3M Clear Film

[XL Driver]

Hey guys-

I've seen several threads about the 3m paint protection. I've seen some links to purchase online, and then install yourself.

In my area, there is only one 3m authorized installer; who wants $650 to do the partial hood, bumpers, and fenders.

It looks like the full kit, if I buy it myself and put it on will cost about $400. I was never one to go after the self tinting window process, but I'm just wondering with the compound curves, and angles, if anyone has tried it on the sky, or if there is some other recommendations on how to maybe proceed without breaking the bank.

Thanks!

[turbomangt]

XL, if you can drive to Chicago I install it at my shop for $495, I would NOT suggest doing it your self. I have watched my installer measure and cut this stuff on site and let me tell you it takes a craftsman. once you make a mistake that piece is history. you can easily waste material, Gary

[MidniteBlues]

My 3M installer had the pieces already cut into the separate sections in a large sheet where he had his guy cut the patterns into a large sheet for the different sections. All he had to then is peel it off as he went. I paid $700 for the whole package, hood, bumper, mirrors and all 3 lights. I would not even attempt to DIY, especially the front bumper area, it was a bear even for a pro because of the size of it and all the curves etc and even this guy struggled with it. Out of the pieces, the front bumper took more than half his time--Total time for installation job? approx 4 hours--Good luck which ever way you go-- BTW, the offer above is a bargain!!!

[Midnight Sky]

Talk (email) the guys at Kappasphere. I had the same reservations and they had a lot of input. They claim that its fairly easy to install - if you keep it wet, you realign any mistakes. They also suggested purchasing the small pieces first (the headlight covers). That would give you an idea of how it works and whether you can handle it without spending a lot money.

I cannot confirm any of their claims because, as it turned out, my dealer offered me a pretty decent deal so I let them install it.

[MBVette]

do not try it yourself, it will be the most agrivating thing you have ever done. Just have an installer do it and save yourself time and agrivation.

[SpecRaceM5]

It's funny everone is saying don't do it. I had a customer email me the other day who installed our kit and did a brilliant job! It came out looking like he had it done. The trick is keep everything wet. If the underside of the clear bra is wet it is difficult to mess it up.

Brian

[Leather]

How far up the hood does the clear bra go. I it om my Avalance but only the first 6" or so. When I wax my truck I have to take the time to remove as much wax as I can from the edge of the clear bra. Some people when they see it think my truck is scratched.

[mbeardsley]

I've wondered about this myself.
Is it possible to get the whole hood done ?
I realize that it would cost more but I suspect it would be a lot nicer. Or would it have to be done in two pieces anyway, still leaving a seam ?

[SpecRaceM5]

It is possible to do the entire hood, but it would need to be a custom job that you would need to have someone custom cut for you. If anyone is local, we have a guy who can do it and install it. The kit we offer goes up about 1/3 of the way or so. This is the part of the hood that takes most of the beating.

Brian

[mbeardsley]

I realize that most of the damage gets done to the bottom part of the hood, I'm just trying to avoid having a seam across the middle of the car.

[samunoz1]

So what happens when you want to polish your car with a Dual Action Polisher? Wont the polished section be shinnier than the plastic covered portion?

[MidniteBlues]

So far I only have done it manually. That said, I have the porter dual action and in fact the car is now due for its wash, claying, wash, polish, seal-- When I did it last time the shine looked identical, done manually. My 3M bra will be 1 year old in December. At that time we'll see how it looks like after 1 year-- As for the dual action part, I'll let you know when I do it today or this weekend weather allowing-- (its raining right now)

[samunoz1]

How much would something like this cost? The installer I called wanted $650 (w/ Headlights) in NJ.

[Leather]

I paid $700 for approx 1/2 hood, headlights, rocker panels a strip up the back just before the rear wheels and mirrors. I did not bother with the front bumper.

[samunoz1]

Originally Posted by Leather

I paid $700 for approx 1/2 hood, headlights, rocker panels a strip up the back just before the rear wheels and mirrors. I did not bother with the front bumper.

I hadn't thought about asking exactly what parts are being done for $650. I assumed they were all standard.

By the way , Gary Moe should be shot for branding your Sky with his dealer info. I told my dealer I wouldn't drive it off the lot if they branded it.

[MidniteBlues]

Here's an old thread with info. Post #11 is where I paid $600 for 1/3 hood, front bumper, mirrors, and the headlights, which BTW, the 3m material is slightly thicker-- WOW! 3M clear bra damage pics
The first post is interesting as you see what kind of abuse this stuff can take--

[marlboromike]

Each installer charges different prices although using the same 3M material...it comes down to what his labor is worth to him and YOU.

[SpecRaceM5]

Originally Posted by samunoz1

So what happens when you want to polish your car with a Dual Action Polisher? Wont the polished section be shinnier than the plastic covered portion?

Alot of films now are coming with a built in "clear coat" that will give them a higher gloss to match the paint. That being the case, if you were to polish your car, the plastic portion should match pretty close to the paint.

Brian

[mbeardsley]

My installer charged me $750 for the hood, bumper and mirrors and did a TERRIBLE job. I've got bubbles, and smudges and mis-aligned stuff all over the place.

I am currently in dispute with him over the issue, hopefully we'll get it resolved soon.

And yes, this was real 3M stuff installed by a fully authorized dealer.

[samunoz1]

Thats horrible! I think I will stay away from this product.

[mbeardsley]

I don't think it's the product, this was just an incompetent installer.

I've seen other Sky's that it came out fine on...

[OLDMX4]

We have the clear bra on our new Redline that the dealer had put on before we bought it. It looks great but do I polish it like the rest of the car or is there something else for care of it?
Since they had to find the car we wanted they threw out the cost in our final deal

[WOLFSKY]

I paid about a $1K for the Venture Shield (5 year warranty on applying) and lifetime warranty from turning yellow on tint. Half hood, Full front, rocker panels, kicker panels, front and rear tire wells, door handle cups, left and right side mirrors.....