Clear Bra installers in Toronto/Vaughan area?

1Sweet Z · 05-14-2011, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dizzy

That sounds about right considering what I paid. Don't forget the $1200 includes the materials too. It's not as simple as dividing it by $1200.

Yes, there were other cheaper places around, but I really wanted Jeff's product, ventureshield. Also, after ready all his reviews on other forums, I also wanted an installer I knoew I wouldn't have a single issue with. As I mentioned before, right after the install, a piece lifted and they replaced it without a single question.

I'm a fair believer in the profecy "you get what you pay for", and I will fork out a few extra dollars for a shop I am certain I will have no issues with.

You can go elsewhere and save a few $100, but will you get the ventureshield (some are perfectly happy with 3M - not me) and will you get a perfect install?

I want the venture shield as well. I meet with Jeff to show him exactly what I wanted and we agreed on a fair price. I am getting it installed on monday afternoon.

Thanks for the feedback

1Sweet Z · 05-17-2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dizzy

That sounds about right considering what I paid. Don't forget the $1200 includes the materials too. It's not as simple as dividing it by $1200.

Yes, there were other cheaper places around, but I really wanted Jeff's product, ventureshield. Also, after ready all his reviews on other forums, I also wanted an installer I knoew I wouldn't have a single issue with. As I mentioned before, right after the install, a piece lifted and they replaced it without a single question.

I'm a fair believer in the profecy "you get what you pay for", and I will fork out a few extra dollars for a shop I am certain I will have no issues with.

You can go elsewhere and save a few $100, but will you get the ventureshield (some are perfectly happy with 3M - not me) and will you get a perfect install?

So I got the Venture Shield installed yesterday. They used a pre-cut kit for the job and I have to say the fascia and hood look awesome. I had them apply a partial fender and mirror cap. These did not turn out as good.
The kit for the partial fender is about 3/4 of an inch from the edge of the wheel opening and the mirror cap is a 2pc design. The 2 pieces line-up most the way across, but you can see it.

I am going to give a few days to see how they settle and then go back to Jeff to get them re-done. He said that if I was not happy with the work, they would re-do it.

I searched the forum albums to try and compare, but didn't see things that I have. Do you have any pics of your mirror cap and fender pieces?

I'll post some pics of the work to get your opinion.

1Sweet Z · 05-17-2011, 10:28 PM

Here are some photos of the install.

370EZ · 05-18-2011, 10:26 AM

Hi 1SweetZ

The install looks good. My mirror was done in one piece. I wish it would cover right up to the black plastic but it looks like the important area is protected. My fenders are fully covered with the edges rolled so there is no visible lines whatsoever (no point showing a pic of that). I've attached a pic of my mirror since you were looking for examples.

1Sweet Z · 05-18-2011, 11:47 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I know it would be hard to get a full on piece mirror cap to stretch on all those 3D contours.

Dizzy · 05-19-2011, 09:45 AM

My mirror cap is the same as the one pictured. It simply can't be stretched all the way.

I looked at the pics of your install, and I had a few of those bubbles under mine and they all disappeared after seeing the sun.

As for my entire install, it was not a kit. All the pieces were cut and installed from a sheet. I know, cause I watched it being done. My installer, Art, told me he didn't like kits for the very reason you stated. They don't always fit perfectly. One of the things I insisted on when choosing an installer was that it was not a kit and all pieces were custom cut and fitted. My mirrors are one piece but don't go all the way to edge, like the pic above. All fenders, rocker panels etc go perfectly to the edge and even wrap slightly under it. You cannot see edges of film anywhere because I did the entire area and wrapped it underneath. For example, I did the entire hood and had the film wrapped under the edges. Expensive - yep - but you can't see a line! It was extremely important to me that the film remain completely invisible.

I sure hope Audio Heaven hasn't gone to kits. One of the reasons I liked them so much was the fact they custom cut. I wonder if they have a new installer? Mabe Art isn't there anymore and whoever the new guy is prefers kits.

Elysium · 05-19-2011, 10:47 AM

There's actually nothing wrong with having a digitally cut kit installed on your car. You have to realize that the kits are usually designed by an installer and then digitized to fit on the the various width rolls that are available.

Most of the time when a shop or installer "only" does custom kits they don't want to invest in a plotter and the software which can be quite costly depending on the size of the machine and program that is used.
I have a 40 inch plottter which cost almost $9000.

I'll do custom pieces only when the template isn't available or they are full panels. For example; full hood, full fenders headlights or full doors.

You have to be able to install the product efficiently otherwise the business won't be very profitable.

Elysium · 05-19-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370EZ

Hi 1SweetZ

The install looks good. My mirror was done in one piece. I wish it would cover right up to the black plastic but it looks like the important area is protected. My fenders are fully covered with the edges rolled so there is no visible lines whatsoever (no point showing a pic of that). I've attached a pic of my mirror since you were looking for examples.

The edge is peeling slightly...you should have them trim it before it gets worse.

370EZ · 05-19-2011, 11:29 AM

Thanks Elysium

I just got it done last week and was just giving it a chance to settle in. I will take your advice and have them look at trimming it.

Dizzy · 05-19-2011, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elysium

Most of the time when a shop or installer "only" does custom kits they don't want to invest in a plotter and the software which can be quite costly depending on the size of the machine and program that is used.
I have a 40 inch plottter which cost almost $9000.

Audio heaven has a plotter and they use it for their tint plots. Every plotter install I have seen.....without exception, leaves gaps.

1Sweet Z · 05-19-2011, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dizzy

My mirror cap is the same as the one pictured. It simply can't be stretched all the way.

I looked at the pics of your install, and I had a few of those bubbles under mine and they all disappeared after seeing the sun.

As for my entire install, it was not a kit. All the pieces were cut and installed from a sheet. I know, cause I watched it being done. My installer, Art, told me he didn't like kits for the very reason you stated. They don't always fit perfectly. One of the things I insisted on when choosing an installer was that it was not a kit and all pieces were custom cut and fitted. My mirrors are one piece but don't go all the way to edge, like the pic above. All fenders, rocker panels etc go perfectly to the edge and even wrap slightly under it. You cannot see edges of film anywhere because I did the entire area and wrapped it underneath. For example, I did the entire hood and had the film wrapped under the edges. Expensive - yep - but you can't see a line! It was extremely important to me that the film remain completely invisible.

I sure hope Audio Heaven hasn't gone to kits. One of the reasons I liked them so much was the fact they custom cut. I wonder if they have a new installer? Mabe Art isn't there anymore and whoever the new guy is prefers kits.

Reed installed my bra and I believe he brought the kit. I had it out today in the sunlight and the hood and fascia look amazing. Still not crazy with the fenders or the mirror caps. I might leave the mirror caps alone and take the full protection of the kit versus one piece that cannot cover the entire cap.

When I can get a chance to get back to T.O, I will have jeff cut a custom piece for the fender.
Jeff's customer service is outstanding and would still highly recommend him.

Dizzy · 05-20-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Sweet Z

Jeff's customer service is outstanding and would still highly recommend him.

Any guy who says "if you're not happy, bring it back and I'll fix it" understands how to do business. He proved that to me buy reapplying some areas and as a result, he'll get all my future business and recommendations.

As for the mirrors, something to consider. If you get one piece, they can't cover the entire mirror because of the curve. So, as was shown in the previous picture, you will end up with a line all the way across it where the wrap ends. Not really any different than theline you show where the two pieces meet. You however have the benefit of full coverage. One place the kit cut may be better.

I guess the other thing with plotters and kits is they can be programmed to cut the pieces to fit exactly to the edges. Wonder why so many leave a gap?

Elysium · 05-20-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dizzy

Audio heaven has a plotter and they use it for their tint plots. Every plotter install I have seen.....without exception, leaves gaps.

Most software programs give you the option of extending the edges so you can wrap the film around the edges, at least mine does.

Gaps will also vary depending on on the installer as well which is actually the most important factor when choosing where to go for this service.

You also have to consider that there are limitations to how much the film will stretch and while having the adhesive stay intact

1Sweet Z · 05-20-2011, 09:37 AM

Does the film expend when exposed to heat? I gotta figure the adhesive holds the film.
The installer did mention that he left a gap to allow it to settle in and the lines should knit together.

alcheng · 09-28-2011, 05:24 PM

Just had mine done today at Audio Heaven. Partial hood, bumper and fender. Jeff is very nice and offer good service, he finished the whole job under 5 hours, and the job was done nicely too.

Only one drawback is the color, my car is the pearl white, so I can see the bra is a tad yellowish, especially on the hood, cos you can compare the difference right away, and it does take away the shininess of the white powder coat.

I will see how does the kit survive later, but the service from Jeff is exceptional!!!

I'll say the bra work well on all colors EXCEPT white.

cheers

05-18-2011, 11:47 AM	#20 (permalink)
1Sweet Z Base Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 185 Drives: 11 GM 370Z A7 Spt/Nv Rep Power: 14	Thanks for the feedback. I know it would be hard to get a full on piece mirror cap to stretch on all those 3D contours. __________________ V-LED : ILLUM KICK PLATES : VENTURE SHIELD : H & R : K & N : GOODRIDGE SS BRAKE LINES : NISMO CBE

05-19-2011, 09:45 AM	#21 (permalink)
Dizzy Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Milton, On Posts: 234 Drives: 10 HW 6MT SPT/NAV Rep Power: 15	My mirror cap is the same as the one pictured. It simply can't be stretched all the way. I looked at the pics of your install, and I had a few of those bubbles under mine and they all disappeared after seeing the sun. As for my entire install, it was not a kit. All the pieces were cut and installed from a sheet. I know, cause I watched it being done. My installer, Art, told me he didn't like kits for the very reason you stated. They don't always fit perfectly. One of the things I insisted on when choosing an installer was that it was not a kit and all pieces were custom cut and fitted. My mirrors are one piece but don't go all the way to edge, like the pic above. All fenders, rocker panels etc go perfectly to the edge and even wrap slightly under it. You cannot see edges of film anywhere because I did the entire area and wrapped it underneath. For example, I did the entire hood and had the film wrapped under the edges. Expensive - yep - but you can't see a line! It was extremely important to me that the film remain completely invisible. I sure hope Audio Heaven hasn't gone to kits. One of the reasons I liked them so much was the fact they custom cut. I wonder if they have a new installer? Mabe Art isn't there anymore and whoever the new guy is prefers kits. __________________

05-20-2011, 09:37 AM	#29 (permalink)
1Sweet Z Base Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 185 Drives: 11 GM 370Z A7 Spt/Nv Rep Power: 14	Does the film expend when exposed to heat? I gotta figure the adhesive holds the film. The installer did mention that he left a gap to allow it to settle in and the lines should knit together. __________________ V-LED : ILLUM KICK PLATES : VENTURE SHIELD : H & R : K & N : GOODRIDGE SS BRAKE LINES : NISMO CBE

09-28-2011, 05:24 PM	#30 (permalink)
alcheng A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Toronto Posts: 28,894 Drives: 2011 ZR PW w/Clutch Rep Power: 418353	Got mine done today, Audio Heaven Just had mine done today at Audio Heaven. Partial hood, bumper and fender. Jeff is very nice and offer good service, he finished the whole job under 5 hours, and the job was done nicely too. Only one drawback is the color, my car is the pearl white, so I can see the bra is a tad yellowish, especially on the hood, cos you can compare the difference right away, and it does take away the shininess of the white powder coat. I will see how does the kit survive later, but the service from Jeff is exceptional!!! I'll say the bra work well on all colors EXCEPT white. cheers

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05-19-2011, 10:47 AM	#22 (permalink)
Elysium Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ontario Posts: 133 Drives: 2013 GT-R, 2008 Sti Rep Power: 14	There's actually nothing wrong with having a digitally cut kit installed on your car. You have to realize that the kits are usually designed by an installer and then digitized to fit on the the various width rolls that are available. Most of the time when a shop or installer "only" does custom kits they don't want to invest in a plotter and the software which can be quite costly depending on the size of the machine and program that is used. I have a 40 inch plottter which cost almost $9000. I'll do custom pieces only when the template isn't available or they are full panels. For example; full hood, full fenders headlights or full doors. You have to be able to install the product efficiently otherwise the business won't be very profitable.

05-19-2011, 11:29 AM	#24 (permalink)
370EZ Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 7 Drives: TBD Rep Power: 15	Thanks Elysium I just got it done last week and was just giving it a chance to settle in. I will take your advice and have them look at trimming it.