Hello, This is my quick how-to + Tips + Thoughts on the 3M clear film "Bra"

Product: 3M Clear film
Supplier: www.xpel.com
What I got: I ordered a 24"x72" sheet of film
Price:~$80 USD for the film, ~$10 USD for materials
Difficulty: Templete making : 6/10 Installation: 3/10

I called my local tint shop to ask about a clear bra for the EvoX. I told him my issues with the paint chipping on my rear 1/4 panels. He told me that he used a product from xpel.com. He gave me the list price of the product and a price of install. It sounded fair.

I than went onto the xpel website and began my click-searching. I looked at what they had for the evo. The prices were out of my range. I why the pre-cut patterns cost so much but they did not have a rear 1/4 panel kit. I was on my own!

More clicking and I found I could order custom sheets of the film. Here we go I thought! I would have to buy the film and make my own patterns. I felt I was up to the task! But what about the install? I thought about this. I thought I couldn't handel it. But to my surprise the website also provides installation instructions! Reading them over my confidence grew.

Five to seven busisness days later I got my sheet. While waiting for the film I made my own templetes using some large cardboard I had laying around. I knew they were not perfect but I could customize the film as I go.

I traced out the patterns on the film and used a very sharp knife to cut them out.


Cut out:


The extra film:



I was alone while doing this so I do not have any pictures of the install. One of the install instructions was to keep your hands soaked with the "slip" solution. My camra is not water proof.

You basicly soak the car with the "slip" solution, baby shampoo and water, than soak the piece of film. Peal the film away from the backing spraying as you go. You are able to put the film on the car than move it into place without worries. I took my time and placed it where i thought was good.



As you can see I made a very large protection area:


I covered a large area of the door along with about a 12" of the rocker panel along with that small area around the wheel:


After you have the piece where you want it all you do is sqwegee the solution out. It was very easy overall and I suggest doing it yourself.

Things I would do different, I would not make square cornors. Instead I would round everything off. The square edges do not seem to adhere well and peal. I would also follow the suggested rules and make it 1/8-1/16th" short around panel edges. As you pull on it, it streches.

Standing 3ft away you can not even see it. I am very happy with the install and the product so far.

I also made my own mudflaps from a rubber floormatt I cut up:


They are ghetto and work :P

 

Good job on the 3M clear bra. i know you pointed out how ghetto the mud flaps were, but damn you gotta trim those down.

 

nice work and thanks for the info ... as for the mudflaps I'd recommend opting for the $5 generic mudflaps from your local auto parts store like (pep boys) people have been posting about on the forum.