I was thinking of ordering the 3m Clear Bra or Invinca Shield protective film. I was wondering if anyone else had done so and if so, is there a noticable line? I have mineral grey and wondered what it would look like on the darker cars...

http://www.invinca-shield.com/ASP/makeon2.asp?make=Ford

 

I don't have one, but I've seen a few. They're not noticeable from 5 ft away, but you can see them easily up close. They don't look bad. If you go for it, make sure you cover the fronts of your fenders too. I wish I could get an Invisishield for the entire car. I've got less than 3,000 miles and already at least half-a-dozen stone chips. I would definately get one if my car was black. Paint's thin on these cars, not enough clear or something

 

I had the 3M put on my front bumper only. It works great and you really cannont see it at all because the piece follows all the lines and body seams around the bumper. I watched it being installed and was glad that I did not attempt it myself. The hood piece will leave a line that I think is visible (it was when we tested it on my TR). You will be told by others that it doesn't so it's really a subjective call that you have to make yourself. But in any case, this stuff works, quality product. Decide for yourself how much you want to use.

 

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback... I think I might get a complete nose kit then...

 

Mitch -mgood2go on here - did the Xpel on his - screaming yellow vert.

Saw it in person and at first, could NOT spot the seam. Once it was pointed out, it was obvious.

Then you would take your eyes off the car, come back it it.... and you couldn;t spot it right away again.... it was freaky!

I am thinking about doing this myself.....

 

Love the XPel. It has definitely added a layer of protection that the light color needs. Not sure if Mineral Grey is in the same category. Here in Fla, the bugs are brutal, and light colors are hard to hide their stains without constant washing. As far as visibility goes, I notice it now, but no-one else does. I've seen it on a dark blue M3 in the parking lot at work, and it is nearly impossible to notice.

Xpel kit looks like better coverage than the invinca-shield imo. Also, my installer added door-edge guards, wheel well interiors, strip behind rear wheel wells (where rocker panel line continues) for free. I paid for the hood, rockers, bumper, and lights (might reconsider yellow fogs after seeing Rene's Pics

If you put alot of highway miles on, it will save you from some paint chips. It won't save every inch of the car - just the most vulnerable areas.

I would recommend having a good installer put it on. I called alot of places first. I thought the guy that did mine was really good. You should have seen the Italian cars he works on. But, I found two bad edges and two bubbles during my first wax session (just maguire's - not up to Zaino yet.) Make sure you watch the installation carefully. And, get a workmanship warranty. I'll post more when I try to have him take care of the bad edges.

As far as wax goes, the installer recommended spray wax to avoid a build up at the edges. Seeing the results folks are getting with Zaino's, I'm going to have to try it. It'll be a while, but I'll post those results, too. He gave me a bottle of Plexus for the XPel and tint. Haven't messed with it yet.

For the money, I'm not overly impressed. But, seeing what my wife's '00 white GT vert looks like, I'm glad I got it. If you are a hard core Zaino nut and don't think you can live with a line, you will want to think twice about this.

Oh yeah, don't forget, if you want stripes, do those first.

Hope your wait is short and your ride's a blast.

 

I saw mgood2go screaming vert as well. I couldnt believe how hard it was to find the seam. Like Burke0011 said as soon as you take your eyes off of it for a few seconds you lose it. Incredible stuff.

 

Thank you for the links..