This is a very helpful thread.

So does anyone have first hand experience of VS or 3M for a period of 2-3 years or more on their car??? Sounds like some conflicting second hand info.

i've had 3m on my truck for 2 years, its great. I don't think its conflicting information they are just different products.

I have Ventureshield: full bumper, partial hood, partial fenders, mirrors. Total cost: 400. My installer didn't use a pattern, it was a complete "free hand" install, very nicely done.

AAP on Columbus Ohio quoted:

$698 for front bumper, partial hood, partial fenders, and mirrors
$209 for window tint
$50 discount for both at same time

Still shopping around...but here is a link to interesting videos Automotive Appearance Pros 2007

Im getting Full VentureShield done too. The guy doing it is on vacation right now. Probably will get it done next week :happydance:

Ok, I noticed on my clear bra today that in some areas it looks like what some of the exhaust tips look like with that burnt blue on the tips (think invidia titanium tips). Has anyone had this happen to them? I'm wondering if it's the cold weather. I had mine put on 12/19/09 and was wondering if it just hasnt adhered all the way yet.

Update: I have figured out I only notice this if I am wearing polarized sunglasses.

haha....you are not the first to wonder that...

I'm getting Ventureshield tomorrow. $450 for "the works" quoted on the phone. I'll ask further tomorrow at the shop.

ventureshield
 

so guys, i decided to get the ventureshield kit... cost me 550 - 1/3 hood, part fender, side mirrors and full bumper..... also with formula one CERAMIC tint for 225.... not a bad deal i guess. He first tried to give me formula tint for 275 with only dyed tint, so i declined. The day i dropped off my car he asked me if i were still going to hold off on the tint... and i asked him if i can get ceramic tint... and he quoted me 225... (trying to give his tint-er a job) After a couple days i noticed wavy lines on the edge of the side mirrors. i called in and said that happened due to the cold weather. I took it in the next day and he fixed it in less than 5min. problem solved. oh, and bad thing about ventureshield, he said not to wax the clear coat... just buy plexus plastic cleaner and wax the rest of the car. Unfortunately, plexus plastic cleaner costs a lot. about 19 bucks average per bottle.

Ventureshield installed ....partial fenders, partial hood, mirrors, and of course front end. $550. at Advanced Paint Protection-VentureShield Automotive Paint Protection Film

They told me I could apply wax to it - just don't use high speed equipment. I'l probably just use PLexis, as recommended by Ventureshield.

I have Ventureshield also: full bumper, full hood, full fenders, mirrors, headlights, back rocker panel for < 1k

how do you guys prep for the install? or do you guys just take it there and they will prep the car for you?

Just take the car there clean. You're installer will appreciate that. And they will prep the surface for the film. I always make sure it is perfectly clean. Usually I use a 3M adhesive remover to get the bugs off and then clay bar it. There is no need to strip the wax off really.

By the way. Do bot use wax on your clear bra. Clear bras are pourous and will absorb what you put on them. Most waxes tend to yellow as they age in turn making your clear bra look yellow. A good sealant is the best way to go. Zaino is also very good. I give a bottle of this acrylic sealant I found that is used on aircraft windscreens. I believe it's hands done the best product out there for clear bras... even though it wasn't developed for them.