What do people think of Clear Bra Paint Protection?

BrianUSMC · 04-06-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

You will need two people to do the Z, and I would not try it on my 370Z if it were the first car I was to do. If you know someone who has done it before and you can see their work, recruit them to help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbratton

Paint Protection Film is very difficult to install! You can probably do it yourself, but it will not look nearly as good as a professional install job. When done correctly, it should be virtually invisible with the exception of the line across the hood. Additonally, 3M film is the hardest to install as the adhesive is the most aggessive and very, very easy to blemish during the installation process. 3M film is good, but not the best film in my opinion. XPEL has a 7 year warranty and goes on the car better.

Thanks to both of you for the advice. I got some links to 3m clear bra application videos and techniques... even videos on removal, but I think I will call my buddy back in Florida that does this sort of thing. He said he can put on whatever kit I eventually go with.

r/
Slag

rbratton · 04-06-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianUSMC

Thanks to both of you for the advice. I got some links to 3m clear bra application videos and techniques... even videos on removal, but I think I will call my buddy back in Florida that does this sort of thing. He said he can put on whatever kit I eventually go with.

r/
Slag

Brian, enlisting the support of your buddy is a good idea. If he knows what he is doing, it should turn out really well...

LenZToy · 04-05-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o0javi0o

How is the paint maintenance after the application of the clear bra, I mean, how often you have to wax your car to maintain the same lust of the paint? It will create during the life of the clear bra some bubbles, or normal ware will look more white ( blurry )?
And the same for the 3M??
Thanks in advance guys

Wax as normal...whatever normal is...once a month or so if you wash regularly.

o0javi0o · 04-05-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LenZToy

Wax as normal...whatever normal is...once a month or so if you wash regularly.

I use Wax as you Dry (Meguiars) normally once a week, and quick hand wax once a month just to maintain the gloss of the paint.

Men I don't know, but every time I wash my car, It takes me at least 1:45-2 hours, if I am not doing wax....

tvfreakazoid · 04-24-2009, 02:35 PM

Why does it take so long for you to wash your car?
I use Mr. clean auto dry wash. What is your method of washing your car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by o0javi0o

I use Wax as you Dry (Meguiars) normally once a week, and quick hand wax once a month just to maintain the gloss of the paint.

Men I don't know, but every time I wash my car, It takes me at least 1:45-2 hours, if I am not doing wax....

alan93rsa · 04-06-2009, 09:55 PM

I watched the guy put Venture Shield on my car. I've done a lot of work on my cars in the past. After watching the install I can say that I will not be adding this project to my DIY list.

StLRedrider · 04-11-2009, 06:53 PM

I was told from a sales lady at a local body shop which also houses a company called clear solutions they would install everything not including the headlights( xtra $90.) for around $425.00 at any location of my choice. I was thinking about the day i pick it up from the dealer. 2 questions. Is that a fair price and what kind of prep do they have to do? I really don't want any body else washing the car. I know that might sound stupid but i'm kind of anal like that. They also said roughly 4 to 5 hr job, is that the average. They can take as long as the want in my opinion.

HTP AutoWorks · 04-11-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StLRedrider

I was told from a sales lady at a local body shop which also houses a company called clear solutions they would install everything not including the headlights( xtra $90.) for around $425.00 at any location of my choice. I was thinking about the day i pick it up from the dealer. 2 questions. Is that a fair price and what kind of prep do they have to do? I really don't want any body else washing the car. I know that might sound stupid but i'm kind of anal like that. They also said roughly 4 to 5 hr job, is that the average. They can take as long as the want in my opinion.

Check out their work first. Honestly the price is pretty low... which should be a warning sign. It also should not take 4-5 hours for a 370z. I can knock those out in less than 3 hours pretty easily. They shouldnt need to wash it before hand since its coming straight out of the dealership. I would imagine they will just wipe the front end down and make sure its spotless before applying the film. The other thing you need to find out is wat type of film are they using.

If you have any questions regarding the films out there or abou the install, feel free to pm me and I will be more than happy to help you out.

Thom

frost · 04-11-2009, 06:56 PM

I'd rather just spend ~$300 to repaint the front end every couple years.

StLRedrider · 04-11-2009, 06:59 PM

That wasn't an option i was considering.

ocfoilist · 04-11-2009, 09:22 PM

I put a 3M clearbra on my 2003 350z as soon as I got it and the installer had a great suggestion that I have used often over the years. Take a toothbrush and use it to brush off any acculumated wax or dirt from the edge lines. It works like a champ and does not damage anything in the slightest. I intend to install a clearbra on my new 370 within hours of getting it.

A friend of mine bought a Mustang around the time I bought my original 350 and refrained from getting the paint protection film on it for a few months. Within 2 weeks, he had a battery of small rock chips all over the bumper. With most cars going with painted bumpers these days, they are sitting ducks for road debris.

Interesting to note the variations between 3M, VentureShield and Xpel - thanks to everyone for the info!

frost · 04-11-2009, 07:03 PM

Noted

I had clear bra on my 350, and dirt eventually worked its way into the edge, making the lines very visible. That's why I say I'd rather repaint.

StLRedrider · 04-11-2009, 07:08 PM

I understand, this is my first new car purchase and i want to try everything i can to keep it in tip top condition. Maybe they can rhino liner the front end.

frost · 04-11-2009, 07:11 PM

I can understand that. I remember how I treated my first new car. I just also remember how pissed off I got at myself for having paid for the clear bra to have ugly brown lines all the way around my front end. My neighbor also has the same issue with his 05 stang. Maybe they improved the quality in the last couple years.

HTP AutoWorks · 04-11-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frost

I can understand that. I remember how I treated my first new car. I just also remember how pissed off I got at myself for having paid for the clear bra to have ugly brown lines all the way around my front end. My neighbor also has the same issue with his 05 stang. Maybe they improved the quality in the last couple years.

What your talking about has nothing to do with the film... its the installer. A good installer will go back and heat seal the edges down after its installed. That will prevent the film from lifting down the road... causing the lines you are talking about. Obviousely you didnt have a good install. Get a good installer and you wont have anything to worry about.

04-06-2009, 09:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
alan93rsa Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 412 Drives: 16 Cayman GT4 Red Rep Power: 221	I watched the guy put Venture Shield on my car. I've done a lot of work on my cars in the past. After watching the install I can say that I will not be adding this project to my DIY list. __________________ 16 Cayman GT4, Carmine Red, Buckets, PCCB etc.

04-11-2009, 09:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
ocfoilist Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 202 Drives: 09 Blue 6m 370zT/S/N Rep Power: 17	I put a 3M clearbra on my 2003 350z as soon as I got it and the installer had a great suggestion that I have used often over the years. Take a toothbrush and use it to brush off any acculumated wax or dirt from the edge lines. It works like a champ and does not damage anything in the slightest. I intend to install a clearbra on my new 370 within hours of getting it. A friend of mine bought a Mustang around the time I bought my original 350 and refrained from getting the paint protection film on it for a few months. Within 2 weeks, he had a battery of small rock chips all over the bumper. With most cars going with painted bumpers these days, they are sitting ducks for road debris. Interesting to note the variations between 3M, VentureShield and Xpel - thanks to everyone for the info! __________________ Proud owner of a new 167.2 inch, 3278 lb baby Z! Stillen CBE & G3 Intake // Stillen Lightweight pulley // Stillen Oil Cooler // Goodridge Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines // ACT HDSS Clutch& Alum Flywheel

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04-11-2009, 06:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
StLRedrider A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St.louis,Mo Posts: 17,755 Drives: O9Sprt/Touring,p-51 Rep Power: 61	I was told from a sales lady at a local body shop which also houses a company called clear solutions they would install everything not including the headlights( xtra $90.) for around $425.00 at any location of my choice. I was thinking about the day i pick it up from the dealer. 2 questions. Is that a fair price and what kind of prep do they have to do? I really don't want any body else washing the car. I know that might sound stupid but i'm kind of anal like that. They also said roughly 4 to 5 hr job, is that the average. They can take as long as the want in my opinion.

04-11-2009, 06:56 PM	#9 (permalink)
frost Retired admin Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Winterfell Posts: 106,613 Drives: Your Wife Crazy Rep Power: 0	I'd rather just spend ~$300 to repaint the front end every couple years.

04-11-2009, 06:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
StLRedrider A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St.louis,Mo Posts: 17,755 Drives: O9Sprt/Touring,p-51 Rep Power: 61	That wasn't an option i was considering.

04-11-2009, 07:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
frost Retired admin Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Winterfell Posts: 106,613 Drives: Your Wife Crazy Rep Power: 0	Noted I had clear bra on my 350, and dirt eventually worked its way into the edge, making the lines very visible. That's why I say I'd rather repaint.

04-11-2009, 07:08 PM	#13 (permalink)
StLRedrider A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St.louis,Mo Posts: 17,755 Drives: O9Sprt/Touring,p-51 Rep Power: 61	I understand, this is my first new car purchase and i want to try everything i can to keep it in tip top condition. Maybe they can rhino liner the front end.

04-11-2009, 07:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
frost Retired admin Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Winterfell Posts: 106,613 Drives: Your Wife Crazy Rep Power: 0	I can understand that. I remember how I treated my first new car. I just also remember how pissed off I got at myself for having paid for the clear bra to have ugly brown lines all the way around my front end. My neighbor also has the same issue with his 05 stang. Maybe they improved the quality in the last couple years.