're not fooling me that isn't Sam's club polish I zoomed in on the picture (all of them actually) and I couldn't make out what type it is.

 

[TurboS]

Installed SinisterSpeedShop 2021+ Ford Bronco Gear Hooks V2 at Speaker Mount location. These Hooks are Black, coordinate with our interiors very well, and extremely strong for such a small lightweight hook. In some of the photo's on the web site they look more gray but they are Not.

Updated November 3, 2024:
Link to Sinister Speed Shop web site.
Updated January 27, 2025, SinisterSpeedShop is now Valor 3D

Custom Ford Bronco Accessories

Custom accessories for the Ford Bronco and Ford Bronco Raptor. Boldly handcrafted in Texas to deck out your ride.

www.valor3d.com

 

[TurboS]

Wow!!! That thing is going to be amazing!!! Look at that skid plate, I mean frame, no axle...I don't know where to look it's awesome!!! You do incredible work. I can't wait to see that diff cover. You're not fooling me that isn't Sam's club polish I zoomed in on the picture (all of them actually) and I couldn't make out what type it is.

Thank you, not what I consider show quality but should be durable and look great for a summer time daily driver and hopefully occasional sand dunes.
The polish is "White Diamond" metal polish and sealant. Very similar if not the same product as the Borla exhaust polish. I was told Truckers also use this polish. Available at various retailers and of course Amazon.

Metal Polish with Long Lasting Sealant

This item is available in our store. We sell and deliver the best detailing products right to your doorstep. Our collection includes paint protectant, isopropyl alcohol, meta polish, sealant wipe, headlight restoration kit, and multi-purpose dressing & quick detail. We assure you'll like our...

whitediamondamerica.com

Oh, and that was only about 10 minutes of hand polishing with a dozen sheets of paper towels and one pair of nitrate disposable gloves.

 

[Apache 8]

Took delivery on October 7th, drove it for couple days, and it's been in the garage ever since while I prepare it for daily use this spring. I spent about 8 weeks installing PPF myself on everything Orange on the outside, still need to do inside tailgate. Note that I've installed PPF for 22 years as a hobby.
Door jams as seen in this thread earlier in this post.
Next was the rocker panels, I used some 15 year old leftover 3M Scotchcal film that isn't as compliant as the new films but I think offers better protection against stones.
View attachment 5927

Everything Code Orange is in Xpel Ultimate PPF (except lower rocker panels) with wrapped edges. Fender flares, grill, and lower bumper silver portion in Xpel Stealth. Note that the stealth sheen was flatter than our OEM flares, but after ceramic coating the stealth it restored the OEM sheen. For those that are considering PPF, note that the Xpel Ultimate really improves the reflective properties of the Bronco Raptor paint, the paint looks much more consistent, higher shine, and adds depth.
View attachment 5928

How much does it cost on average to have that applied and how long does it last before requiring a new application? And do you just wash it or are there waxes, sealants or anything else including detail spray that you use on it to either maintain it or detail it between washes?

 

[Dragoon]

Absolutely stunning work!

 

[TurboS]

How much does it cost on average to have that applied and how long does it last before requiring a new application? And do you just wash it or are there waxes, sealants or anything else including detail spray that you use on it to either maintain it or detail it between washes?

Good questions. The length of service life depends on the environment conditions. I've had film on my vehicles for 20 years, however this is under ideal conditions as a majority of the time they are in a 60-65 degree garage at ~55% humidity. I like to drive them once in awhile without worry of any stone chipping. It also depends on the amount of abuse from road debris, but that's exactly why you have it installed. A local installer in your area should be able to provide an approximate service life in your area.
Here is a thread on wrapped, but most of the posts are referring to PPF.

Wrapped Bronco Raptors

Anyone considering wrapping their Bronco Raptors? This matte green wrap looks awesome.

www.broncoraptor.com

Costs may vary, I read on here members have paid between 5k - 8k for complete coverage in the thread above.
Here is a link to Xpel with the Bronco Raptor kits, select the coverage you would like, add the kit costs, then most installers will add 50% for installation. In upper right corner of page you may also locate an installer in your area.

Paint Protection Film Pre-Cut Kits

www.xpel.com

Ceramic coatings work great on PPF or a non abrasive quality detailer spray. Before Ceramic, I used Zaino Z-8, works great but needs reapplied more often. Myself, with the ceramic coatings, I use touchless car washes after sunset and they look perfect the next day. You do Not want to use anything with abrasives such as cleaner waxes or rubbing compounds since your now cleaning plastic. The film does have self healing properties for minor scratches and scrapes. At minimum on our Bronco Raptors, do the lower door panels like @Dragoon did on his.
My Wrangler has hit a plastic contruction barrel at 80mph, was scrapped with orange paint from the barrel and it all cleaned off and the film self healed. The hit was hard enough I thought the front fender was gone and it did break 2 or 3 of the mounting clips but the paint and film was fine along with the fender. 80% of my boat trailer has 3M Scotchcal PPF, 40k miles, 15 years, and 3 blown tires later there is less than a half dozen unhealed marks in the PPF. One of the tires when it blew at 70mph flung the steel cord around lacerating the PPF on top of the fender. I planned on replacing the PPF in the off season, but a couple months later all the cuts had vanished.
Here is a video test on durability.

Is PPF Snake Oil!? And Is It Worth The Money?? - By Drive Protected

Moving to this forum for future reference and ease of locating, vs where I initially posted in the What did you do to your Bronco Raptor today? "Something different in this video. Eric tests out the durability of paint protection film. Obviously this is an extreme demonstration of finding out...

www.broncoraptor.com

 

[Apache 8]

Good questions. The length of service life depends on the environment conditions. I've had film on my vehicles for 20 years, however this is under ideal conditions as a majority of the time they are in a 60-65 degree garage at ~55% humidity. I like to drive them once in awhile without worry of any stone chipping. It also depends on the amount abuse from road debris, but that's exactly why you have it installed. A local installer in your area should be able to provide an approximate service life in your area.
Here is a thread on wrapped, but most of the posts are referring to PPF.

Wrapped Bronco Raptors

Anyone considering wrapping their Bronco Raptors? This matte green wrap looks awesome.

www.broncoraptor.com

Costs may vary, I read on here members have paid between 5k - 8k for complete coverage.
Here is a link to Xpel with the Bronco Raptor kits, select the coverage you would like, add the kit costs, then most installers will add 50% for installation. In upper right corner of page you may also locate an installer in your area.

Paint Protection Film Pre-Cut Kits

www.xpel.com

Ceramic coatings work great on PPF or a non abrasive quality detailer spray. Before Ceramic, I used Zaino Z-8, works great but you need to reapply after hand washing. Myself, with the ceramic coatings, I use touchless car washes after sunset and they look perfect the next day. You do Not want to use anything with abrasives such as cleaner waxes or rubbing compounds since your now cleaning plastic. The film does have self healing properties for minor scratches and scrapes.
My Wrangler has hit a plastic contruction barrel at 80mph, was scrapped with orange paint from the barrel and it all cleaned off and the film self healed. The hit was hard enough I thought the front fender was gone and it did break 2 or 3 of the mounting clips but the paint and film was fine along with the fender.
Here is a video test on durability.

Thanks very much. My limited off roading thus far with a Sasq BL has come very close to pin striping. I believe that the raptor being much wider needs enhanced paint protection. I am on the fence between PPF and an extended ESP. Both are not cheap!

 

[TurboS]

Absolutely stunning work!

Thank you, but I'm not done yet, although the rest may not be distinguishable in a photo.

 

[TurboS]

Thanks very much. My limited off roading thus far with a Sasq BL has come very close to pin striping. I believe that the raptor being much wider needs enhanced paint protection. I am on the fence between PPF and an extended ESP. Both are not cheap!

Do partial PPF, you can have the lower door panels done and only you will know but the PPF will save your doors from hundreds of stone chips.

 

[JohnGalt]

Thanks very much. My limited off roading thus far with a Sasq BL has come very close to pin striping. I believe that the raptor being much wider needs enhanced paint protection. I am on the fence between PPF and an extended ESP. Both are not cheap!

The Raptor painted surfaces aren’t really wider than a standard Bronco (the fenders are a tiny bit wider). The axles, wheels and flares are where the Raptor gets its girth.

That said, I did ppf all my paint to avoid pinstriping, but I didn’t do the flares. They’re flares. I guess I figured they’re meant to get abused.

we’ll see if I sing a different tune on the flares after the first scratches…..

Other high wear areas to consider at a “minimum” are headlights (seriously exposed to rock) and door sills (gritty shoes climbing in and out, especially when off-road). These are good cheap manageable DIY projects if you want to save some $, precuts available from XPel.

 

[TurboS]

Installed Fuse box labels from StickerFab. I know this must be covered in the other Bronco forums but I wanted to bring to your attention. The only reference to the fuse labels is in your Synch4 system owners manual or online in your FordPass account, I couldn't find any hard copy fuse block labeling in the glove box quick reference guides. My concern is if your in some remote location and the Synch4 has no power and you don't have cell service to reference your owners manual through your FordPass account, or BroncoRaptor.com... anyway for a Off-Road vehicle intended for exploring, seems these simple stickers should have already been applied from the Factory.
I also found I was missing a few "extra - not used" fuses that are listed on these labels that I will be purchasing.

Sticker quality is better than expected, a heavy vinyl laminate intended to last the vehicles lifetime.

Interior fuse box labels by StickerFab
Before:

After:

Under hood fuse box labels by StickerFab Note that I installed version 2 from StickerFab.
Before:

After:

 

[fuhrius]

Installed Fuse box labels from StickerFab. I know this must be covered in the other Bronco forums but I wanted to bring to your attention. The only reference to the fuse labels is in your Synch4 system owners manual or online in your FordPass account, I couldn't find any hard copy fuse block labeling in the glove box quick reference guides. My concern is if your in some remote location and the Synch4 has no power and you don't have cell service to reference your owners manual through your FordPass account, or BroncoRaptor.com... anyway for a Off-Road vehicle intended for exploring, seems these simple stickers should have already been applied from the Factory.
I also found I was missing a few "extra - not used" fuses that are listed on these labels that I will be purchasing.

Sticker quality is better than expected, a heavy vinyl laminate intended to last the vehicles lifetime.

Interior fuse box labels by StickerFab
Before:
View attachment 5966

After:
View attachment 5967

Under hood fuse box labels by StickerFab Note that I installed version 2 from StickerFab.
Before:
View attachment 5968

After:
View attachment 5969

I've never seen those. brilliant.

 

[HaugenRacing]

How well has vinyl wrap stuck to fenders? Also roof? I'm worried about the adhesion.