"invisible bras"

1200mk · 08-17-03, 07:01

Which is the best and how difficult are they to install?

Thanks!

SK2003TypeS · 08-17-03, 07:32

check out this site.
http://www.xpel.com/

From what I understand, 3M OEM's them for everyone, so they're pretty much the same thing. When you select your vehicle, it'll show the difficulty rating next to the product.

I don't have any of this on my car, but a friend of mine has it on his G35 and you can't see it unless you look close. The line (where the shield ends) can be seen if your car is not clean.
Good luck

Deanski · 08-17-03, 09:08

I have Armorglove installed on my SC430. Here's a pic:
Armorglove

I highlighted where it ends with polish. It's on the hood, front bumper/air-dam, headlights, fender by headlights, rocker panels, side mirrors and door cups.

Now, some paint protection film dealers cut the hood at the edge, so you end up with what looks like a big decal over the hood. Armorglove can wrap it under the hood, so all you see is where it ends.

It is NOT for a weekend warrior to apply! You need special tools and skill to do this. The ones for the headlights are not hard, but why screw it up? Since Armorglove in my area does all high-end cars, they have a very experienced crew. You best bet is to ask around, look at the work they did and ask customers if they would do it again. I know I would with Armorglove!

You can look at Xpel, Stoneguard etc. Look at the type, how it's applied, warranty etc.

These things are SOFT! Yes you can polish/wax over them, but be VERY carefull when rubbing over them.

Best investment for my SC430!

Regards,
Deanski

Corey Bit Spank · 08-17-03, 09:13

Doesn't it ding? I mean, it can't be that hard. What if you want to take it off after 50k miles?

Deanski · 08-17-03, 09:37

No it will not ding, but you may get small marks.

If you want to remove one of these, it just takes a heat gun and carefull work to remove them. It's no big deal to remove really.

The paint fades the same as if it was not there if you need to know, so once removed, no difference in finish level color.

You can see it at Armorglove.com.

Regards,
Deanski

1200mk · 08-18-03, 01:31

how much does it usually cost installed for the entire front? thanks

Deanski · 08-18-03, 03:51

Cost ranges, our area about $65.00 hr.

For what I had done, all those areas, the total came to a little over $1000.00. Quite a bit was done, so that's why it was so high and it takes two installers to wrap the hood.

If you look at the websites, most provide cost of just the film alone. Then, factor in the labor costs. Still worth it!

Regards,
Deanski

GoodnClean · 08-18-03, 02:48

I dont know honestly. I've kicked the idea around a couple of times myself, and I have these problems with it:

1. It is soft, and its possible to damage it.

2. It does nick up, just doesnt let the paint chip.

3. The line across the hood is clearly visible on every car I've seen, and on a dark color like mine you'd see it every time you looked at the front end.

4. For $1,000 I could have every chip professionally airbrushed and repaired for years, at least for 3 years which is all Armorglove gaurantees their shield for.

So, I'm not at all 100% sold on its worthyness.

paco · 08-18-03, 03:58

I got the dealer to throw in the hood for free on a recent purchase of an EL. I may also 3M the front bumper but I'm still undecided.

I'd definitely do the hood at least.

Deanski · 08-18-03, 05:19

It's still better than every week or so having to repaint the areas that get chipped.

I've had mine on for sseveral months with no bad effects, just my stupidity on rubbing an area too hard and got it srcatched, which I'm working on what product works. Plastix didn't do squat! Next is Novus.

In reality, darker cars hide it better than light cars when it comes to the film end. In my pics, I have polish still in the ends to highlight. Can you see the rest of it? I don't think so unless you're light over the area.

Regards,
Deanski