I hope no one is using the 3m film. I've been installing clear bra's for 2 years now and 3m is one of the worst films around, always has been. Short warranty, and bad quality film. We install Ventureshield only. Its got a lifetime warranty, optically the clearest, and all around best film you can buy. 3m bought the Ventureshield company not to long ago for the their urethane film technology. Now some 3m installers offer Ventureshield film as a more expensive premium.

I highly suggest that you find your self a Ventureshield installer and cancel your appointment with your 3m installer.

 

I have a clear bra but its not really worth it

 

When I was about 20 I worked at a window tint shop up in Colorado springs, we did quite a few clear bras, I personally think its worth the 300-400$ but just know, MOST places including the shop I worked at, CUT THE CLEAR BRA ON THE CAR. So if you ever take it off, YOU MIGHT HAVE A LIGHT SCRATCH ACROSS THE PAINT where it was cut.

 

What kind do you have? What makes you say that? And do you have it covering the front part of the bumper or is it just the hood / fenders like the venture shield kit?

 

anybody has links to DIY?

 

http://www.clearbrausa.com/cart.cgi?...1&child=752705

Venture shield supposedly.

 

I went with invisible mask (DIY):

http://invisiblemask.com/site.html

 

Thanks, looks like a good deal for a diy kit. If I added correctly, it'd be around $425 for bumper, hood, mirror, fender, splash & rockers.. plus the free install kit.

Was it fairly easy to apply? And did it turn out nice??

 

I had never done anything like it before - not even window tinting. Me and a buddy did it in 1 afternoon. It took about 5 hours and it came out perfectly. Looking back on it, it was pretty easy, but some of the rounder areas like the indentation on the front bumper cover right as it forms the lip for the wheel, stuff like that took the longest to get it right. Lining everything up and judging how much to "stretch" the film is also a bit tricky. But again, if i can do it anyone can do it.

Best tips if you get the one i suggested:

Watch the DVD. Even though its cheezy, it has good info on it and shows you scenarios and what to do.
Make the alchohol mixture and the soap mixture perfectly. An odd balance of each will make the film unworkable.
Have a friend help you. I wouldnt have been able to do it without help.
Take your time.

 

I briefly considered a clear bra when I bought my car, but ultimately decided against it. I didn't like the idea of polishing and waxing a plastic coating rather than paint. I'd essentially just be protecting the car for the person who owns it after me. I've got my fair share of paint chips, but it happens.

 

I love my clear bra!!! Like a month after I got my car my boyfriend was playing with his t-maxx( RC car) and he was driving it around like a maniac and a rock like 2 inches was flung at my car at high speeds and he put a dent in my car. Luckily it was on a spot where there is clear bra or it would look ridiculous. It didn't chip any paint. But needless to say I was MAD!!!!!!!

 

Wow, i'd be pissed too. No sex for a month!

 

Yeah I was ready to take a rock and throw it at his car.

 

I loved 3M on my IX. It was professionally installed and held up for ~3.5 years. I did not notice any yellowing, but there was some wax build up under the film in the really complex areas. I could have had it re-done and warrantied for free since it was a certified 3M installer, but it was barely noticeable. The IX SE bumper was much more complex than the X.

I'd be willing to try Ventureshield, I've heard good things about it and it seems nice that you can fully wrap a corner, but the cost premium is pretty significant.

Frankly, I was angry that I didn't have MORE clear bra. Every time I detailed my car I couldn't help but pick out the few places that weren't covered by it, but all of the area under it was PERFECT other than one HUGE rock that cut through the film and was able to damage the bumper a bit.

Some kind of front end protection is a MUST if you are a highway commuter or drive on roads with alot of gravel.

EDIT: Oh, and if the film is being cut on the car your installer is DOING IT WRONG! I watched my installer and he showed me how 3m trains you to score the film when you are ALMOST to the edge (so the only thing behind it is free air), then sort of tear it or final cut it OFF the car.

 

I went to the shop on your referral and the Z06 looks really nice. I will be getting it done by you guys. I looked up the pattern for my X and it shows one that goes to the vents on the hood and another that is the whole hood and fenders. Do they make that for my car and if so is it worth the extra coverage?