Clear bra estimate

[BRZ88]

Got a quote for 1300 for entire front end and rocker panel using xpel ultimate. Too pricy? Anyone know of any reputable xpel installers within 150mile radius of Pittsburgh?

[sdiver68]

Let me quote from the installer who has done my BMW's and Porsche in the past using "premium 3M products". He originally came recommended by several high end dealerships:

"The protection on the leading edge of the hood, fenders, mirrors, and full front bumper would run $525 parts and labor."

[jwuwu]

Originally Posted by sdiver68

Let me quote from the installer who has done my BMW's and Porsche in the past using "premium 3M products". He originally came recommended by several high end dealerships:

"The protection on the leading edge of the hood, fenders, mirrors, and full front bumper would run $525 parts and labor."

that sounds about right. Mine is $535 with labor for hood, fenders, mirrors, bumper, and lights.

[Zgrinch]

Originally Posted by jwuwu

that sounds about right. Mine is $535 with labor for hood, fenders, mirrors, bumper, and lights.

Full or half hood?

[GodSays]

Originally Posted by Zgrinch

Full or half hood?

Just what I was about to ask lol
I couldnt deal with that line, on white the dust settles so fast

[jwuwu]

full hood.

[GodSays]

Originally Posted by jwuwu

full hood.

fenders as well? cuz man thats a stealllll

[jwuwu]

yep, includes fenders. It is a steal for sure. They use 3M protective film as well. If you live in the Bay Area, the place is called Transparent Bra located in Walnut Creek. Here's the site: http://www.transparentbra.com/

[Sony]

I paid $1500 for Xpel Ultimate on my BRZ, Xpel is much more expensive than the 3M Bra but totally worth it, it has a clearcoat on top of it so you can buff and polish it, as well as it is self healing so if you get a knick or a scratch in the bra it heals and fixes itself. It also doesn't yellow over time like some other ones do.

I got Full Hood, Full Fenders, Full Front Bumper, Mirrors and headlights as well. With each section done in one full sheet except the front bumper, that was the only place they couldn't do a full sheet because of all the curves. Done with sheets and not pre-cutout pieces.

[Sonex51]

for $1300, I'd fix the damn paint ...

[blu_]

I paid $3k for mine and it washes itself.

[jimbobrand]

Originally Posted by Sonex51

for $1300, I'd fix the damn paint ...

Yeah, that's pretty much a new front bumper and a whole front respray.

[just86]

clear bra or opti-coat or both... help

[NRGBalanced]

Originally Posted by just86

clear bra or opti-coat or both... help

I think you can apply Opti-Coat over some paint protection films. The detailer I'm going to (same as Sony's) did not want to apply Opti-Coat on XPEL Ultimate film because of its self-healing properties.

[Sony]

Originally Posted by jimbobrand

Yeah, that's pretty much a new front bumper and a whole front respray.

Yea...but how long until the respray has the same amount of rock chips as the first one, then you have to respray AGAIN. I get one Xpel Ultimate clear bra and I'm done for good, saves me money in the long run. Also much quicker to replace the bra if the bra gets damaged, my install took all of 4 hours, a respray of the bumper would take at least a day or two.

[GodSays]

Originally Posted by jimbobrand

Yeah, that's pretty much a new front bumper and a whole front respray.

I just ordered a whole new front lol
The only way to be sure your original panels stay safe is if they aren't on your car lol

[jurjurson]

its a waste of money cause its a cheap car. You should get 3m vinyl wrap instead!

[Reflections]

Originally Posted by jurjurson

its a waste of money cause its a cheap car. You should get 3m vinyl wrap instead!

I wouldn't say waste of money. But spending $1500 is a lot! It all depends on how particular the owner will be. I would say that spending $700 on a $25k+ investment isn't a bad idea. Its better than going for that BS paint protection application the dealer tries selling.

[switchlanez]

To the critics preferring to put money in a respray/repaint of their hoods/fenders/bumpers rather than invest in a clear bra, the former will devalue your car when it comes time to sell/trade-in your car, the paint job will not perfectly match factory paint with paint defects and inconsistencies in finish/condition compared to the rest of the body.