3M Clear Bra Question
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3
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3M Clear Bra Question
I'm a newbie and have a question for those folks who have installed the 3M protection products on your cars. Looking for advice on which sections you would recommend. Seems pretty obvious that you would want the bumper and lower bumper kits. Wondering on the other sections, particularly the hood fender and mirror, rocker panel and wheel opening kits.
Thanks
John
Thanks
John
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
John;
I had the front end totally done, including the headlights (thicker material) and fogs. I also opted to do behind the four wheels since they always seem to get a lot of nicks from regular driving. I didn't do the rocker panels because I though this would be to much. I haven't had that much problem with chips on my rocker panels before. I did have each sideview mirrow done and lastly the area inside the door latches, since this always seemsto get scratched by people's nails going to open the door. I've been really happy with the X-pel but do recommend finding an experienced installer. That makes all the difference in the world. Good luck, and enjoy your car. Smitty
I had the front end totally done, including the headlights (thicker material) and fogs. I also opted to do behind the four wheels since they always seem to get a lot of nicks from regular driving. I didn't do the rocker panels because I though this would be to much. I haven't had that much problem with chips on my rocker panels before. I did have each sideview mirrow done and lastly the area inside the door latches, since this always seemsto get scratched by people's nails going to open the door. I've been really happy with the X-pel but do recommend finding an experienced installer. That makes all the difference in the world. Good luck, and enjoy your car. Smitty
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,443
Likes: 0
Venture film...
I had the Venture film applied a few weeks ago and am very happy with the result.
I had the entire bumper, headlights, foglights, mirrors, half the hood and fenders, and behind the wheel wells.
The installer comes to SoCal about every 6 weeks, completes the work at your home, and does a great job at a very reasonable fee.
www.premiermobilegroup.com
I had the entire bumper, headlights, foglights, mirrors, half the hood and fenders, and behind the wheel wells.
The installer comes to SoCal about every 6 weeks, completes the work at your home, and does a great job at a very reasonable fee.
www.premiermobilegroup.com
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: California
Hey JSMDMD,...I had Premier do my do my C6 as well during their last trip. I have to say that the Venture film they used looked a lot clearer than the 3m that I currently have on my Modena. I'm having them replace the 3m the next time they are down here. Definitely recommended.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa CA
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
I had 3M applied to my MY C6 coupe yesterday -
Hood / Fender / Mirrors / Upper & Lower Bumpers / Headlights / Foglights / Wheel openings.
Work performed in my garage by Sean, owner of Ultimate Auto Care of Placentia (So Cal). http://www.ultimateautocare.com/ultimate_shield.htm
Sean applies either 3M or Venture, clients choice.
His advice that rocker panel coverage is overkill unless you will be doing some track driving.
Hood / Fender / Mirrors / Upper & Lower Bumpers / Headlights / Foglights / Wheel openings.
Work performed in my garage by Sean, owner of Ultimate Auto Care of Placentia (So Cal). http://www.ultimateautocare.com/ultimate_shield.htm
Sean applies either 3M or Venture, clients choice.
His advice that rocker panel coverage is overkill unless you will be doing some track driving.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Smittybilt
John;
I had the front end totally done, including the headlights (thicker material) and fogs. I also opted to do behind the four wheels since they always seem to get a lot of nicks from regular driving. I didn't do the rocker panels because I though this would be to much. I haven't had that much problem with chips on my rocker panels before. I did have each sideview mirrow done and lastly the area inside the door latches, since this always seemsto get scratched by people's nails going to open the door. I've been really happy with the X-pel but do recommend finding an experienced installer. That makes all the difference in the world. Good luck, and enjoy your car. Smitty
I had the front end totally done, including the headlights (thicker material) and fogs. I also opted to do behind the four wheels since they always seem to get a lot of nicks from regular driving. I didn't do the rocker panels because I though this would be to much. I haven't had that much problem with chips on my rocker panels before. I did have each sideview mirrow done and lastly the area inside the door latches, since this always seemsto get scratched by people's nails going to open the door. I've been really happy with the X-pel but do recommend finding an experienced installer. That makes all the difference in the world. Good luck, and enjoy your car. Smitty
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
I am going with Venture tomorrow. It is clearer. I have 3M on an Infinti FX with a custom install. On that vehicle I have about a quarter of the hood covered, but I am not fond of a seam across the whole front end. Regardless of the extent of coverage, I will pay for the custom install, it looks ALOT better than the kits.
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Biggest Valley in the World, CA
i had my whole nose area covered....
if i had it to do over again i would seriously consider running up to cover the entire hood...all the way to the windshield.......reason being, about a week after getting it installed (the nose, and about 20" up the hood), what happened? you guessed it....got a chip half way up the hood
the thing is, the 3m stuff is so clear that i believe it would not even be noticed....the only way that anyone has ever detected that i have it on is the edge, which is visible when the light catches it right.....should have covered the whole hood
if i had it to do over again i would seriously consider running up to cover the entire hood...all the way to the windshield.......reason being, about a week after getting it installed (the nose, and about 20" up the hood), what happened? you guessed it....got a chip half way up the hood
the thing is, the 3m stuff is so clear that i believe it would not even be noticed....the only way that anyone has ever detected that i have it on is the edge, which is visible when the light catches it right.....should have covered the whole hood
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 858
Likes: 0
From: Conshohocken (Suburb of Philadelphia) PA
Many on here have the 3M products installed as protection.
If you are that concerned, by all means definitely install this or another similar type product.
For myself, I expect the car to suffer paint chips at some point. I will not spend the $$ on any type of clear bra product only to possibly have this fail and result in chip occurring.
There are many thoughts on this subject, but I am in the group who does drive car public streets and at some point and time expects a paint chip to occur.
Should the front end of my C6 end up getting too chipped up for me to handle it, then it's off to the body shop for a professional repaint of that area.
I kind of view clear bra's like my old Italian relatives who have plastic slip covers on their furniture in South Philly - way too immigrant style for my taste.
If you are that concerned, by all means definitely install this or another similar type product.
For myself, I expect the car to suffer paint chips at some point. I will not spend the $$ on any type of clear bra product only to possibly have this fail and result in chip occurring.
There are many thoughts on this subject, but I am in the group who does drive car public streets and at some point and time expects a paint chip to occur.
Should the front end of my C6 end up getting too chipped up for me to handle it, then it's off to the body shop for a professional repaint of that area.
I kind of view clear bra's like my old Italian relatives who have plastic slip covers on their furniture in South Philly - way too immigrant style for my taste.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: California
One advantage of getting a clear bra is that it is nearly invisible as opposed to paint chips always being visible. Another advantage is that it only takes 3 hrs for a good installer to put it on, as opposed to 1 or 2 weeks of down time when the car is in the shop for repaint. And right after the car gets repainted, it is succeptable to chips again during the drive home. But I understand it is not for everyone.
I'm getting entire hood covered on my 360. Can't wait.
I'm getting entire hood covered on my 360. Can't wait.
Last edited by vettey; Mar 31, 2005 at 05:11 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Update
I had the Venture installed today. I did the uppper and lower front bumpers, full extention behind all the wheels, headlamps and foglights, and rear view mirrors. I do not think the Venture can be installed in one piece on the entire hood. As previously stated I did not want the seam on the hood.
The Venture film is very clear. It will take a little curing in the sun if we ever have any (two days of rain expected). If you are looking for a quality installation (they do 3M also) in CT with an installer that will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and offer advice relavant to your needs consider Arrow Clear Bra in East Hartford. Feel free to PM with any questions.
The Venture film is very clear. It will take a little curing in the sun if we ever have any (two days of rain expected). If you are looking for a quality installation (they do 3M also) in CT with an installer that will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and offer advice relavant to your needs consider Arrow Clear Bra in East Hartford. Feel free to PM with any questions.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Originally Posted by Fatebender
I had the Venture installed today. I did the uppper and lower front bumpers, full extention behind all the wheels, headlamps and foglights, and rear view mirrors. I do not think the Venture can be installed in one piece on the entire hood. As previously stated I did not want the seam on the hood.
The Venture film is very clear. It will take a little curing in the sun if we ever have any (two days of rain expected). If you are looking for a quality installation (they do 3M also) in CT with an installer that will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and offer advice relavant to your needs consider Arrow Clear Bra in East Hartford. Feel free to PM with any questions.
The Venture film is very clear. It will take a little curing in the sun if we ever have any (two days of rain expected). If you are looking for a quality installation (they do 3M also) in CT with an installer that will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and offer advice relavant to your needs consider Arrow Clear Bra in East Hartford. Feel free to PM with any questions.
I took mine today to get the 3m installed. They didn't finish and I won't get the car back until Monday. Although the installer said everything looked good I'm a little concerned. They did the rockers, behind the wheels, mirrors, lights, top of fenders, and across the hood. They will do the nose on Monday.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 45,281
Likes: 892
From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
Originally Posted by BigJag
Any pics to post?
I took mine today to get the 3m installed. They didn't finish and I won't get the car back until Monday.
I took mine today to get the 3m installed. They didn't finish and I won't get the car back until Monday.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Originally Posted by need-for-speed
Suuuuuuuuure they didn't finish.....Did you right down the odometer reading ????
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa CA
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Hmmmm.....
Hindsight is often 20/20, but I would not have left it for the weekend - it is drivable without the last few clear bra pieces.
What's done is done tho, and it sounds like this shop has some credibility with you, but check the odometer anyway!
Have a good day!
Hindsight is often 20/20, but I would not have left it for the weekend - it is drivable without the last few clear bra pieces.
What's done is done tho, and it sounds like this shop has some credibility with you, but check the odometer anyway!
Have a good day!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Mirage CA
Originally Posted by icedancr
I had 3M applied to my MY C6 coupe yesterday -
Hood / Fender / Mirrors / Upper & Lower Bumpers / Headlights / Foglights / Wheel openings.
Work performed in my garage by Sean, owner of Ultimate Auto Care of Placentia (So Cal). http://www.ultimateautocare.com/ultimate_shield.htm
Sean applies either 3M or Venture, clients choice.
His advice that rocker panel coverage is overkill unless you will be doing some track driving.
Hood / Fender / Mirrors / Upper & Lower Bumpers / Headlights / Foglights / Wheel openings.
Work performed in my garage by Sean, owner of Ultimate Auto Care of Placentia (So Cal). http://www.ultimateautocare.com/ultimate_shield.htm
Sean applies either 3M or Venture, clients choice.
His advice that rocker panel coverage is overkill unless you will be doing some track driving.
I have it on my FX35 for two years now, worth every penny. I had it on my '03 C5.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Anybody recoomend someone in Phoenix/Scottsdale
Originally Posted by drbill
Anybody recoomend someone in Phoenix/Scottsdale??
They did a great job. Ask for Robert Imperial at 480-348-1909 and tell him my husband, Steve Hollander recommended you. He also did Huper Optik Drei window tinting on this and other cars for us, which is excellent.
If you want more details email me - Annholaz@yahoo.com
