The shop
notebook.
What the law actually says, what a job actually costs, and what we’d put on our own trucks — written by the crew that does the work in Rockwall.
How Much Does PPF Cost? High-Impact, Full Front and Full Vehicle
PPF is priced by how much of the vehicle you cover and the labor to install it cleanly. Here’s how coverage levels compare, what moves the number, and how to judge a quote.
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What Is Paint Correction? 1-Step vs. 2-Step and What Drives the Cost
Paint correction removes swirls and light scratches instead of hiding them. Here’s how 1-step and 2-step differ, what it can’t fix, and why the labor is the price.
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How Much Does Hitch Installation Cost? Receiver, Gooseneck and 5th Wheel
A bolt-on receiver and a 5th wheel setup are completely different jobs. Here’s what actually moves the price of a hitch install — and what to ask before you pay for one.
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How Much Does It Cost to Lift a Truck?
The kit is the cheap part. Here’s what a leveling kit, body lift and suspension lift actually cost — and what the full build runs once the tires and alignment are in.
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How Much Does a Spray-In Bedliner Cost?
Aftermarket spray-in liners typically run a few hundred dollars up to about $900. Here’s what decides where your truck lands — and why the cheapest liner isn’t always cheaper.
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Is Ceramic Coating Worth It? An Installer’s Honest Answer
For the right vehicle, yes. But it won’t stop rock chips, it still needs washing, and on tired paint it may not pay off. Here’s the honest version.
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PPF vs. Ceramic Coating: Which One Do You Need — or Both?
One stops rock chips. The other makes paint glossy and easy to wash. They’re not competitors — here’s what each actually does and when you want both.
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Ceramic vs. Carbon vs. Dyed Tint: Is Ceramic Worth It in Texas Heat?
Darker film doesn’t make a cooler cab — infrared rejection does. Here’s how dyed, carbon and ceramic tint actually compare, and when ceramic earns its price.
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What Does Ceramic Coating Cost — And Why Do Quotes Vary So Much?
Two shops quote the same truck and one is a third the price. Here’s what actually drives the number — and why the cheap quote usually isn’t the same job.
Read itTexas Window Tint Laws: What’s Actually Legal in 2026
25% on the front sides, any darkness in back, and a windshield rule most people get wrong — plus what changed when Texas dropped annual safety inspections.
Read itGot a question we haven’t written up?
Tell us the vehicle and what you’re after — we’ll give you a straight answer and a real quote.