Clear Bra Advice

[speedy racer]

Originally Posted by rpg1031

I spent a little over $2000 getting my whole car protected minus the roof, trunk lid, and most of the rear bumper (the fender just behind the rear wheels is covered though). I may do the roof eventually, too. The entire front bumper I had done just after I bought the car, the rest happened later.

I couldn't be any happier or have spent money wiser, the peace of mind I have that rock chips or even parking lots are not as scary thoughts (but still not out of my mind) is PRICELESS!

Functionality wise it's not likely the sides of the car would ever need protection but just like wearing a seat belt; you'll be glad you wore it when the 1 time you need it happens.

XPEL is great but Suntek is a very close second choice, I have both. I heard from the 3 installers I worked with (the 1st who did my front bumper, the 2nd for the hood and front fenders and 3rd for everything else) don't use 3M material and run away from anybody that uses it, 3M is known to yellow and isn't as durable.

3M does not yellow, maybe 10 years ago but technology has improved. Its is very durable and clear. I put my $300 DIY venture shield beside your $2000 job no nobody can tell the difference. http://www.americansignproducts.com/...ureShield.html

[ftc~brz]

Originally Posted by dem00n

Opticoat doesn't protect against rock chips, its just an overhyped sealant.

Sounds like a bad clear bra job, don't go cheap.

I never said optic oat protects from chips…

I guess what I meant to say was spend the money else ware if you are on the fence.

[shiumai]

Originally Posted by PSORngr

As another guy mentioned, I kind of wish the rocker panels just in front of the rear wheels had been a part of the two packages I bought because I do have a scratch in the clear coat there already.

i bought the xpel xtreme material myself (by the foot from xpel) and protected that area. i've also protected the rocker panels from behind the front wheel all the way to the rear with xpel ultimate, up to the door and down below the anti-chip coating at the bottom of the rocker panels (which still can chip, by the way). actually, my xpel extends inside the door kick panel to protect the paint from shoe scuffing when getting in and out. i had never installed clear bra film myself before, so i started out with parts that had minimal curves and it wasn't too hard to do.

xpel xtreme is thinner and easier for a novice like me to work with than xpel ultimate, and also conforms to textured surfaces (bottom of the rocker panels) better, which is why i chose it. i also used it to protect the door edges.

[g0ast]

Originally Posted by speedy racer

3M does not yellow, maybe 10 years ago but technology has improved. Its is very durable and clear. I put my $300 DIY venture shield beside your $2000 job no nobody can tell the difference. http://www.americansignproducts.com/...ureShield.html

I didn't mention venture shield because I've never seen it or went somewhere that uses it. You say $300 for a DIY (how much material does that get you?) which works for some but I'm somewhat of a perfectionist and I don't like gaps, my PPF has no lines visible between body panels, most DIY kits are cut smaller than the part they fit on simply because most people won't get it on perfectly even.

What I had put on my car looks as if nothing is even there and that's my goal.

[Obsidiank]

To the OP, I asked a similar question when I got my FRS. I started a thread/poll here

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40837

Conclusion, almost dead tie. 50/50 on yes to clear bra or no. Sheesh..but that's not your question cause you've already decided.

Worth is relative right? Let's say you condom the entire car so it's completely protected. It'll cost you $1500+. Do you have that kind of money? Is it worth it to you?

Check out http://www.xpel.com/products/paint_p...=36&model=3627 and you'll get an idea of how much it'll cost.

Any cheaper brand will save you around $200 or so.

Personally I went with half hood/front bumper/mirror kit for $650. Totally worth it. If you don't like the line then get a full hood.