Are many opting for the port installed Paint Protection Film?

If I were still living in Florida where there are bugs that mess up your car I might be interested in the bra but I don't have that problem where I live now.

The paint protection film probably isn't something I would do though. I'd be concerned about how it would look after a while being exposed to the elements. Would it get little bumps like window tinting? Would it discolor? And what about my ability to make my car look good with a wax job?

 

You can see my bra here http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-accessories-modifications/79568-stealth.html

 

I had a 3-M 8 mil clear protective film on my Gen II -- put on by a pro. It clearly absorbed some stone chips.

Problem is, I found out when looking for my 2010, that unless you're ordering a specific car or getting one which still has to go throught the port facility, you're out of luck at getting the film on the car at a good price. Dealers I spoke to all farm the job out, and it costs several hundred $ at that point. They said that the price Toyota quotes is valid only if the film is put on at the port facility.

 

The front bumper up to the leading edge of the hood has had 3M Paint Protection Film installed. As you can see the color is affected slightly by the film, but hardly noticable. It certainly is far better to look at than those hideous black bra's that trap dirt between the paint and the chafing black vinyl plastic.

This is a custom install, which is why you see no edges, it is fitted all over the surface, not cut into a pre-cut pattern.

 

Is the film standard on Prius or is it installed afterwards by the user? I am asking because I washed and waxed my car yesterday for the first time and afterwards I noticed that the specific section you mention in your post also looks somewhat off in my car, color wise. I haven't seen in any documentation any mention of that protective film.

I barely have had my car for 14 days and I barely noticed yesterday, go figure.

Luis

 

Not unless you got it as a port installed option. Sometimes the paint on the plastic bumper may look slightly different than the paint on metal parts. Usually it is close enough, although I seem to recollect one post here where the color was sufficiently different that the owner got it fixed by Toyota. I have 3M film installed aftermarket on mine. Bumper, 2/3 of hood, front fenders, mirror fronts and door edges.

 

IMO a Prius' 1st trip should be to get VentureShield film installed on as much as the car as you can afford. Find installers at www.ventureshield.com & if you are close to NJ call Reno at Armortec.

 

Is there a way to find out if you do have the film installed. My car is blizzard pearl but that particular section looks beigeish.

Luis

 

The film is thin, but it is not magic! You can feel it. It doesn't feel like painted metal. It feels like a plastic skin. On the edges you can feel the ridge.

If you have the film and can't tell with a close inspection, you probably shouldn't be driving.

 

In my defense, I haven't yet closely inspected the suspected area. I will today and if I can't tell if it is there or not then I will surrender my license

Luis

 

Good news, I don't have to surrender my license. I do have the film. That area does feel different as you stated but I also could clearly see it as evidence by the picture below.

The color does look somewhat different but it depends on the angle I'm looking.



Luis

 

Glad to hear it. I was getting worried about you.

 

Luis

 

There is an aftermarket DIY paint protection film made by Percy's you could add if you didn't get the factory installed film. You can roll it on or use a sprayer. I have seen it on a car but haven't done it myself. Looks good and does the job. Also it appears to be much cheaper than the other options.

 

I have watched an expert put the 3M protection film on my 04 TBird. I wouldn't do that in a hundred years and to save $500. It was really hard and they seemed to know what they were doing. When you have compound curves (as we do on the hood and front fenders) it is very challenging.

Can it be self applied? Sure it can. Some on here switched navigation systems, but not me.

 

I've been looking for both Clear Shield and VentureShield installers in the DFW area and they are unfortunately pretty rare. Most of the businesses listed on the Clear Shield dealer list have either gone out of business or don't provide the product. I've only been able to find a VentureShield product distributor so far. It's probably for naught anyway since I already have ~10 paint chips across the bumper/hood.

 

The coverage provided by Toyota at the port is quite limited in the amount and locations of the coverages. It may work for many of you. I would suggest a professional installer who can tailor your coverage and budget. I always offer the customer full hood coverage on this vehicle due to the hood contour and offer full wrapping in the hood, fenders and fender wells, bumper fender areas etc. Remove the tow hood cap and headlight sprayers to reduce edges - which always looks better and stealthy but at an additional cost. Joe


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