Opti-coat in St. Louis?

M

mbowler

New member
Getting a new car shortly. Looking to have clear bra and Opti-coat applied immediately after ensuring the paint is properly prepped. Anyone in the St. Louis metro area doing this?
 
I've had my 2011 F-150 and Infiniti G37xS done in the last year @ Clear Auto Bra LLC in Brentwood/Webster Groves. Both times turned out awesome. The guy is almost obsessive about getting it 'just right'. Can use either Scotchgard 3M or Ventureshield. the Scotchgard is thicker and more recommended.



Clear Auto Bra, LLC - 314.518.6111
 
Damn Dirty Ape said:
I've had my 2011 F-150 and Infiniti G37xS done in the last year @ Clear Auto Bra LLC in Brentwood/Webster Groves. Both times turned out awesome. The guy is almost obsessive about getting it 'just right'. Can use either Scotchgard 3M or Ventureshield. the Scotchgard is thicker and more recommended.



Clear Auto Bra, LLC - 314.518.6111
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+1 for Mark at Clear Auto Bra. He is by far the best. And you don't want to scrimp on talent.
 
This is great news. I had actually called Mark before I posted this, so double positive confirmation is a good thing.



I am trying to orchestrate things such that I don't get the car cleaned and then have to drive it somewhere for a coating or clear bra. Would you guys trust mark to clean the paint effectively on a new car before applying the clear bra or should I have it done by a paint guy/detailer (ala The Count)? Mark did say he would use a clay bar which I guess in theory should be sufficient.



The Count. What I'm looking for is to have the paint in optimal condition before Opti-Coat goes on since it's kind of the last opportunity. We would be talking about a brand new car, so likely not a lot of work. I am talking about a full job including insides of wheels.



Something like this



2011 M3, New Car Prep, Opti-Coat 2.0 Application, Install Appearance Mods – Detailed Image
 
mbowler said:
We would be talking about a brand new car, so likely not a lot of work. I am talking about a full job including insides of wheels.
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You would be surprised how much work a new car can need. I would recommend having the Opti-Coat done to the whole car first, then the clear bra. I believe you will need to wait about 24 hours to let the Opti-Coat cure. Once Opti-Coated it will be very easy for the clear bra installer to clean it if at all necessary.
 
Nth Degree said:
You would be surprised how much work a new car can need. I would recommend having the Opti-Coat done to the whole car first, then the clear bra. I believe you will need to wait about 24 hours to let the Opti-Coat cure. Once Opti-Coated it will be very easy for the clear bra installer to clean it if at all necessary.
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Thanks for the feedback and I certainly don't mean to be-little the effort involved here. If I thought it was easy, I would do it myself. I've been trying to figure out the proper sequence for these products. I'm under the impression that I can also then go with Opti-coat on top of the clear bra for further protection.



I've also emailed the Clear Bra installer, since I know he has a garage, and asked if it would be possible for a detailer to work there, then 'hand-off' to him. I've also asked if he has any suggestions for detailer who really knows how to work with the paint.



If I'm talking to someone, what should I be asking them to know if they can handle what I'm asking for in terms of prepping the paint. I'm not overly concerned with the Opti-Coat install. It seems straight forward, but the paint prep has me all worked up since this level of paint care is a new animal for me.
 
mbowler said:
Thanks for the feedback and I certainly don't mean to be-little the effort involved here. If I thought it was easy, I would do it myself. I've been trying to figure out the proper sequence for these products. I'm under the impression that I can also then go with Opti-coat on top of the clear bra for further protection.



If I'm talking to someone, what should I be asking them to know if they can handle what I'm asking for in terms of prepping the paint. I'm not overly concerned with the Opti-Coat install. It seems straight forward, but the paint prep has me all worked up since this level of paint care is a new animal for me.
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No offense taken. I just find that people are often shocked at just how much improvement is possible on a brand new vehicle.



Chris@Optimum says Opti-Coat can be applied on top of the clear bra to add protection and aid in cleaning. I haven't tried it myself so I don't know how it will compare to the results when directly applied to the paint.



Here is a pretty good thread on searching out a detailer:http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia-detailing-wiki/138423-selecting-professional-detailer



My best advice is consider any references you get. If you find someone through this forum that a few people recommend you can bet they will do a good job. If you ask a detailer directly for references keep in mind that they will give the only the most favorable. Don't trust just photos. Photo selection, editing and temporary fillers can make photos look great. When dealing with Opti-Coat it needs to be done right the first time. Keep an eye out in parking lots, car club gatherings, etc. for cars that look outstanding. Ask the owners who details their cars. Most will say they do it themselves, but when you get the same name a couple of times it will lead you in the right direction. Most importantly, follow your instincts. If something just doesn't seem right do a little more research. We are here to help.
 
Thomas Dekany said:
Right - forget about asking the installer for a detailer recommendation. What color and make is the car?
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Well, still not locked down 100% as the dealer is trying to work an exchange with a dealer in another state, but it's looking like Pearl White 370z.
 
I highly recommend you find a clear bra installer who uses Xpel ultimate film. It is head and shoulders above anything that 3M or venture shield offers. Search here and via google. I have it on our new BMW and it is very nice.
 
gmblack3 said:
I highly recommend you find a clear bra installer who uses Xpel ultimate film. It is head and shoulders above anything that 3M or venture shield offers. Search here and via google. I have it on our new BMW and it is very nice.
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Looks like a good recommendation. Thank you. Fortunately, the same guy discussed above does both! Unfortunately, if the data from Xpel is correct, he will not be able to cut on-site.
 
Just remember: no prep by the dealer, and good for you on your part to go for a light color



PS: Listen to Bryan



mbowler said:
Well, still not locked down 100% as the dealer is trying to work an exchange with a dealer in another state, but it's looking like Pearl White 370z.
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The prep on a new car for Opti Coat is still important. The paint must be cleaned and at a minimum, one step polished. An Iron decontaminator, like Iron X may also be needed.



I am happy with Opti Coat. It is a great way to protect your investment in your vehicle.
 
Yeh if you want me to do it thad be great, you want a 2 step on it first? Or a 1 step? Or a AIO?



I'll give the whole thing a work over, of course the interior should be pretty clean from factory.
 
You shouldn't be asking questions like that. LOL You are the pro, look at the paint and you tell him what it needs.



Your thoughts?



The Count said:
Yeh if you want me to do it thad be great, you want a 2 step on it first? Or a 1 step? Or a AIO?



I'll give the whole thing a work over, of course the interior should be pretty clean from factory.
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The Count said:
Yeh if you want me to do it thad be great, you want a 2 step on it first? Or a 1 step? Or a AIO?



I'll give the whole thing a work over, of course the interior should be pretty clean from factory.
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PM'd. I guess we should wait and see what it looks like though. I'm really worried about the outside more than anything initially if I had to prioritize where my money is going.
 
Sorry to double post. I should mention, everything is confirmed and car should be in end of next week. It's going to take a lot of restraint to not drive it immediately.
 
The Count said:
Yeh if you want me to do it thad be great, you want a 2 step on it first? Or a 1 step? Or a AIO?



I'll give the whole thing a work over, of course the interior should be pretty clean from factory.
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Thomas Dekany said:
You shouldn't be asking questions like that. LOL You are the pro, look at the paint and you tell him what it needs.



Your thoughts?
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Agreed. Count, please don't take this personally as I have no prior knowledge of your work, but it seems this job might require a little more experience. An AIO isn't even an option (or at least pointless) in this case since any protection will need to be removed prior to application of Opti-Coat. Not that you wouldn't be capable since Opti-Coat is not difficult to apply, but this might be a customer and situation best not used for learning/experimenting with a new product/process.
 
Well I haven't seen the car yet so I don't know what it looks like, Ex: My dad bought a new truck from the dealer, they detailed it, dad didn't listen to the advice from me/us and it actually looks great, then I see everything you guys put on here and they look horrible. So dads would just need a clay and a quick polish, your guys cars need a full 2 step at least. And as we all know from experience, its not what needs to be done, its not what we think needs to be done, its what the customer wants done and its what the customer WANTS TO PAY FOR.



That did hurt a bit brah.



However, if you would see my work and hear from the clients you may change your mind:grinno:
 
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