protective film for 2011 TE

[ahe_ca]

I just brought a 2011 TE in silver color. I called the local dealer and they said I can spend $299 to buy the protective film for fender and front hood, but they don't know how long it's going to last and if it is effective.

Has anyone tried it? is it worth the money, or should we just use the touch-up?

 

[11TEBLK]

Are u talking about a clear bra??

 

[brockeverly]

I always get the 3M clear film on all of my vehicles. IMO it is well worth the investment.

 

[BrandonS]

I got the clear bra option as it was on our truck already at the dealership. Probably would have anyway because since I moved to OK every car I've owned gets it's front end all messed up from rocks.

In any case, like you said, it only covers the front of the hood and fenders. Be aware that there is a kit on EBAY that says it's 3M that has components for the front bumper as well as all the places the stock kit covers. I really think the front bumpers are goign to be what need protected more than the somewhat smaller portion of the hood and fenders they chose to protect.

The kit from the dealership also adds it on the door edges as well as on the mirrors.

 

[Jay Rob]

This is the kit I have used in the past on my vehicles before and they are great. Last at least 5 years as warrantied, maybe even longer but I have never owned a vehicle longer than that. I think they are priced fairly and only take a DIY'er like myself about 45min to install. Very simple and easy. Just watch the included DVD. Click the link and search for your exact vehicle make and model. Invisible Mask - Clear Bra Automotive Paint Protection, 3M Scotchgard, Carbon Fiber 3M Films

 

[FactoryRide]

I had a clear bra installed from my local tint shop other then having my dealer do it. The dealer told that it was going to be something like 399 and they weren't even doing it. They would send it to another shop to have it done, and it didn't even cover that much. So I spent 500 at the tint shop to have it done which covered alot more area then the 399 price did and has a 7 year warranty..Yeah its a fair amount of money but I got this as an investment to last a long time and my last trucks front end was all effed up from rock chips.

 

[Jay Rob]

By going to the site above you can save 100's of dollars and a lifetime warranty that they stand behind. The install is so easy IMO that a caveman could do it. I really like their product. None of mine ever yellowed, peeled, etc.

 

[Hbryanlopez]

This is the kit I have used in the past on my vehicles before and they are great. Last at least 5 years as warrantied, maybe even longer but I have never owned a vehicle longer than that. I think they are priced fairly and only take a DIY'er like myself about 45min to install. Very simple and easy. Just watch the included DVD. Click the link and search for your exact vehicle make and model. Invisible Mask - Clear Bra Automotive Paint Protection, 3M Scotchgard, Carbon Fiber 3M Films

awesome info.. thanks :bigok:

 

[ahe_ca]

By going to the site above you can save 100's of dollars and a lifetime warranty that they stand behind. The install is so easy IMO that a caveman could do it. I really like their product. None of mine ever yellowed, peeled, etc.

Thanks a lot for the information!

I checked the link and found the products for 2011 4Runner TE. They have different pattens for bumpers (upper, lower, both w or w/o plate cut). I am confused why do you apply the film on TE front bummper as it is plastic. We use it only for protecting paint, right?

which one should I chose in the attached picture?:

 

[MarkWalker]

Mine came from the stealer with what is shown on the bottom, which is mainly the hood protector.

I think I am going to order the full lower bumper kit so I can get it all protected while she is new.

 

[deekoi]

Thanks a lot for the information!

I checked the link and found the products for 2011 4Runner TE. They have different pattens for bumpers (upper, lower, both w or w/o plate cut). I am confused why do you apply the film on TE front bummper as it is plastic. We use it only for protecting paint, right?

which one should I chose in the attached picture?:

That site is awesome! i did mine but bought the clear bra from scratch and it was difficult. Doesn't look that great but it's hard to tell when you step back 4 feet or so.

As other have said, worth every penny. Especially if it's pre-cut. WAYY better


And since you have a Silver TE, the clear bra might start to turn yellow after a while. I've read that the clear bra is good for a few years (3 seems to be the magic number) After that it starts looking awful. so I'd pull it off and slap on a new one. But that's just what i'm going to do.