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Clear bra DIY warning

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by tanasit, Apr 21, 2012.

  1. tanasit

    tanasit Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2012
    399
    60
    0
    Location:
    Philadelphia
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I wanted the clear bra for the hood, headlight and the mirror so I bought those pre-cut sets for self installation. I bought the half hood one because the full hood may be difficult to install especially the fuzzy front piece. The hood one was rather simple but you want to make sure that you leave the edges just enough to fold to the side of the hood.

    The mirror and the headlight proved to be very challenging and even with proper solution mixtures, squeegee, roller and heat gun. I failed on both because I couldn't smooth out all the surface of the film.
    I then bought the long sheet and thought that it would be easier to have a piece bigger film so that I would have the excess edges to hold on while softening it with the heat gun and stretch it as per several video that I watched. I tried it on the headlight and failed again but this time it was almost perfect with a few wrinkles around the bottom edge of the light. If I decided not to cover the "whole" light, it would be fine but the top of the light has an unusual raise that's tough to cover.
     
    #1 tanasit, Apr 21, 2012
  2. OWG

    OWG Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2012
    86
    16
    0
    Location:
    Barrie, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    N/A
    I didn't have the headlights done, but did have the mirrors. Watched the guy do them and just like you said, used a larger piece so he had something to hold on to. He said the pre-cut ones would not work at all due to the mirror curves. He was really tugging on it though. Was a little worried he was gonna snap a mirror off! He then taped off a cut line and carefully cut off the excess. Other than that, had the half hood and fenders done. All pieces wrap over the edges.
     
    #2 OWG, Apr 30, 2012
    1 person likes this.
  3. Osteoblast

    Osteoblast Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2012
    55
    11
    0
    Location:
    NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    The shop I got mine done at pulled an Audi R8 out to make room for my car. He is the best and I have had to go back three times to tweak it. This car has some weird angles that make it very challenging, even in the hands of a professional. Don't even think about DIY!!
     
    #3 Osteoblast, Apr 30, 2012
  4. swg

    swg 12 Prius / 13 Volt

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2012
    78
    5
    0
    Location:
    Atlanta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Have had both our Prii's done with xpel. Both with the full hood, front fenders, full bumper, headlights, mirrors,doorcups and rear ledge. Watching it being applied I wouldn't even begin to tackle this, like others have said just too many funky curves. I wouldn't be without protection though! 2 year warranty for the install and 7 years on the film, including yellowing. Had it on an Acura, still looked great after 5 years....before it was replaced 2 weeks ago by the 3.
     
    #4 swg, Apr 30, 2012
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