Whiteout with Clearbra and Opti-Coat (SoCal)

[simpleisbest]

I just got done with my car protection projects:

1) Window Tint - LLumar Air Blue(http://www.elitetint.com/Ceramic_Tint.html)
2) 3M ClearBra from Tint Factory (http://www.tintfactory.net/)
3) Opti-coat from CU2MIKE (www.*******detail.com)

Reviews:

1) LLumar Air Blue: I wanted a tint that would provide UV protection for the interior and keep the heat down and went with the LLumar Air Blue from Elite Tint (Toby at Elite Tint does awesome work and extremely exprienced!! Results were flawless!!) Install took about 2hrs and took about 48hrs to cure. Didn't need to pull any fuses for the automatic windows, just tried to not open the doors "too much".

I recently took a drive to San Luis Obispo and back. On the way back the outside temperature gauge read 109 degrees, yet with the A/C on lowest cool setting and fan at 1, the two of us in the cabin were cool if not COLD! Amazing stuff!!

2) 3M ClearBra: Install at Tint Factory went pretty well. I dropped the car off at 10am and picked it up around 4pm. I got the "highway package" that covers the entire front bumper, lower half of the hood, and the sideview mirrors. I was surprised that the kit also covered the "flats" on the front bumper just infront of the headlights. Overall a pretty flawless install. No bubbles no fuss. $600 total damage. Ask for Frank.

I was glad to have it on, as I picked up a huge amount of bugs on my recent long drive. Just used a bit of QuickDetailer to wipe it off. I would recommend that you either wax or get Opti-coat over the clearbra as bugs or tree sap WILL STAIN! I got two small stains on my uncoated clearbra from either a bug or tree-sap. Driving through 109 degree heat probably baked it in there really good...

3) Opti-Coat: I just got it installed yesterday so I cannot comment on the performance just yet. Mike showed up at my place early in the morning and quickly got to work. I was impressed with his range of equipment and am so envious of his foam cannon!! (God I want one now! LOL!) It was a full day job. Morning to evening, so make sure you have the day free!

My paint had minimal swirls/scratches and but Mike's dedication to perfection was amazing! Process included initial was initial wash with iron/tar removal/clay, polish, follow up wash with degrease, and finally Opti-coat. I was amazed on how much iron/tar came out of the "clean" paint!

If you are within "hours" drive of SoCal, get Mike to work on your car for sure! Awesome work!!!

Overall, I am more than satisfied! My baby is as protected as can be and ready to slam in to some auto-x cones!!!

Pics courtesy of CU2MIKE (last 2 from iPhone).

[CU2MIKE]

Thanks for posting this bud!

[kuma]

Looks awesome! Can't wait to get mine done soon.

[simpleisbest]

Thanks! Mike does great work!!

[CU2MIKE]

Originally Posted by kuma

Looks awesome! Can't wait to get mine done soon.

lol, I will see you tomorrow.

Originally Posted by simpleisbest

Thanks! Mike does great work!!

Thanks again Sean!

[kaisernaut]

3m Scotchgard paint protection film or ventureshield?

[simpleisbest]

I had the 3m product installed. You get a little bit of orange peel, but only noticeable inches away with good light.

[kaisernaut]

did you get your headlight and door edge protection too?

[simpleisbest]

Nah. Door edge would have been a good idea, but I can't remember the last time I dinged a door. Usually paranoid on other parked cars dinging my door!! LOL!!

As I will mostly autocross, headlight protection isn't needed. Maybe in the future after used headlight assemblies become more available and I have the courage to bake mine to do a HID retrofit!!

[Snoopyalien24]

Few Q's:

How long does this last?

Does it yellow?

What happens if removed? Does it leave a residue?

Last, does lots of heat, such as the Miami sun, shorten the life?

Thanks!

[CU2MIKE]

Originally Posted by Snoopyalien24

Few Q's:

How long does this last?
It's a permanent coating, but it's not invincible so you would need to care for your car like you normally would.
Does it yellow?
No
What happens if removed? Does it leave a residue?
It would be removed if abrasion was introduced (Via machine polishing), and it won't leave residue
Last, does lots of heat, such as the Miami sun, shorten the life?
Not that I know of.
Thanks!

See reply in red

[Snoopyalien24]

Originally Posted by CU2MIKE

See reply in red

I wish I could thank this x10. Thanks!

So caring for it would be like washing it normally, no dishwashing soap, car washes, etc?

You should (if you can) do a maintenance on clear bra's so Admins could sticky it for refrence!

Edit: so Opti-Gaurd and Clear Bra can be done together?

[CU2MIKE]

Originally Posted by Snoopyalien24

I wish I could thank this x10. Thanks!

So caring for it would be like washing it normally, no dishwashing soap, car washes, etc?

You should (if you can) do a maintenance on clear bra's so Admins could sticky it for refrence!

Edit: so Opti-Gaurd and Clear Bra can be done together?

I actually had a thread somewhere here about what you need to buy to properly care for your own car after Opti Coat has been applied (Not everything is absolutely necessary, but it depends on how OCD you are).
And yes, Opti Guard/Coat can be applied either before OR after clear bra. There is one clear bra I know for sure has trouble sticking to OG/OC, and that would be Expel Ultimate

[imravenit]

i cant even tell it has clear bra i think its one of the advantages of a white car..