I had this in the Prius Mods forum all day and only got 1 reply so I thought I'd try here. I am getting the 3M Clear Mask put on tomorrow, the same shop is going to install the mudguards for me. Does anyone have any tips or ideas for me? The one reply I got mentioned the need for an extra screw on the rear mudguards. Thanks for any info you can give!
Instead of extra screws I used 3M heavy duty double sticky tape, available at Home Depot, to hold the bottom edge of the rear mudguards in place. It's rubberized, like the stuff that holds on the door guards. I also used it on the side edges of the rear bumper guard for the same reason. I'd recommend you put the mudgaurds on yourself (I mean on the car yourself) so you get familiar with the use and storage of the jack. As for 3M clear bra, I had the guy use the 24" wide stuff. Most companies use 12" or 18" wide stuff. In addition to the hood, I also had the front bumper and backs of the mirrors done. He also put small round pieces in the door handle pockets.
I KNOW I posted in this thread yesterday! Where'd my post go??? I got Ventureshield, it is also made by 3M, is a better product, and has a better warranty. AND it is the same price. The shop I used had both, but once they tell folks the above, no one is getting the older stuff. (I did the research on line, so I confirmed everything they were saying.) As for the mud guards, I used the extra screw on the rear ones, as I understood the issue as soon as I mounted them!
I just installed the 7 mil 3m clear bra I bought on ebay for $55. It included side mirrors, front of fenders, and hood(about 24 inches deep). I did the fenders first as they were the easiest. Took about a minute each. I then did the drivers mirror. I messed it up slightly and will probably by another piece locally to redo it, but it's a small piece. The passenger mirror went on perfectly as I figured out the right amount of stretch to pull it over the bulge without leaving unworkable fingers. It came out perfect with no bubbles. The hood was quite a bit easier than the mirrors but took longer because of the size. It also came out perfect with no bubbles. I watched the video that came with the product. It was *key* to getting the proper technique. I'd never had clear bra installed before due to cost. Could never justify it. Now with first hand knowledge of how to install, I can't imagine not doing it to every new car in the future.
Thanks, all, for the replies! I am getting this work done just in time as we are predicted to get some possible snow this weekend. I will be happy I am protected against the road gravel! M8s: Excellent idea on the sticky tape! I will use that if I notice any looseness when I get it back from the shop. As for the Clear Mask, the shop is doing all the spots you mentioned and more. Freedom: You did reply to me when I had the post in the Mods Forum. You were the only one so I posted again here. Thanks again! Sorka: I am sure your post will be of help to others wanting to attempt this themselves. Thank you.
If the installer has access to the "raw" stock, you might consider a 12" strip on the roof (above the windshield) as well.
They will do the roof, for an extra charge of course! I didn't sign up for that though. Maybe in the future I will go back for some of the "extras".
Canesfan or the others who posted here how are things going with he clear mask any updates would be great, also interested in how the mud guards are doing with those that installed them, would love to see any photos...I am thinking of getting the Euro guards for my Prius.
We've had the same guy put 3M clear bra on our cars for years now. No issues on our Prii. My sister bought our 2007 RX350 and the clear bra still looks like new (she waxes it when she waxes the car). Our neighbors bought our 2001 Avalon, which they never wax (and rarely even wash), and the clear bra looks great on it too.
Here's a tip for the VentureShield. Use the new version of Turtle wax ICE (synthetic POLISH) to wax the bra. I had an old bottle of ICE and was a little dissapointed because it smeared and looked dull. NOT the new version, it's awesome! You can thank me later.
