bra vs 3M autobond
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 365
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
St. Jude Donor '10
bra vs 3M autobond
What is the best way to stop paint chips?
I was at the dealership service dept. and the person I talked with told me about the 3M autobond which he had on the his Cadillac outside. He recommened a local car care detailing shop for the installation.
1. anyone have experience with the 3M product?
2. what bra do you recommend?
3. which bras have not worked for you?
my impressions of the 3M product are:
it is clear.
It has less air friction.
it leaves a trasition line across the hood.
it is also on the mirrors.
how do you repair it if the clear film gets small tears?
he quoted a price around $550.
updated 12 hours later:
cleartastic is cheapest but does not sound good-you can peel it off anytime you want to.
xpel local price is $725
autobahnint.com is the system local dealerships are using. One person quoted $620 and another-
We have recently switched companies for the clear vinyl paint protection
film. We are now using Autobahnd - Roadblock. www.autobahndint.com
Pricing to install the following is $695.00:
Hood
Fender Ends
Wheel Arches
Mirrors
Front Bumper
Air Dam
Headlights
Foglights
On the forum I was told there is extra left from the form cutout to do inner wheel wells, rockers, door handles...
thanks to everyone who has posted a reply!
I was at the dealership service dept. and the person I talked with told me about the 3M autobond which he had on the his Cadillac outside. He recommened a local car care detailing shop for the installation.
1. anyone have experience with the 3M product?
2. what bra do you recommend?
3. which bras have not worked for you?
my impressions of the 3M product are:
it is clear.
It has less air friction.
it leaves a trasition line across the hood.
it is also on the mirrors.
how do you repair it if the clear film gets small tears?
he quoted a price around $550.
updated 12 hours later:
cleartastic is cheapest but does not sound good-you can peel it off anytime you want to.
xpel local price is $725
autobahnint.com is the system local dealerships are using. One person quoted $620 and another-
We have recently switched companies for the clear vinyl paint protection
film. We are now using Autobahnd - Roadblock. www.autobahndint.com
Pricing to install the following is $695.00:
Hood
Fender Ends
Wheel Arches
Mirrors
Front Bumper
Air Dam
Headlights
Foglights
On the forum I was told there is extra left from the form cutout to do inner wheel wells, rockers, door handles...
thanks to everyone who has posted a reply!
Last edited by sdef; Mar 25, 2005 at 07:39 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,059
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From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
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Cruise-In V Veteran
Welcome to the forum! Here is probably the best thread on the subject: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...highlight=xpel If you want more do a search and plug in " xpel " .
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
Likes: 9
From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
I've had my 3M for a while (going on 2 yrs) ... had my first "test' around 170 ... it's held up. Small chip, but better the bra than the paint I say.
my impressions of the 3M product are:
it is clear. Yes, But it will get a little yellow, it's plastic. What color is your car?
It has less air friction. Even less when you wax it
it leaves a trasition line across the hood. You can barely see it.
it is also on the mirrors. Yes. With the "big kit" you'll have material left over to do the door handles, door cups and the front of the rocker panels
how do you repair it if the clear film gets small tears? Don't. Replace it when it's time.
he quoted a price around $550. That's about right. But it's better than repainting IMHO. Probably near the same price.
Hope this helps.
Dave Q.
Welcome to the forum with some of the greatest people on the planet!
my impressions of the 3M product are:
it is clear. Yes, But it will get a little yellow, it's plastic. What color is your car?
It has less air friction. Even less when you wax it
it leaves a trasition line across the hood. You can barely see it.
it is also on the mirrors. Yes. With the "big kit" you'll have material left over to do the door handles, door cups and the front of the rocker panels
how do you repair it if the clear film gets small tears? Don't. Replace it when it's time.
he quoted a price around $550. That's about right. But it's better than repainting IMHO. Probably near the same price.
Hope this helps.
Dave Q.
Welcome to the forum with some of the greatest people on the planet!
Last edited by MyVetteDream; Mar 25, 2005 at 10:36 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
Likes: 9
From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by sdef
Thanks for the reply.
I have a 2003 50th anniversary vette (burgandy) and I live in the Boston area.
I have a 2003 50th anniversary vette (burgandy) and I live in the Boston area.
I love mine. No one ever knows it's there, unless they know to look for it or when there's a dust line. I'm pretty meticulous when it comes to the ride, but I can live with a chipped bra more than chipped paint.
Dave Q.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Welcome! I also have the 3M Scotchgard film on my 50th Anniv. Vette. This is the third season that it's been on. Really like the product, so far the film looks great and no color changes. Do a search, there are many threads on this topic, especially in the C6 section. 3M updated/improved their film last year, including the yellowing issue.
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I've not tried the film type bras, but I do have the GM bra on my car. It is a nice product that fits well and is easy on/off. Many people don't like the looks of a vinyl bra on their car, so if this is a concern, go with the clear film. Both do the job, just the clear film will protect more of the car than the GM bra will.
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