Clear bra
6/28/13, 10:57 AM
#21
Legacy TMS Member
If you guys are paying 2 or 3K for these covers to be installed, isn't that almost approaching the cost of correcting problem areas and doing a respray?
6/28/13, 11:14 AM
#22
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IMO respraying is a waste of money Vs. a clear bra, the chips will come right back making a new sprayed bumper look sand blasted again.
Get a clear bra and be done with it.
I have the the bumper, 1/3 of the hood, mirror and lights protected with a Clear bra... I think I paid somewhere in the $900 range.
money well spent. IMO
6/28/13, 11:31 AM
#23
I Have No Life
Shiaz, it depends on installer and how well you negotiate. One time I got everything done for 500, another car it was free, so as long as I gave out his installation cards during the car show season. Normal prices range from 600 to 1500 depending on amount of coverage.
Kyle, 2k to 3k is wayyyyyy too much to pay. Those folks who did pay that much got severely ripped off. A professional, top of the line, excellent installation for your typical covered areas (hood, bumper, etc) can be had for around 1k.
Kyle, 2k to 3k is wayyyyyy too much to pay. Those folks who did pay that much got severely ripped off. A professional, top of the line, excellent installation for your typical covered areas (hood, bumper, etc) can be had for around 1k.
6/28/13, 03:22 PM
#24
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Ok, I think I just need to pull the trigger and get it done. I'm about to roll over 1k miles so the car is broke in now and ready for some aggressive driving. For you all that had the clear bra done do u have to keep the car out of the rain for a few days after install? I need to plan out a day when it's not raining.
6/29/13, 12:48 PM
#25
Shelby GT500 Member
I paid $1500 for mine, but that also included the window tint. I think it was $1200 for the film I chose (don't remember off the top of my head which one it was), but it's peace of mind. I don't have to worry about checking the car for chips every time I hear a rock ping off the body. I know the film keeps it protected. It's no harder to wash, wax, care for than the paint. It does, however, make removing bugs from the front end easier.
6/29/13, 12:55 PM
#26
Holy cow guys! I paid $400 for the complete nose, hood, headlights, mirrors and even a spot on the back of my wing where I close the boot. 3M Nano Tech. Why is it getting so expensive??
6/29/13, 01:03 PM
#27
Shelby GT500 Member
Don't know, might be the install. I've told countless people that it's wearing a clear bra and they don't believe me until they start looking under the edges of the panels. It's invisible and it's installed as well as I could possibly hope for. Way I figure it, I got every penny's worth out of it. I also get it replaced gratis if it exhibits any defects at any time over the next ten years, and if it tears or comes up they will replace it no charge. I'm not complaining.
6/29/13, 01:11 PM
#28
Don't know, might be the install. I've told countless people that it's wearing a clear bra and they don't believe me until they start looking under the edges of the panels. It's invisible and it's installed as well as I could possibly hope for. Way I figure it, I got every penny's worth out of it. I also get it replaced gratis if it exhibits any defects at any time over the next ten years, and if it tears or comes up they will replace it no charge. I'm not complaining.
What about the stripes though?
6/29/13, 02:07 PM
#29
Shelby GT500 Member
He's told me it can be removed from the car without removing the stripes, but it has to be done carefully. He said there is no damage to the surface of the stripes from the material. He did say that he can't guarantee the stripes will remain in place, but he'd do his best and if there were any issues, he'd help take care of it (replacing/reinstalling stripes).
6/29/13, 02:10 PM
#30
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He's told me it can be removed from the car without removing the stripes, but it has to be done carefully. He said there is no damage to the surface of the stripes from the material. He did say that he can't guarantee the stripes will remain in place, but he'd do his best and if there were any issues, he'd help take care of it (replacing/reinstalling stripes).
And if they use a soapy solution when they remove it - like they do when they position it for applying it (the alcohol solution is for removing the soap so the mask then sticks in place), it would help avoid lifting the stripe.
Last edited by cdynaco; 6/29/13 at 02:13 PM.
6/29/13, 02:18 PM
#31
Shelby GT500 Member
I would think if you pulled it off in the opposite direction of the stripe edge - so you don't lift the edge of the stripe - it would come off fine.
And if they use a soapy solution when they remove it - like they do when they position it for applying it (the alcohol solution is for removing the soap so the mask then sticks in place), it would help avoid lifting the stripe.
And if they use a soapy solution when they remove it - like they do when they position it for applying it (the alcohol solution is for removing the soap so the mask then sticks in place), it would help avoid lifting the stripe.
6/29/13, 02:51 PM
#32
I Have No Life
For what you mentioned, 400 seems about right. Add the entire bumper tho (which is really important) and that should put you in the 800 - 1000 category.
6/29/13, 02:55 PM
#33
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Mine was $1089 in 08 through the Dealer for 3M (& window tint): full front, hood, mirrors, rockers, edge of fenders and doors, top of bumper at truck lid.
Heck the 3M do it yourself kit for my PT Cruiser was like $250 (pattern plus a few additional rolls for cutting pieces) in 2010.
Last edited by cdynaco; 6/29/13 at 03:19 PM.
6/29/13, 03:07 PM
#34
Its well worth the money but $500 is where it should be at..
Atlas Armor in the Phoenix Area..
6/29/13, 03:12 PM
#35
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Last edited by cdynaco; 6/29/13 at 03:21 PM.
6/29/13, 03:29 PM
#36
That could be it, if there is only one or two people doing it, supply VS Demand and it is a bit time consuming. Like to dip my whole car in it...
6/29/13, 04:38 PM
#37
I Have No Life
The entire front bumper cover, A Pillars, Mirrors, hood and lights... The Challenger, Both Mustangs... Challenger was $425.. The 3M on my 2006 is first generation and still looks great 7 years later (5 year Warrantee) even in this 115 + Heat...
Its well worth the money but $500 is where it should be at..
Atlas Armor in the Phoenix Area..
Its well worth the money but $500 is where it should be at..
Atlas Armor in the Phoenix Area..
6/29/13, 07:02 PM
#38
I guess, but that is what they are charging around here, when I read how much in the posts, I was blown away. Thats alot of money for the product. Yes it takes talent to apply it correctly. Its less than $100 for the material for most cars and thats right from 3M when I talked with them at SEMA. Sounds Like there is a need in your area.
6/30/13, 03:32 AM
#39
Cobra Member
First off 3M clear bra is not very good at all. It's extremely thin and will yellow. Also the install itself is expensive. Someone who knows they do good work is going to charge for it. The M3 I spoke of has the same coverage as me but paid $300 less. His install shows it too.
6/30/13, 03:36 AM
#40
Cobra Member
That's true. The top flat part of the bumper adds a lot to the cost. But then again 3M film is cheap. It doesn't hold a candle next to Xpel. Now they are working on a new film to compete but until then. Just like anything if you want the piece of mind and need to go cheap, 3M should work for you. But that doesn't mean there isn't a significant quality difference. I'd rather pay a bit more for the best.
Last edited by typesredline; 6/30/13 at 03:45 AM.