I'm thinking about changing my own rock damaged clear bra piece on my passenger side headlight cover. I've read a ton including lots of company's "how to install" documents. They all discuss two solutions, one consisting of water with a few drops of johnson's baby shampoo. They usually call this the "slip solution". Then there is a second solution which is maybe 30% alcohol and 70% water. At least one installer called that the "tack" solution.

But at that point it all becomes very confusing as I've seen articles that seem to swap which solution is which.

So, my question for someone here who might have installed clear bra before or maybe even there is an installer out there somewhere??? What is the purpose of one solution versus the other??? Baby shampoo and water versus alcohol and water??? When do you use which one???

I watched one YouTube video where an installer did a headlight cover install (what I want to do) and used ONLY the alcohol and water. They never even mentioned any baby shampoo.

My biggest question is what causes the adhesive on the clear bra to become active and stick??? Water??? Pressure??? Alcohol???

I can't tell you how many of these seemingly well written (to a point) procedures I've read that tell you to prepare two solutions and then later on they say "apply solution liberally" without saying which the heck one they are wanting you to use... Amazing...

Can anyone cut to the chase on what the baby oil/water is used for versus what the alcohol/water is used for??? Any help would be much appreciated...

thanks.. bob..

 

We use baby shampoo and water for the slip solution. That allows the film to slide over the paint while stretching it in place. Once it is squeegeed the film begins to stick. Alcohol and water is used to make the adhesive react quicker.... usually to create a starting point to stretch the film from. Honestly with just doing the headlights you only need a slip solution. There isn't much stretching to get it in place properly... so no need to tack it.

 

Very helpful.. Thanks much.. And what you said about only needing to use the slip solution to do a headlight cover makes sense too and fits in with some online info I was reading that was confusing at first... Now I think I understand... thanks much...

I remember your screen name... I think you helped guide me to finding out how to find an installer to put on my clear bra when I bought my 2012 Grand Sport back in April, 2012... At least I think I'm remembering that correctly...

thanks much for your help.

bob...

 

by the way, I have gathered quotes from three different local, clear bra guys to redo this one headlight... I think I could do it myself but I'm sort of a chicken when it comes to ripping off the one that's currently on the headlight... I've watched all the YouTube videos but I still have fears about how it might or might not come off...

Anyway, I got quotes of $180 (yikes, I'll do it myself), $95 and then $55 from a local guy here who gets good reviews on Yelp. I met him today and was quite impressed. He is doing a full wrap on two new C7's in the next two weeks... Anyway, I can't even buy the pre-cut film for $55 because I have to buy both headlights and both fog lights the way online outfits sell these as kits... He can simply cut the one needed piece and I'm going to have him do the remove and replace next week...

bob...

 

Yeah those prices are really high. I usually install both headlight for $50. Best protection you can get for the car seeing how on C6 headlight is $1000. The removal will be very easy if you warm it up with a hairdryer. Should peel right off. The install is really just as easy. Only a minimal amount of stretch from the bottom corner up to the top corner. if you decide to do it yourself let me know. I can give you some pointers.

 

Much appreciated... A part of me would like to give it a try and do it myself... But I'd really rather have a pro do it and as I said, since online I have only found the ability to buy a kit that contains both headlight and both fog light pieces, I can't buy the parts for less than $60 delivered to my house. Plus it would be good to establish a connection with a clear bra guy nearer to me. The guy I found who did the original install and who has not returned my phone calls recently is 40 miles away. This guy I spoke with yesterday is 5 miles. So I will see how that goes with him next week.

Since you obviously have experience with these films, can you say which you like best, 3M-VentureShield, 3M-ScotchGuard or Xpel?? The original installer on my car used VentureShield on all the painted surfaces and ScotchGuard on the head and fog lights. He contended that the ScotchGuard stayed clearer longer... And some on here have said that Xpel is better than both???

Your thoughts??? thanks... bob..

 

I wouldn't even attempt to use Scotchgaurd. It is a really poor film. Ventureshield is what I installed for a long time but it is no where close to Xpel Ultimate or Suntek in durability and appearance. I would highly recommend either of those films.

 

I agree. Xpel is many generations beyond the old Scotch tape we started with. Its gloss "heals" when nicked or rubbed. I had Red's 7-years-old (and very ratty looking) 3M bra replaced with Xpel at Funfest, and it's mother lovin' gorgeous.

 

Any thoughts on Skintastik do it yourself kits?

 

sorry meant cleartastik

 

Just be careful if you choose an installer, be sure to get references and ask to see his work. I didn't and my installer did a horrible job and my car looks like crap due to his sorry job, and it cost $1,000!!