3M Clear Mask
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 37
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3M Clear Mask
To protect the beautiful nose on my 2003 vert I've considered a mask (bra) for long distance trips. I am open to any suggestions regarding what other owners have used and their experiences. I am especially interested in the 3M product called either Clear Mask or Invisible Mask. Can the average (not to mechanically inclined) guy apply these properly? Thanks for your input.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 140
From: Palm Beach Florida
I had the 3M on my 08Z and now went w/ Cleartastic on my C5Z. I like the Cleartastic much more. It has a nice shine, doesn't scratch like the 3M did. Just looks better. I highly recommend it as my 03 Z really got sandblasted. That's why I went w/ it on my 04 Z16. Watching the guy install it let me know I wouldn't have been able to do it well. Alot of tint guys do it because they have that skill. Also they have to use heat guns to stretch it and smooth it. You can also mar it if your too aggressive w/ the tool. A week after the install on my 08Z I hit a low flying bird, right side bumper. Left some mark on the 3M. Polished it w/ the Adams clear bra polish and it came out pretty good. Bottom line I would have needed paintwork if I didn't have that film. No paint damage.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,171
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From: DFW Texas
There are much better films on the market these days than 3M or ClearMask. Ventureshield is a good film. Avery Denison Nano Fusion and the new Xpel films are also excellent films. 3M is just a poor quality film in my opinion and I do not install it. No matter what product you go with it is a job for a professional installer. Definitely not a do it yourself job if you want good results.
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I have the 3M film on both my '03 C5 and my DD. I personally would not try to install the film myself. It's not all that easy. I like the film and it does protect the car very well. I also run a GM bra on my C5 - If you don't want to go to the expense of the 3M stuff, it works very well too at a fraction of the price.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 947
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From: San Antonio TX
I have the 3M film on both my '03 C5 and my DD. I personally would not try to install the film myself. It's not all that easy. I like the film and it does protect the car very well. I also run a GM bra on my C5 - If you don't want to go to the expense of the 3M stuff, it works very well too at a fraction of the price.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 361
From: Midland TX
Answered in a post I made 3 years ago...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...installed.html
Still looks like new so far.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...installed.html
Still looks like new so far.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
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From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Another Opinion Here
Another Opinion Here.
My son has clearbra on his 02 Z that was on it when he bought the car.
Well after the years it has numerous marks and a couple small places with bubbles.
You try to push the bubble down and it is brittle breaks.
Next we check and it seems you need to have a professional remove the clear bra.
So it seems to me that the cost of the installation and perhaps subsequent removal and replacement is much higher then just going braless and repainting the front when it's time.
On dark colored cars it also looks to me that when you get a mark with clearbra it looks just as bad a a paint chip.
I think you are better off with a stretch cover for trips.
My son has clearbra on his 02 Z that was on it when he bought the car.
Well after the years it has numerous marks and a couple small places with bubbles.
You try to push the bubble down and it is brittle breaks.
Next we check and it seems you need to have a professional remove the clear bra.
So it seems to me that the cost of the installation and perhaps subsequent removal and replacement is much higher then just going braless and repainting the front when it's time.
On dark colored cars it also looks to me that when you get a mark with clearbra it looks just as bad a a paint chip.
I think you are better off with a stretch cover for trips.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 140
From: Palm Beach Florida
I can agree somewhat w/ the above post. The initial install and maybe the second one can be close to price of paint I guess. But Paintwork ALWAYS shows eventually. It can also be a deal breaker on a sale to some. I won't buy a vehicle w/ paintwork. It can be taken off by leaving in the sun for a while and catching a corner, and peeling back. I've done it. There is also no down time at a body shop or the residual overspray and other body shop issues. Adams makes a clear bra polish for marks. I also use a stretch bra over it on longer trips to preserve it. It does keep your paint original and is less than half of what paint cost. Depends on how **** you are about paint and original. If you trade or sell I have found I get that much more for my cars. I am very relaxed when I'm going down the freeway and here tick, tick, tick!!!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
I can agree somewhat w/ the above post. The initial install and maybe the second one can be close to price of paint I guess. But Paintwork ALWAYS shows eventually. It can also be a deal breaker on a sale to some. I won't buy a vehicle w/ paintwork. It can be taken off by leaving in the sun for a while and catching a corner, and peeling back. I've done it. There is also no down time at a body shop or the residual overspray and other body shop issues. Adams makes a clear bra polish for marks. I also use a stretch bra over it on longer trips to preserve it. It does keep your paint original and is less than half of what paint cost. Depends on how **** you are about paint and original. If you trade or sell I have found I get that much more for my cars. I am very relaxed when I'm going down the freeway and here tick, tick, tick!!!
When I talked to a company here in town they said they want $300 to take it off!!!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 37
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Thanks everyone for your input. After reading all the pros and cons, and considering my own travel plans, I ordered a traditional mini bra and matching mirror covers. I know they'll be visible but when I want to show off that beautiful 2003 AE paint it appears to be quick work to remove the covers. Once again thanks for nyour input and enjoy the ride.
