Clear Bra?
Originally Posted by CICreations
You can buy the kits. But the shops that install the clear bras actually send their guys to a school to learn how to do it correctly. I've watched 2 clear bras being installed and Im about to have one installed on my new Evo IX. Trust me it's not something you want to try to do yourself. It's a mess and it takes quite a while to get it on. It's SO worth paying someone else to do it for you. Plus if they mess it up while trying to install it, they have to replace it, not you. Im getting mine installed this weekend: Extended hood, complete bumper, side skirts, mirrors, and headlights for $417 and the guys are comming to my house and doing it in my garage! That's really cheap. Some places quoted me as much as $6XX. Anyway Im telling you man, you really do not want to try to put it on yourself. Good luck.
http://www.xpel.com/
Check these guys out. Just put in your zip code at the bottom right and start calling installers up. They even tell you if their installers have been to school.
http://www.xpel.com/
Check these guys out. Just put in your zip code at the bottom right and start calling installers up. They even tell you if their installers have been to school.
This is where I got my 3M one form and had it installed by a pro. Trust me. There is no way someone without proper training could do it. I watched it get installed on my car by two very experienced guys and it still looked like a real pain. I love it now that it is on though. Great stuff and the 3M won't yellow like some brands.
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,358
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From: الرصاص والمدافع والخنازير يا بلدي!
Originally Posted by BluByWho
DO NOT GET THE PRE-CUT LAYOUT!
1)There now that I got your attention, the pre-cut covers do not offer nearly as much paint protection as a custom installed clear bra, they leave a lot of the areas uncovered, and they are also uneven. You want someone to custom do the clear bra, custom trimming it around all the nooks and crannies, it should cost about the same amount, 2)just please don't get the already cut kit from 3M, it will help but it will also be very noticeable.
1)There now that I got your attention, the pre-cut covers do not offer nearly as much paint protection as a custom installed clear bra, they leave a lot of the areas uncovered, and they are also uneven. You want someone to custom do the clear bra, custom trimming it around all the nooks and crannies, it should cost about the same amount, 2)just please don't get the already cut kit from 3M, it will help but it will also be very noticeable.
. For one thing, I've NEVER seen an unequal pre-cut kit in my life. If so, post a link showing one or where you saw it. You're more likely to make it uneven if you handcut a kit. If you have seen a pre-cut kit on a car lay uneven, it was due to improper install!!2)Obviously you dont know what your talking about because 3M doesn't design kits, they just manufacture the film.
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From: Where you come to vacation and go home on probation! Vegas!
This is who did mine: http://www.pro-tectfilm.com/
They did a great job ... it included hood, front bumper, mirrors, splash guards front and rear, & pillers.
They did a great job ... it included hood, front bumper, mirrors, splash guards front and rear, & pillers.
I'd expect to pay at least $600.00 for the front end only. I've had it for 3 years now, more importantly through three winters, where our sanders put out sometimes pea gravel instead of sand. :P ... Its saved my front end (tarmac black) from pepper chipping, which is at least probably a 1000.00 paint job if I want to keep the car looking nice.
For your headlamps, don't skimp on the thin stuff. Get the full on 12mil. stuff, instead of the 6 or 8mil stuff.
I recommend paying somebody to install one, and have it custom cut. You'll have to dig out the wax remover and tooth brushes to wax your car, but once you get used to it, you can get around the clearbra in no time at all.
Cheers,
~j.
For your headlamps, don't skimp on the thin stuff. Get the full on 12mil. stuff, instead of the 6 or 8mil stuff.
I recommend paying somebody to install one, and have it custom cut. You'll have to dig out the wax remover and tooth brushes to wax your car, but once you get used to it, you can get around the clearbra in no time at all.
Cheers,
~j.
Originally Posted by jcnel_evo8
I've had it for 3 years now, more importantly through three winters ~j.
After my previous experience of not doing the Clear Bra immediately and shelling out $800 for a re-spray after countless hours with the stupid Lanka Kit on my previous car, I just want to get a sense of the durability.
Thanks!
With black under it (worse for telling a bit about yellowing) it has held up superbly! I've not noted any fogging, but I think fogging may also be due to an installer stretching the material too much when applying it and cutting it.
My only problem is getting my lazy buns to actually dig out the old wax that's on the edges.
One thing I do suggest when getting any Clear Bra done, is make sure it cures well. Also after the installer does their thing, take your car to a garage, and park it at least for a day. Also take your fingers and lightly rub each edge from time to time over the next few days as any micro streching that occurs may lift an edge ever so slightly. Also .. keep your car clean especially around the edges, but don't power wash it and spray under the edges.
Its basically get your car squeaky clean and no wax for the application of the clear bra, and then do your best to keep it clean for a few days after.
Good Luck,
~j.
My only problem is getting my lazy buns to actually dig out the old wax that's on the edges.
One thing I do suggest when getting any Clear Bra done, is make sure it cures well. Also after the installer does their thing, take your car to a garage, and park it at least for a day. Also take your fingers and lightly rub each edge from time to time over the next few days as any micro streching that occurs may lift an edge ever so slightly. Also .. keep your car clean especially around the edges, but don't power wash it and spray under the edges.
Its basically get your car squeaky clean and no wax for the application of the clear bra, and then do your best to keep it clean for a few days after.
Good Luck,
~j.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 15
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From: Lake Forest , CA
Just so you know even the computer cut kit is not exact to every square inch of the front end. I have an 06 IX MR and I had a company called DPTint in So Cal area install mine. The owner of the shop actually installed it and it took him almost 3 hrs, massaging and pulling every which way... believe me I watched and you need a very large amount of patience.
The car looks great and don't regret spending the extra money
The car looks great and don't regret spending the extra money
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11
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Check out some great info on the subject and some of the best work around. www.premiermobilegroup.com
Just picked up my new Evo IX MR from South Coast Mitsubishi. Had a clear bra installed before I picked up the car. Turned out absolutely great. Installation was done by a local company called Chips Away (Cooper Boggs 714 350 0572). Had the full hood kit, bumper kit, lens kit, side skirt kit, and I had custom pieces installed to protect the trailing edges of the rear of the fenders. Quality of the install is first rate. The pieces are perfectly aligned, and there is no junk under the plastic. Material used was Venture Tape which has the best reputation in the market. If anyone is looking for a good installer in the Orange County area, they definitely did a great job on my car.
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tehforbes
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Apr 8, 2007 08:53 PM
