XPEL Clear Bra Installed - Impressions
- Thread starter WTERUNNER
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Impressions
Had the Xpel Paint Protection film installed today. Overall I'm pleased but it did take them longer than I would have liked to install it. Had to leave the truck over night. The quality of the install is very good. There are a few bubbles in the film but I'm told they will go away with time. The seems are very tight and you can hardly see them unless the light hits it just right. On a darker car they might be more visible but since my truck is white they are virtually invisible. About 95% of the front of the truck is now protected by the film. There are some spots where I wish there was more coverage but since this is a precut kit I'm not complaining. So what was done, well I had the hood (3/4 of the way up), fenders (about 1/2 the fender is covered), front bumper, mirrors and door edges. Cost was $650.00 for the kit and install. I'm going to give it about a week and then bring it back to get any imperfections taken care of if need be.
Had the Xpel Paint Protection film installed today. Overall I'm pleased but it did take them longer than I would have liked to install it. Had to leave the truck over night. The quality of the install is very good. There are a few bubbles in the film but I'm told they will go away with time. The seems are very tight and you can hardly see them unless the light hits it just right. On a darker car they might be more visible but since my truck is white they are virtually invisible. About 95% of the front of the truck is now protected by the film. There are some spots where I wish there was more coverage but since this is a precut kit I'm not complaining. So what was done, well I had the hood (3/4 of the way up), fenders (about 1/2 the fender is covered), front bumper, mirrors and door edges. Cost was $650.00 for the kit and install. I'm going to give it about a week and then bring it back to get any imperfections taken care of if need be.
Very.......
Actually you can see the seems if the light hits it just right. Much less visible than I expected.n
Got it through my dealer
coleb10
New member
Clear Bra
WTERUNNER: I don't normally venture in here to the 5th Gen area but saw the words XPEL Clear Bra as being the latest post as I was scanning down the page and it caught my attention. You may have experience with the film already but this may also help somebody else along the way.
I have had it on two vehicles including my previous white '08 4Runner. There will be accumulation of dirt and just everyday road stuff around the edges of the film. The edges will start appearing darker and more visible especially on the white paint. The crap will mostly accumulate on areas facing upwards like around the edges of the hood and the tops of the mirrors. Keep it cleaned off/out or it can become very difficult to remove later. I only use the film on headlights now. I wont be watching this thread. If there are any questions or comments you want me to view you can send me a PM.
WTERUNNER: I don't normally venture in here to the 5th Gen area but saw the words XPEL Clear Bra as being the latest post as I was scanning down the page and it caught my attention. You may have experience with the film already but this may also help somebody else along the way.
I have had it on two vehicles including my previous white '08 4Runner. There will be accumulation of dirt and just everyday road stuff around the edges of the film. The edges will start appearing darker and more visible especially on the white paint. The crap will mostly accumulate on areas facing upwards like around the edges of the hood and the tops of the mirrors. Keep it cleaned off/out or it can become very difficult to remove later. I only use the film on headlights now. I wont be watching this thread. If there are any questions or comments you want me to view you can send me a PM.
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Peyto
New member
How did your roof fare in the hail last week? I had a few really really minor dents on the roof, so minor I'm not even gonna bother touching it. Hood was completely fine - not sure if I can attribute it to the XPEL or whether the panel is thicker though.
RockyMtnHigh
New member
Its mainly a cost issue. I charge between $400-500 to do a complete hood. Because its such a large piece, and the material is not cheap. So most people will just do the front of the hood to cut down cost. But, as others have stated, if its taken care of it will be unnoticeable.
Gonna agree with this. I had it installed on my 14' TEP and in less than a year, it started peeling in areas. I have about a quarter of my hood and fenders done along with the entire front bumper, mirrors and headlights. My issues seem to really be on the front bumper only. I think there are just too many groves, bends, curves, etc that the film simply cannot stay in place like it does on the flatter panels like the hood, fenders, headlights, etc.
While I'd still recommend it, it definitely pass on doing the entire front bumper like I did.
RockyMtnHigh
New member
The film CAN contour to the curves and bends....It 100% comes down to the ability and the experience of the installer.
I've got a few spots the installer needs to correct but they are very minor and mostly on the lower front bumper section where it starts to curve under the truck. Not visible unless you really look for it. That and a few small air bubbles again on the front bumper which has to be a pain in the a** to do with all the edges and curves. I'm told the air bubbles will go away in a few days but if not they said they would fix it.
As for cleaning the film, regular car wash soap and water. No wax or harsh chemicals. To keep the edges clean I use a wash mitt with a little texture to it and a fine detailers brush. Check Griots or AutoGeek for the brushes.
I'm happy with my investment and with the install job. Unless the light hits the film at a certain angle you won't even know it's there. The ease of cleaning and the protection from road debris is worth the cost to me. We shall see how it holds up over time.
As for cleaning the film, regular car wash soap and water. No wax or harsh chemicals. To keep the edges clean I use a wash mitt with a little texture to it and a fine detailers brush. Check Griots or AutoGeek for the brushes.
I'm happy with my investment and with the install job. Unless the light hits the film at a certain angle you won't even know it's there. The ease of cleaning and the protection from road debris is worth the cost to me. We shall see how it holds up over time.
J.F. Sebastian
New member
Sorry to reserect the thread but wondering how OP's bra is holding-up after a few years? Thanks
