Ultimate 3M question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: NV
Ultimate 3M question
I have seen the clear "bra" in place both in pictures here and on cars in person. But my question is - How does it look when it has been hit by stones/gravel/road debris? Does it scar in some way? Can any noticible nick or ding show up. I really want to protect the car but if it looks bad after a hit then theres not much different that repairing/painting the front for the same cost. Help! I'm seriously contemplating the application but would like to know if its worth the effort.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
It will scuff a little. Sometimes you can carefully polish that out. Big pointy rocks coming in at Mach 2 will get through it, but overall it's pretty durable. Remember what your paint would look like without it. If it gets really bad, have them take it off and put on new.
I've been impressed with mine - it's taken a few licks that I thought would leave a mark and I can't fine any.
Gregg.
I've been impressed with mine - it's taken a few licks that I thought would leave a mark and I can't fine any.
Gregg.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Whittier California
3M film
I just had my '06 Coupe hermetically sealed in 3M Scotchguard film last week. If I get a ding that doesn't take a chunk out of the paint, I'll have that area of the film replaced since it is removeable.
The 3M film has 3 layers and comes with a 5 year warranty against yellowing, bubbling or cracking (but not dings) so replacement is about the only alternative.
The 3M film has 3 layers and comes with a 5 year warranty against yellowing, bubbling or cracking (but not dings) so replacement is about the only alternative.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,696
Likes: 68
From: usmc 89-93 nj md sc
i have it on my 06 ridgeline and its the best thing ever.its saved my paint many time. rock chips. i even hit my tool box puling it into the garage and it didnt even leave a mark...i would but it on any car i had 
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,934
Likes: 4,257
From: NC
I have 3M on the front end, rocker panels, trailing fender openings, and mirrors on my 2005 silver convertible. As silly as this sounds, I enjoy my car much more on the highway because I don't worry about the car getting chewed up by stones etc..My 2001 Navy Blue metallic vert looked like it had been shot with a shotgun, particularly on the rocker panels. To answer your original question (that would be nice, huh?) I don't notice any visible damage to the 3M on any part of my car, the 3M was put on the car before it left the dealer in February of this year and now has 6400 miles on it.
Jimmy
Jimmy
Last edited by jimmyb; Dec 11, 2005 at 12:30 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 859
Likes: 14
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by Noochfxdl
I have seen the clear "bra" in place both in pictures here and on cars in person. But my question is - How does it look when it has been hit by stones/gravel/road debris? Does it scar in some way? Can any noticible nick or ding show up. I really want to protect the car but if it looks bad after a hit then theres not much different that repairing/painting the front for the same cost. Help! I'm seriously contemplating the application but would like to know if its worth the effort.
I was so impressed that I am having a 3M "Clear Bra" installed on my new C6 ZO6 next week for $575.
Jim
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,488
Likes: 0
From: warner robins georgia
Originally Posted by Noochfxdl
I have seen the clear "bra" in place both in pictures here and on cars in person. But my question is - How does it look when it has been hit by stones/gravel/road debris? Does it scar in some way? Can any noticible nick or ding show up. I really want to protect the car but if it looks bad after a hit then theres not much different that repairing/painting the front for the same cost. Help! I'm seriously contemplating the application but would like to know if its worth the effort.
a rough spot in the 3m bra is better than a chip in the paint. if it bothers you enough, replace the bra. Knowing the paint underneath is OK is worth it to me. I wouldn't repaint unless absolutely necessary.
