Both my cars have the xpel film. They were supposedly bought by ventureshield, or vice versa.
Paint Protection Film Installed
- Thread starter Ryan F.
- Start date
Both my cars have the xpel film. They were supposedly bought by ventureshield, or vice versa.
I paid $280 for the "hood kit" and they quoted $750 for the "big kit" so looks like my prices from a reputable shop are in line with Ryan's. I didn't think I needed the front bumper covered, so I went with just the hood, mirrors, etc.
Everything I've read says to make sure you get someone who knows what they're doing on the installation. If they start hemming and hawing about installation, I'd keep looking for someone with experience.
$4K is just stupid ridiculous!
shilly
New member
I feel like I really lucked out on my 3M Clear Bra and Tint. My neighbor went to high school with the 3M Distributor Rep that does the 3M Demos at the SEMA show in Vegas. He came to my house - did my "A" Pillars, Mirrors, Hood, Front Fenders & Bumper (one 24" piece from wheel well to wheel well) - along with 20% tint to the front windows for the same amount as the dealer's MSRP for the pre-cut hood and fender package. The new stuff has a much nicer gloss than the older generation 3M Clear Bra that I had on my 91 Lexus.
This is really a necessity in Colorado - Glad I did not pay my dealer the same amount for 1/2 of the coverage and no tint.
This is really a necessity in Colorado - Glad I did not pay my dealer the same amount for 1/2 of the coverage and no tint.
Nice score. Post close up pictures of the film edges if you can.
How well does the tint match with the rest of the windows?
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shilly
New member
Sorry for the delayed response. The 20% 3M film actually matches the factory tint really well, but with light coming in through the front windshield it may be perceived as being a little lighter. I am really happy with the 20%. My neighbor has 15% on his 2010 Tacoma and his older 4R. It looks nice, but he says it is really dark from the inside at night. I would recommend a good film at 20%.
I have attached some pictures of the 3M clear bra. There is a visible line, but it is not too noticeable from the front of the truck. You can see it from the driver's seat looking down the hood, but - as I said earlier - it has much better transparency and gloss than the older generation 3M film I had on my old Lexus. These pictures are after 2 coats of Zaino.
Steve
Attachments
T4Fun
Banned
alright a few sources for clear bra, but which one is best? I am thinking of going with 3M or Clearmask AR (also made by 3m if i read correctly). There is a guy on ebay that sells these 3M kits that are precut.
XPel?
Ventureshield?
3M?
then there is clearmask.com with Clearmask A/R and Aeroguard.
XPel?
Ventureshield?
3M?
then there is clearmask.com with Clearmask A/R and Aeroguard.
Ryan F.
New member
Couldn't agree more with dxtxn. The installer is the thing. However, every car/truck is different, so even the best installers will struggle with certain shapes, etc. The key is to get a talented guy/gal who works with you, and leaves you with the impression that there is no limit to what they will do to satisfy you. My installer brought my truck to me in the waiting area, and before I could drive off, waved for me to stop, and told me right there that I could either come back (if I didn't have the time), or he would immediately replace the hood piece because he saw an imperfection. Exceeding expectations is the key.
Looks great, can barely see it in some pictures. I got my kit, can only hope it comes out close to yours. Going to practice on less important areas such as the free door edge guards it came with.
I would have sworn 20% would be much darker than the factory tint but I guess not. We have to sign a waiver to get tint that dark installed here, won't pass inspection unless you take it to a place that doesn't check. I have some 20% I was going to use in the house for clear shield practice that I can check the color on. Thanks for posting the pictures.
