3M Clear Bra

[RL Lemke]

Have any of yo installed the X-Pel 3M Clear Bra kit yourself? It does not look to be too difficult. Installers here in Dallas want $400. The kit is $150, percut to fit the 4Runner.

http://www.xpel.com/products/default.asp

 

[Granth77]

I'm very curious about this, also. I'd love to be able to protect the paint without putting one of those goofy regular bras on, especially since my truck is black.

Anyone use this or hear of anyone yet?

Grant

 

[Scofco]

I know of a civic in town that has something similar to this, not sure if is the 3M one but his turned yellow from weathering and the edges peeled and lost their stickyness.

He doesn't seem to mind that his car looks ugly with it on though

 

[RL Lemke]

Yellowing is an issue for me also. I wonder if these protective shields are like window tint. Crappy ones, crappy installation, and professional (long lasting quality) ones.

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/...us_aad_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html

 

[bryancos]

I have a 3M clear bra on my black 03... no signs of cracking or peeling... Hardly notice it's there except for the hairline seam across the nose -- it was the showroom model and the dealer had just had it installed the week before I decided to take the car off his hands. He threw it in as part of the deal so didn't cost me anything extra. I still installed a bug shield as added protection against rocks and to help keep the windshield clear from bug splatter.

 

[02sport]

i have the xpel front end kit on my '02....been on for about 18 months. no yellowing at all.....and like bryancos said only the slight line is visible....
didnt' install myself though.....paid around 400 for the whole front end kit(hood, fender, mirrors, bumper, grill, valence, except the lights) installed...

 

[pag04]

Does the $400 include the cost of the parts?
Looking at the web site, it is guaranteed for 4 years. Anyone know what happens in year 5 or 6 if you want to get it off? Will it damage the paint?

Pag04

 

[02sport]

yep, the $400 was for everything......as for removing it. it doesnt harm the paint.....as long as its warm(plastic), you can just peel it back....i watched the installer remove an old job......they just peeled back slowly as not to leave sticky residue....whatever sticky stuff was left was easily removed with adhesive remover....
id say it's a good investment!........now if only they could use it on the windshields

 

[bryancos]

Actually a lot of glass shops DO offer a product to protect the edges of a windshield... the products go by different names, but here's one I found quickly on the web called "EdgeGuard":
http://www.abcglass.net/html/techdescription.htm

 

[Ianbiz3]

I'm very curious about this, also. I'd love to be able to protect the paint without putting one of those goofy regular bras on, especially since my truck is black.

Anyone use this or hear of anyone yet?

Grant

it would look good black on black, acutally sorta sexy

 

[Yachtwithus]

I ordered this Thursday will take pics once applied.

M

http://www.mrtoyotaparts.com/partdetail.asp?PartID=84321

Clear Paint Protection Kit (4Runner 03-current) *Please view product notes. .
Retail: $170.00
Online Price: $136.85


Our Paint Protection Products are made from 3MTM Paint Protection Film which is a rugged eight mil (.008") clear Urethane plastic employing a clear-coat finish for maximum shine. This durable adhesive backed material has been tested both in the field and in the laboratory for more than ten years as well as applied at many of the major auto manufacturers in rock chip prone areas with incredible results. Never before has a product been invented that provides so much protection with such low visibility. Our products are so strong that not only are they guaranteed not to yellow crack or peel for 4 years after installation they are also covered by an unprecedented 4-year $1000 paint protection guarantee against damage to your vehicle

 

[RL Lemke]

I found another supplier of the 3M paint protection. This is the kit I have ordered for my 4Runner.

http://www.invinca-shield.com/asp/genkit.asp?kit=4470

The cut is different than the X-Pel kit, a cut I feel better about.

 

[RockBlocker]

There are many companies out there selling pre-kits for all kinds of vehicles.

A little bit of info to chew on for everyone.

Most companies offer a four year warranty on the film while other offer lifetime for cracking, fading and/or yellowing for as long as you own the vehicle. Some companies even wrap the leading edge of the hood for a better and cleaner install.

The 4runner is not to tough to install yourself if you have some patience and problem solving skills. White and silver is much easier than say black to install on. If you keep the material wet and be careful not to ruin the adhesive you can do a good job.

If you have any questions before the install let me know. I done a few 1000 kits.

 

[SE4runner]

What happens when you want to wash and wax the car? Do you leave it on, and just wax over it?

 

[RL Lemke]

RL Lemke,
Nice find! I like that you can order all the pieces individually.
Is this the stuff that can peel off easily later on or is it permanent?

I would like to be able to peel it off 5-10 years later if it yellows, rips or tears. Is this the stuff that can be peeled off?

I have it installed now. I spent 3 hours with the install guy BSing while he did his job. $75 later and the three pieces I bought are there doing their job. Anyway, he said that he has been installing the 3M stuff for 4 years of so. He said that the clear stuff made by Avery does not last as long as the 3M product. That you can always lift it off anytime you don't want it anymore. I have looked at the 3M site carefully and see that they do NOT want their product installed over headlights though.

Anyway it is cold here (40s - that is cold for Dallas) so it will take a while for the clear film to cure. The installer said that I should keep an eye on the corners and edges for a week, that it takes time in the sun for the adhesive to fully cure. So far the slight fog under the film keeps getting clearer. Here is a photo from minutes after the install, and a drive home in a downpour.

 

[RL Lemke]

Ooops, here is the photo.

 

[pokerface]

if the protection film only covers the frontmost edge of the hood, is there still any chance that stones will chip the UNprotected areas?

 

[RL Lemke]

if the protection film only covers the frontmost edge of the hood, is there still any chance that stones will chip the UNprotected areas?

Sure. However, the leading edge is the area most affected by chips. Wherever the bugs stick to the paint, that is where you need protection the most.