"PermaPlate" and/or clear bra - worth it?
 

Guys,

I'll be going in Monday to place an order for my Z. My dealer was telling me earlier about both PermaPlate and getting a clear bra.

What are your thoughts on these options for protecting the exterior (and, in the case of PermaPlate, the interior as well)? Is it worth doing? Does the clear bra detract from the look?

Lemme know what you guys think!

-n

The first thing i did when I bought mine was take it to get the clear bra put on. You barely even notice it on the car unless you are specifically looking for it. For most ppl looking at the car I have to tell them I have a clear bra and then they finally notice. It def has helped keep ease of mind since there are no rock chips on my front and that keeps me happy everytime I wash my car. I have the Full Front plus side view mirrors covered, but you can def do more or less.

Do you recall what it cost you?

Thanks for the info!

Its going to be different, depending on where you live.

But around Los angeles, they are roughly anywhere from 500-700$ depending on the installer. I would think it would be close to that.

I started with the clear bra (venturshield) just on the front bumper. After having it on for about a month im gonna get the full hood, mirrors and side skirts done. When done right you can't tell its on there. The permaplate might be good for the interior, but don't think it could be as good as a clear bra for the exterior. Just my opinion tho.

Something
 

Put something on: I found to my dismay just how soft the paint on my 2011 gunmetal was. After a couple of months I noticed lots of rock chips--many more than other cars I have had got. Instead of PermaPlate, I would take a hard look at Opti-Coat. When I was researching my paint problem I thought it looked like a better kind of PermaPlate. I couldn't find an authorized installer in my area (west Sonoma County), so I didn't put it on.

Good luck.

Thanks for the input!

One thing my dealer mentioned about PermaPlate was that it includes a repair/replacement coverage plan so they'll fix any damage incurred on any surface covered by PermaPlate during the period of the coverage. Seems like a winner to me.

Hafta do some more googling.

-n

I have both Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 and Xpel Self Healing Film. I'm a big advocate of both. If you go with a self healing film, skip Opti-Coat on those panels or apply it under the film for further uv protection and easier future film removal. If you apply OC over the self healing film, it will not heal anymore.

If you go with a regular non healing film, you can apply Opti-Coat over the film, under the film, or both if you wish.

Don't worry about a certified installer for the opti-coat. It's easy to apply. The key to good results is making sure the paint is absolutely perfect in all lighting before applying. It's a permanent coating (but it can be polished off with some effort). This means you need a detailer, a real detailer that knows how to work with paint and make corrections, to prep the car for opticoat.

Pm me for my experience with either of these products. I'm a believer.

Yes it does depend on where you live but it cost me around 600 dollars for the full front and side mirrors. I have the XPEL brand self healing film installed.