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3M clear bra

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Old Nov 5, 2007 | 02:15 PM
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Default 3M clear bra

I went to a car show in scottsdale over the weekend and got talking stick on 3M bra's with some vette owners. Not to sure about going up onto the hood since you can really see a line. One guy said then maybe I should just do the front bumper area and the head light area since they can follow the body seams. What are people's opinions on if its good/bad - how much to cover etc. ? I had never heard of this product until about two weeks ago.
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Old Nov 5, 2007 | 02:36 PM
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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
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I got mine almost 4 years ago and I love it still. Just make sure, if you do decide to get one, the installer is experiences and uses the clear material which DO NOT turn yellow. The older version of the bra was turning a bit yellow (like clear acrylic does over time in the elements). Also, if you have left over material (and you will)... they can do other parts of the car. I had the door cups, handles and rocker panels done.

The lines are only really noticeable when you get wax or a lot of dust built up on them. Other than that, no one ever really sees it. You have to look really hard to see that they're there and even then, it's worth the protection IMHO.

I will be getting one on any other car I own in the future.

Dave

This picture was this year...


Last edited by MyVetteDream; Nov 5, 2007 at 02:39 PM.
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Old Nov 5, 2007 | 04:09 PM
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"Also, if you have left over material (and you will)... they can do other parts of the car. I had the door cups, handles and rocker panels done."
Dave - This looks like you buy X size sheet and its up to you how you use it v them doing whatever and chargeing for what they use. Is that what your saying ? If so I guess I need to find someone and see what amount I'm working with.
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Old Nov 5, 2007 | 04:14 PM
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Had my frt bumper done up to the hood. No need for the headlights, they never get stone chips. Also, had the rockers up to the lower character line on the doors. Suggest the wheel openings. Have spats so no need on mine.
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Old Nov 5, 2007 | 04:26 PM
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I have 3M on mine. I had it professionally installed. The installed had various kits for different areas. Mine came with a 5 year warranty and if the material fails 3m will pay for the new install. Mine covers the 1/3 of the hood and if your not looking you don't notice the line. As with anything, you get what you pay for, and I believe 3M is it.
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Old Nov 5, 2007 | 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Rollin
"Also, if you have left over material (and you will)... they can do other parts of the car. I had the door cups, handles and rocker panels done."
Dave - This looks like you buy X size sheet and its up to you how you use it v them doing whatever and chargeing for what they use. Is that what your saying ? If so I guess I need to find someone and see what amount I'm working with.
No. Mine came precut (Hood, bumper, mirrors, headlight covers, behind wheel wells)... but the areas between the precut were useable. He did it freehand. But this guy had installed almost 1000 kits in Colorado for a BMW dealership. I wouldn't let anyone cut on the car.
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Old Nov 5, 2007 | 06:52 PM
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HAD MY Z DONE THIS SPRING. I'M VERY PLEASED.

AS FAR AS THE LINE, IF IT'S DONE PROPERLY, YOU ALMOST CAN'T SEE IT UNLESS YOUR LOOKING.

GODD LUCK
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 09:09 AM
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I probably should be asking an installer, but if I was to put it up the hood and didn't like it does it come off with out much problem?
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 09:48 AM
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Has anyone in the Delaware area know of a good installer for this film?

All the crap on 495 is killing me
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Rollin
I went to a car show in scottsdale over the weekend and got talking stick on 3M bra's with some vette owners. Not to sure about going up onto the hood since you can really see a line. One guy said then maybe I should just do the front bumper area and the head light area since they can follow the body seams. What are people's opinions on if its good/bad - how much to cover etc. ? I had never heard of this product until about two weeks ago.

Hello, try finding an installer that installs Vetureshield as opposed to 3M. While 3M is a decent product, Ventureshield has more optical clarity and significantly less texture to the film, making less noticeable.

I only install Venturshield for the above mentioned reason as well as it holding up better in the hot North West Florida sun.

You may also want to consider getting "full" coverage. I and many of my fellow installers have film wide enough to cover the entire hood and fenders so there is no seam!!! It costs a bit more, but your front end is completely covered and its a little more aesthetically pleasing to boot!

Try finding an installer in your area here: http://www.invisiblepatterns.com/dealers.asp

You can read more about the product itself here:
www.stealthshieldinc.com

I'd be happy to answer any further questions you may have
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 11:38 AM
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I have been looking for installers in the Indianapolis, IN area but have not run across any yet.
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 02:43 PM
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StealthShield - Wow 4 total in Arizona, 2 near me and even a mobile service. I'll check into at least one of these. Any questions I should ask or things I should look for? What kind of warranty does StealthShiels offer.
Most of all thanks for the information......
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 02:49 PM
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Had it put on my coupe 3 years ago. Great product and worth the money

Chuck

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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Rollin
StealthShield - Wow 4 total in Arizona, 2 near me and even a mobile service. I'll check into at least one of these. Any questions I should ask or things I should look for? What kind of warranty does StealthShiels offer.
Most of all thanks for the information......
I want to know how many (total) your installer's done...

After... check for stretch marks. They have to stretch the material as it's applied.... if they're not careful, you end up with wrinkles where the film's held by the installer. My .02¢
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Rollin
StealthShield - Wow 4 total in Arizona, 2 near me and even a mobile service. I'll check into at least one of these. Any questions I should ask or things I should look for? What kind of warranty does StealthShiels offer.
Most of all thanks for the information......
Your welcome, Thats what I'm here for.

Questions to ask
1. How much coverage? What is a basic installation ? Offer any custom Coverage?

2. What kind of film do they use? 3M, Venturshield? Try to get Venuture but 3M is decent as well.

3.Price? What is the cost for basic coverage? Cost for custom coverage?

4. Experience? How many Vettes have they done?

5. Warranty? Any warranty beyond the film manufactures warranty? StealthShield offers and unconditional, unlimited lifetime warranty. Thats above and beyond the limited lifetime warranty the manufacturer gives.

6. Examples of their work? References?

7. Does he/she use pre cut kits. If not, avoid the installer that trims on you car. There are very, very few installers with the skills to wield a razor and trim the film on your car and not cut into the paint. I am one of those few.

8. Time to install the clear bra? This is important to you because you will more than likely be dropping off the car and will need some of idea of when you can expect to pick it up.

I would be leary of the mobile installer unless you yourself have a garage for him/her to work in. It is absolutely critical to the finished result that the film be installed in a dust free environment.

I would also call all the installers in your local area. Talk to them and get feel for em! Maybe stop by their shop to see some of their work.

Ultimately go with whom you feel will provide the best installation based on talking with them and hopefully seeing examples of their previous works.

I would advise you to avoid the installer that is substantially cheaper than everyone else. Most likely they are new to performing installs and are cutting their price to gain work from competitors and are actually learning on your car.

Expect to pay between $600-850 for basic installation depending on the part of the country you are in. $1000 - 1500 for packages that cover the whole hood and fender as well as bumper, mirrors, headlights.

Let me know if you guys have questions I'll be happy to answer
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 04:54 PM
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3M web site has a list of certified iinstallers by state.
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