I just got a JDM conversion done, hence, new paint too. I was looking into methods of protecting my investment and researched this clear bra which is a plastic film that lays on your car and is invisible. it's made by 3M. anyone ever use this? any comments on protecting your car with this?

the kit comes with bumper, headlights, hood, fenders and mirror protection and for extra they throw in the wheel wells. the company is located in VA, named Roadblock. they put this film on Ferraris Proches and Maseraties. tell me what you guys think.

 

wheew. ..I thought you were going to put an normal bra on new paint for a sec. That would be bad for ur paint. Anyway, a friend of mine's dad has the 3m stuff on his 7series BMW, and the hood doesn't have a nick on it. In my opinion its good stuff, but if you look up close or run your hand along it you can definately tell it's there. Keep in mind that most bug chips will probably hit your bumper and front lip more than the hood, although it will get it's fair share. I think they sell the stuff in strips, so unless you plan on laying it over your entire front end, I'd just garage it or live with a few chips here and there.

 

I didn't read the post all the way. If the kit comes with everything then that sounds like a good idea. How much is it?

 

http://www.gpfx.com/newproducts.htm

Check this out. Not in VA but is this what your looking for?

I have no idea what it costs but here's the link anyway. Enjoy!!

 

they were taking about 600$ for all the protection I wanted ( bumper, fenders, headlights, maybe the hood, wheel wells, mirrors, my entire JDM side skirt, inside the exterior door handles and inside the gas pump)

I didn't like the fact that the hood was only covered for 7-8 inches, but it is very invisible and the product had a factory looking clear coat which made it iblend in.

they can also get the 3M film in a tinted 35% black, I was thinking about puting the tinted version on the headlights and rear lights to give it a smoked effect.

their shop looks extremely cool with Ferraris just chillin everywhere, they do very nice work and it's all custom kits, nothing from computer cuts. anyone else have experience with this?

 

It works well - but it's not Kryptonite strength. It will take the hits from stones etc over time and become pitted/discolored over time.

How long it lasts is essentially related to how much mileage you put on the car esp highway miles.

Taking it off and replacing it is a PITA.

 

interesting... they told me that it was garantied not to discolor or they replace it for free. what's cool with this product is that it's garantied for life too, if the product lifts, if a stone goes all the way threw, they replace it for no charge. thanks for all these comments. I'll have to research more on the discoloration you talked about.

 

We sell this as an "up" product at the dealership we work at. It's visible when you're standing a foot or so away from the car. however not so much far away. Whether or not the price is justified, is someone's opinion. Work the price though, Like all plastics, it will fade, but its covered by the guarantee!

 

Its a factory option on the Ford Fukus

 

http://www.autoclearguard.com, never had experience with them but mabye they can help.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jr_istheman &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">interesting... they told me that it was garantied not to discolor or they replace it for free. what's cool with this product is that it's garantied for life too, if the product lifts, if a stone goes all the way threw, they replace it for no charge. thanks for all these comments. I'll have to research more on the discoloration you talked about. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I believe the discoloration that he was referring to isn't in the 3M material itself, but rather your actual paint under the 3M protection will "discolor" at a different rate than the rest of your car. Over time, your front end will look a different shade than the rest of your car... but I suppose it won't be chipped to chit, like mine...

 

I would recommend RockBlocker.

http://www.rockblocker.com

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DC2fanboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I believe the discoloration that he was referring to isn't in the 3M material itself, but rather your actual paint under the 3M protection will "discolor" at a different rate than the rest of your car. Over time, your front end will look a different shade than the rest of your car... but I suppose it won't be chipped to chit, like mine... </TD></TR></TABLE>


I've seen cars with the 3M stuff that are now 2-3 yrs old. It's definitely NOT invisible - you can see it a mile away.

It looks great on light colored cars - not so good on black/dark ones.

the 'clear' plastic changes the same way an auto windshield will pit after a few thousand miles.

 

hmmmmmm, I understand that this stuff is UV protectant, I see why it can make the car have 2 shades after a couple of years. good looking out, I probably won't be putting it on the hood. all other areas are 1 peice and with rolled edges under the body pannels.

 

I have the 3M invisiguard or whatever on my itr.

It has been on there since bought new.

I purchased the car used at 35k miles.

It now has 60k miles on it.

Front end looks better than people who have 1/3 of the mileage.

The clear bra isn't visible from more than 10 ft away.

I would do the same upgrade to a jdm front end - when I get one.

I recommend you get the hood piece too. The leading edge of the hood is the part that gets the most damage from debris. Hence why they only cover that section.

Overall I give it

It is also a huge timesaver when washing and waxing the car (since you don't have to do that part), and the headache it saves you from having to scrub bug guts out of your paint - especially the side mirror housings!


Modified by Black R at 12:35 PM 7/15/2004

 

A lot of Subaru people are doing this. Seems like a good investment. If you are finished with your car I'd say go for it.

 

so do they actaully make a kit for the jdm front end? cause i think i might need to get one.

 

the JDM front isn't a kit, it will be a custom install, which is even better since they can roll the edge of the plastic all the way around the bumper, unlike the pre-cut films. I'm convinced, thanks for all the replys. I'll snap some pics and let you guys see for yourself how it looks.