What do people think of Clear Bra Paint Protection?

StLRedrider · 04-11-2009, 06:59 PM

That wasn't an option i was considering.

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.

StLRedrider · 04-11-2009, 07:12 PM

Thanks for your 2 cents frost, happy easter!!!!!

frost · 04-11-2009, 07:16 PM

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!

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.

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

StLRedrider · 04-12-2009, 09:57 AM

Thanxs for the info HTP, i do know they are using X-PEL. I do have about a month till the car arrives, so i'm still checking out my options. I'll keep in touch.

cab83_750 · 04-15-2009, 01:00 AM

I had AeroTech install the VentureShield clear installed on mine. It is perfect (so far). They did the hood, the bumper, the pillar, and the rear quarter panel. Although it cost me $650.00, it was worth the money.

I chose VentureShield over 3M because:

1. The 3M on my Porsche turned yellow after 2 years.
2. Side-by-side, the VentureShield was a winner as it did not have an orange-peel look and feel.

If you go to AeroTech, tell them Windsor gave them a 'superb' rating.

HTP AutoWorks · 04-15-2009, 07:34 AM

The only thing I would be worried about with Xpel is they may go out of business. They have been struggling lately and may not be around if you run into any warranty issues.

DIGItonium · 04-17-2009, 08:56 AM

My local dealer is asking for $899 for the entire installation. I'm debating about that versus weekend job with my friend, who did the work himself.

tvfreakazoid · 04-19-2009, 02:05 PM

Dang that's pricey.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIGItonium

My local dealer is asking for $899 for the entire installation. I'm debating about that versus weekend job with my friend, who did the work himself.

DIGItonium · 04-19-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvfreakazoid

Dang that's pricey.

Yea, they dropped by a couple hundred. I was thinking about getting the XPEL and have it done with a friend, but I rather have the lifetime warranty and not deal with air bubbles and peeling.

Window tinting is pricey as well at $300 at my local dealer. I would get this done elsewhere, but I can't complain about lifetime warranty.

04-11-2009, 09:22 PM	#67 (permalink)
ocfoilist Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 202 Drives: 09 Blue 6m 370zT/S/N Rep Power: 16	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

04-17-2009, 08:56 AM	#73 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 42	My local dealer is asking for $899 for the entire installation. I'm debating about that versus weekend job with my friend, who did the work himself. __________________

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04-11-2009, 06:59 PM	#61 (permalink)
StLRedrider A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St.louis,Mo Posts: 17,755 Drives: O9Sprt/Touring,p-51 Rep Power: 60	That wasn't an option i was considering.

04-11-2009, 07:03 PM	#62 (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	#63 (permalink)
StLRedrider A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St.louis,Mo Posts: 17,755 Drives: O9Sprt/Touring,p-51 Rep Power: 60	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	#64 (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.

04-11-2009, 07:12 PM	#65 (permalink)
StLRedrider A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St.louis,Mo Posts: 17,755 Drives: O9Sprt/Touring,p-51 Rep Power: 60	Thanks for your 2 cents frost, happy easter!!!!!

04-11-2009, 07:16 PM	#66 (permalink)
frost Retired admin Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Winterfell Posts: 106,613 Drives: Your Wife Crazy Rep Power: 0

04-12-2009, 09:57 AM	#70 (permalink)
StLRedrider A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St.louis,Mo Posts: 17,755 Drives: O9Sprt/Touring,p-51 Rep Power: 60	Thanxs for the info HTP, i do know they are using X-PEL. I do have about a month till the car arrives, so i'm still checking out my options. I'll keep in touch.

04-15-2009, 01:00 AM	#71 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 417	I had AeroTech install the VentureShield clear installed on mine. It is perfect (so far). They did the hood, the bumper, the pillar, and the rear quarter panel. Although it cost me $650.00, it was worth the money. I chose VentureShield over 3M because: 1. The 3M on my Porsche turned yellow after 2 years. 2. Side-by-side, the VentureShield was a winner as it did not have an orange-peel look and feel. If you go to AeroTech, tell them Windsor gave them a 'superb' rating.

04-15-2009, 07:34 AM	#72 (permalink)
HTP AutoWorks Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: DFW Posts: 124 Drives: G35, Jeep SRT-8 Rep Power: 0	The only thing I would be worried about with Xpel is they may go out of business. They have been struggling lately and may not be around if you run into any warranty issues.