What do people think of Clear Bra Paint Protection?

scorpion90 · 04-03-2009, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan93rsa

I installed it on the Z about 2 weeks ago. The shop used a product called Venture Shield. Worked out very nice. The guy that owns the shop did the install. There was an issue with a line on the hood which was difficult to see. He pulled it off and put a new piece on no questions asked. Almost forgot he did the lighted aluminum sill pieces which should help with scratches down the road. Also had the headlights done. Great work and customer service.

I'd like to get mine done. I live in Akron, where did you get yours done? thanks

tvfreakazoid · 04-03-2009, 06:11 AM

Well what if you have it detailed by pro's? I assume you would tell them about the clear bra.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LenZToy

I had the 3M product installed a few weeks ago. Looks great. I don't want the front of this car to look like my 2003 350Z did after 6 years. Wax like normal...I suggest waxing away from the "line" to decrease the amount of build up.

LenZToy · 04-04-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvfreakazoid

Well what if you have it detailed by pro's? I assume you would tell them about the clear bra.

They'd see it but you could tell them...my comment about putting the wax on by applying away from the seam was to keep the wax from builing up along the seam and making it easier to get the wax off. My guy told me you could use a pressure washer to wash it (although I don't know why you would!) and if you wanted to use some sort of polishing machine, no problem.

o0javi0o · 04-04-2009, 06:24 PM

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

BrianUSMC · 04-04-2009, 06:55 PM

Do any of you have experience applying the clear bra yourself? Or is that highly inadvisable. I see they sell the kits online from $170.

This is one company's product description:

"THESE KITS PROVIDES UP TO 23 INCHES DEEP HOOD PROTECTION PLUS LARGE,CORRESPONDING FENDER PIECES,MIRROR BACKS AND FULL BUMPER PROTECTION!
PLEASE NOTE,.....THIS IS NOT THE CHEAP,PAPER THIN STUFF BEING REPRESENTED ELSEWHERE AS PAINT PROTECTION FILM.THIS IS GENUINE 3M 8 MIL SCOTCHGARD PAINT PROTECTION FILM WITH PROTECTIVE CLEAR COAT AND 5 YEAR WARRANTY."

Thanks,
Slag

SoCal 370Z · 04-04-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianUSMC

Do any of you have experience applying the clear bra yourself? Or is that highly inadvisable.

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.

dad · 04-04-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LenZToy

They'd see it but you could tell them...my comment about putting the wax on by applying away from the seam was to keep the wax from builing up along the seam and making it easier to get the wax off. My guy told me you could use a pressure washer to wash it (although I don't know why you would!) and if you wanted to use some sort of polishing machine, no problem.

I wouldn't use a pressure washer on anything but cement, or, the out side of my house, if I were getting it re-painted.

LenZToy · 04-05-2009, 10:30 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, 01:08 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....

rbratton · 04-06-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianUSMC

Do any of you have experience applying the clear bra yourself? Or is that highly inadvisable. I see they sell the kits online from $170.

This is one company's product description:

"THESE KITS PROVIDES UP TO 23 INCHES DEEP HOOD PROTECTION PLUS LARGE,CORRESPONDING FENDER PIECES,MIRROR BACKS AND FULL BUMPER PROTECTION!
PLEASE NOTE,.....THIS IS NOT THE CHEAP,PAPER THIN STUFF BEING REPRESENTED ELSEWHERE AS PAINT PROTECTION FILM.THIS IS GENUINE 3M 8 MIL SCOTCHGARD PAINT PROTECTION FILM WITH PROTECTIVE CLEAR COAT AND 5 YEAR WARRANTY."

Thanks,
Slag

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.

BrianUSMC · 04-06-2009, 10:43 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, 02:42 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...

alan93rsa · 04-06-2009, 10:55 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, 07:53 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.

frost · 04-11-2009, 07:56 PM

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

04-04-2009, 06:55 PM	#50 (permalink)
BrianUSMC Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Beaufort, SC Age: 46 Posts: 78 Drives: 370z PG,6MT,T,S,Nav Rep Power: 16	3M Do any of you have experience applying the clear bra yourself? Or is that highly inadvisable. I see they sell the kits online from $170. This is one company's product description: "THESE KITS PROVIDES UP TO 23 INCHES DEEP HOOD PROTECTION PLUS LARGE,CORRESPONDING FENDER PIECES,MIRROR BACKS AND FULL BUMPER PROTECTION! PLEASE NOTE,.....THIS IS NOT THE CHEAP,PAPER THIN STUFF BEING REPRESENTED ELSEWHERE AS PAINT PROTECTION FILM.THIS IS GENUINE 3M 8 MIL SCOTCHGARD PAINT PROTECTION FILM WITH PROTECTIVE CLEAR COAT AND 5 YEAR WARRANTY." Thanks, Slag

04-06-2009, 10:55 PM	#58 (permalink)
alan93rsa Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 412 Drives: 16 Cayman GT4 Red Rep Power: 220	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.

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04-04-2009, 06:24 PM	#49 (permalink)
o0javi0o Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 458 Drives: '15 ///M3 6MT Rep Power: 17	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

04-11-2009, 07:53 PM	#59 (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 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, 07:56 PM	#60 (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.