3M Clear Bra

That is an excellent price if he does use 3M and it's at least 8mil. Don't forget to have him do the headlights in 15mil.

This is NOT something you want to do yourself. Make sure he has a clean, interior facility to do this. You don't want to do it outside in the shade or sun. You want to make sure the car is clean of all dust before it's installed.

 

Hey question for you, what happens during rainstorms does water bead up on the bra? How about fading is 3M resistant to this? Curious ...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Jul 17 2006, 05:22 PM) [snapback]287737[/snapback]</div>

That's a fabulous price. I just had mine installed ($595 I think) and the guy said he's done almost 100 Prius installs with 3m. He also said he doesn't do headlights anymore after a headlight exploded from excessive heat buildup.
I don't remember the model car it happened on, but it was within the last year.

 

how did you find a certified installer near you? I got a quote of $400 from my local body shop, but I don't think he uses 3M and he's not a certified installer either.

 

www.xpel.com has a searchable list of certified installers.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gyudaddy @ Jul 17 2006, 08:50 PM) [snapback]287846[/snapback]</div>

Here's a link:http://www.invisiblemask.com/dealer_locator.html

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gyudaddy @ Jul 17 2006, 08:50 PM) [snapback]287846[/snapback]</div>

Here's the link that I used to find the certified istaller nearest me in Massachusetts:
http://www.invisiblepatterns.com/dealers.asp
I saw his workmanship on a very hot BMW (silver, like my '06 Prius), and it was gorgeous.
I left the car with him for 3 hours and Presto! a perfectly installed 3M clear bra.
Protection Plus in Shrewsbury MA, on RT9, ask for Dave (for those in this area).

 

thanks a lot. hopefully I can get it done less than $500.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gyudaddy @ Jul 17 2006, 09:33 PM) [snapback]287884[/snapback]</div>

I just did a search, from 3m's website. They referred me to Strong Audi here in Salt Lake City. 399 is what they quoted me. I'm really considering getting it done now.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_U...Find_Installer/

That is the link.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rogust @ Jul 17 2006, 09:13 PM) [snapback]287864[/snapback]</div>

When I looked at that site, it didn't say they use 3M film - it was a film called Venture.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jeannie @ Jul 18 2006, 06:41 PM) [snapback]288392[/snapback]</div>

They do both. Link: http://www.protectyourpaint.com/

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rogust @ Jul 18 2006, 07:29 PM) [snapback]288408[/snapback]</div>

I just bought the following:
Item Qty Part Number Description Price Totals
1 1 TOY02005HFM-SC 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS Hood Fender Mirror XL Kit 150.00 150.00
2 1 PPFTOOLS FREE Application Tool Kit - $45.00 Value (limit 1 per order) 0.00 0.00
3 1 TOY02005LS FREE Std Light Protection Kit - 2006 PRIUS (limit 1 per order) 0.00 0.00
Purchases Subtotal: 0.00
Shipping: 48 States - UPS Ground 8.50
Sales Tax: 0.00
Order Total: 158.50
It's 3M, but I'll need someone to install it and the tint I bought from SnapTint.

You think those guys in Shrewsbury MA be willing?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jeannie @ Jul 18 2006, 05:41 PM) [snapback]288392[/snapback]</div>

VentureShield is from what I have been able to find out, at least as good as 3-M. Stonger and with less yellowing, plus a lifetime time warranty. Anyway I was convinced and will be having it put on next week.

 

Hold on a sec.
Invisible Mask advertises a "2006 Toyota Prius: Headlamp and Fog Lamp kit."

3M on the other hand, says
"Q. Can Scotchgardâ„¢ Paint Protection Film be used on headlights, foglights or windshields?
A. No, the Department of Transportation does not allow any film of any kind to be put
on headlights, foglights or windshields."

 

Okay...OT but I don't understand why people use the clear bras?

You spend $500 to put something on your car to protect the paint...but the film is going to get nicked and stained and/or yellow over time. So, then you peel it off and do it over again? If it was that bad why not just repaint the part?

Also, if you peel it off won't there be a visible difference between where the film was and where it wasn't (more fading on the part that wasn't covered?)

I'm not trying to attack anyone...just wondering what I'm missing.b

 

The product is guaranteed not to yellow or cause uneven paint fade. I chose to go with the clear bra b/c I have seen so many cars with messed up bumpers...and I saw the demonstration where they hurl gravel at a protected piece of metal at over 100 mph and it did not do damage. Repainting a relatively new car is a red flag when you go to sell it b/c it usually signals an accident or mistreatment. I'd prefer the preventative solution...but that's just me.

So far there's nothing wrong with my film that wouldn't be fixed with a little bit of elbow grease...just some bugs stuck in it the same as the would have in the paint. It looks much better than I expected.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HokieHybrid @ Jul 24 2006, 08:33 PM) [snapback]291710[/snapback]</div>

I guess I've never had the front end of my car look all that bad...even after 100k+ miles of driving. But, I guess it all depends on what car it is...and where you're driving.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ken S @ Jul 24 2006, 08:42 PM) [snapback]291715[/snapback]</div>

I traded in my '99 Solara (speeding-ticket red) for my Prius, and the paint on the Solara flaked disturbingly easy. Scores of tiny little pits all over the hood and grill within the first year. That's making me consider the film.

 

I had a local 3m certified installer worked on my prius over the weekend. Since he's been certified only just over a week, he offered me $200+tax for everything. He told me that at his training camp at FL, Prius had the worst reputation to install 3m clear bra because of its round shape all over.

Although at first I was not comfortable with a newbie installer for my prius, since the price was so cheap, I thought the 'certified installer' is better than my local non-certified installer who uses a non-3m product.

He was a former state trooper here in KS, and was very nice and professional. While he was working on my car, he was nice enough to take me and my wife to a mall. When the work was done, he picked us up and showed how it was done.

I was pretty satisfied with his work overall. I know this job can't be perfect because an installer has to stretch 3m material for a round surface and it's off a little one way to the other. There were things that could have done better, but my primary purpose was to protect my prius, and I knew it would do its job considering $200+tax price as his first customer.

Anyway I came back home and next day I got a call from him. He said,'I couldn't sleep last night because I was not really satisfied with what I've done to your car (my prius) and I'll do it again for you either tomorrow or even 2 or 3 months later if you want.'

Anyone who talks to him and sees him can tell he's someone you can trust very easily. I feel very lucky to meet him as my installer. He may not be the best installer at this moment, but I think he'll be very soon.

PS He installed my side moulding for $25 too. If anyone is looking for a 3m certified installer aroun KS area, let me know. Who knows, he might give you a discount as his second customer!