Clear Bra - Invisible Mask

[Coop77]

Just picked up my 2012 Limited this week. I live in Tampa, FL and we have tons of love bugs that really mess up the paint on the hood/bumpers. The dealer sells an invisble bra for $650, I called around and found the guy who does installs for the dealer...he will do it for $500 at his shop. However, he sells the kit for around $200. Has anyone on this forum tried installing one of these?
I'm sold on the concept...the 8mil coating should prevent rocks/bugs from damaging the paint and you can't even tell its there.

Invisible Mask - Clear Bra Automotive Paint Protection, 3M Scotchgard, Carbon Fiber 3M Films

 

[Jtraskell]

I know somebody here can explain to "Coop" how to do the search thing, I forgot.......

 

[cbielat]

I got it for my headlights, front bumper and grill surround. I also installed it myself. It just takes some time and patience. This was my first time working with the product and it came out pretty good.

 

[Victor_inox]

Just picked up my 2012 Limited this week. I live in Tampa, FL and we have tons of love bugs that really mess up the paint on the hood/bumpers. The dealer sells an invisble bra for $650, I called around and found the guy who does installs for the dealer...he will do it for $500 at his shop. However, he sells the kit for around $200. Has anyone on this forum tried installing one of these?
I'm sold on the concept...the 8mil coating should prevent rocks/bugs from damaging the paint and you can't even tell its there.

Invisible Mask - Clear Bra Automotive Paint Protection, 3M Scotchgard, Carbon Fiber 3M Films

DON`T BUY IT FOR $200, GET ONE OFF EBAY FOR $70
Paint Protection Clear Bumper Film Bra Toyota 4Runner 2006-2009 | eBay

I USED THIS GUY KIT ON MY RIDGELINE, GREAT QUALITY AND HIS KIT IS CUT ON THE PLOTTER NOT BY HAND. I`VE GOT ALL PIECES FOR HEADLIGHTS, MIRRORS 24"HOOD AND TWO HUGE BUMPER PARTS.I INSTALLED IT MYSELF, NOT THAT HARD IF YOUTAKE YOUR TIME AND WATCH 100 YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF HOW TO.IT`S VIRTUALLY IMPOSIBLE TO RUIN CAR PAINT APPLYING THIN FILM.I JUST BOUGHT A KIT FOR MY 4RUNNER, SHOULD BE DELIVERED TOMORROW,ILLINSTALL THIS WEEKENDAND LET YOU KNOW HOW THAT GOES.

 

[Antman]

... I also installed it myself. It just takes some time and patients....

You sick, sick, man! Exactly how many patients did you apply this stuff to before you were comfortable enough to apply it to your vehicle?! The horror!



I am sorry. It's the kid in me that made me do it.

 

[Coop77]

Thanks. I'll look forward to hearing how it goes for you.

 

[jspagna1]

I have tint shop in my area that did window tints on 3 of my vehicles at a good price and did a great job. I asked about the clear bra and they told me that 3M window tint is excellent, but the 3M clear bra is a PIA to work with. It needs to be stretched to fit. They suggested I buy this Mega Kit from Ebay and they would install it for me. I had a clear bra installed on my wifes TL and it cost me $350. I just don't trust myself to do the job. I'll let you guys know how it comes out as well.

Clear Bra PreCut for Toyota 4Runner 2010-2011 Mega Kit - Best Value | eBay

 

[Coop77]

I have tint shop in my area that did window tints on 3 of my vehicles at a good price and did a great job. I asked about the clear bra and they told me that 3M window tint is excellent, but the 3M clear bra is a PIA to work with. It needs to be stretched to fit. They suggested I buy this Mega Kit from Ebay and they would install it for me. I had a clear bra installed on my wifes TL and it cost me $350. I just don't trust myself to do the job. I'll let you guys know how it comes out as well.

Clear Bra PreCut for Toyota 4Runner 2010-2011 Mega Kit - Best Value | eBay

Look forward to hearing how this turns out.

 

[desertred]

I noticed the e-bay stuff is only 4 mil thick vice the 8 mil 3M linked in the OP. That's a pretty significant difference. Anyone know what the thickness is for the Toyota clear bra installed by the factory/dealer?

 

[sigmonster]

I ordered a kit from invisiblemask.com. They carry 3M and Invisi-Mask for the same price ($165). The Invisi-Mask is reportedly easier to work with (so I got it). Read the directions and watch the included video. Start with the smaller pieces to learn your technique. Have great lighting (or take your T4R outside before the film dries) to get out all the tiny air bubbles. The biggest piece that wraps around the lower bumper is technically the most difficult--you will be stretching around the corners. Allow yourself an afternoon to complete it.

The Invisi-Mask is very durable. Mine turned out very well though I could do it better next time (there is always a learning curve). My T4R is white and any imperfections are only noticeable to me. If your T4R is dark or you're not patient and methodical then consider a professional install. I would definitely recommend the Invisi-Mask if you are handy and not in a hurry.

 

[WIT4R]

Congrats on the new ride. I'm in Clearwater so I know what those bugs are like. Since your local, did you try Clearwater Toyota? I had mine installed from there and they did a good job and the price was lower then anyone I found in the area for a full kit (hood, front bumper, front fenders and rear view mirrors. They use a Llumar product and offer a lifetime warranty on it.

I've had it on my truck for 2 years now, and it's held up great. Plus it has a smooth finish to it unlike others that have an orange peel look to it. Give them a call and see what they charge.

If your interested to see what it looks like on the truck your more then welcome to swing by and check it out.

 

[phillyd2]

In case anybody has never had the pleasure of driving in Florida during Love Bug mating season, here is our rental from last year. You can literally clean your car spotless and within 5 miles look like this:

 

[Victor_inox]

In case anybody has never had the pleasure of driving in Florida during Love Bug mating season, here is our rental from last year. You can literally clean your car spotless and within 5 miles look like this:

and it will eat your paint to the bare metal if left like that.

 

[Victor_inox]

I noticed the e-bay stuff is only 4 mil thick vice the 8 mil 3M linked in the OP. That's a pretty significant difference. Anyone know what the thickness is for the Toyota clear bra installed by the factory/dealer?

would you mind pointing where did you find it about ebay stuff because it`s clearly stated 0.17 not ..17mm is standart thickness of clear bra material. one linked in my post shows no "orange peel as well.

 

[Victor_inox]

Thanks. I'll look forward to hearing how it goes for you.

i did mine today in about 2 hours, looks great IMO. Ill post pics tomorrow, too dark right now.stretching required for precise fit, heat gun is my favorite tool right now, its amazing how many things can be done with heat gun.
i wish they would sell a kit for full car wrap. maybe i should just buy film in bulk and do it.
taking pictures of transparent PLASTIC is pointlessbut here it is as promised.

 

[cbielat]

Sorry Antman, poor typo on my end.

 

[azn-sensation]

i did mine today in about 2 hours, looks great IMO. Ill post pics tomorrow, too dark right now.stretching required for precise fit, heat gun is my favorite tool right now, its amazing how many things can be done with heat gun.
i wish they would sell a kit for full car wrap. maybe i should just buy film in bulk and do it.
taking pictures of transparent PLASTIC is pointlessbut here it is as promised.

Did you end up purchasing from the ebay vendor?

 

[Victor_inox]

Did you end up purchasing from the ebay vendor?

yes,same onei linked in my post

 

[Coop77]

I have not called Clearwater Toyota. I'll give them a try on Monday...just in time for love bug season. Thank you!

 

[Coop77]

would you mind pointing where did you find it about ebay stuff because it`s clearly stated 0.17 not ..17mm is standart thickness of clear bra material. one linked in my post shows no "orange peel as well.

I believe that 1.7mm is just under 8 mill...essentially the same thing.