Opinions on clear bras. Worth it or not worth it?
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killrflake
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- Jan 25, 2007
- 1,153
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I agree. Very worthwhile but go to a pro to have it applied. I have one on my 09 Infiniti since the car was new and it's really saved my hood, fenders and mirrors.
- Thread starter
- #4
I see a bunch of local dealers/tint shops that carry Xpel. I may give them a call to get some prices.
- Thread starter
- #5
Around how much did that cost you?
The main area I'd look for the front bumper. Also ask them if they cut on sight or order the pre-delivered sized kits. Xpel comes cut per vehicle so there's no laying it over the car and cutting it (except for cutting for stripes, modifications, etc...), a few detailers will carry the cutting machine on site, but it is prohibitively expensive.
cardaddy
New member
- Nov 20, 2012
- 3,937
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Worth it... YES!
Dealer install... NO!!!
The dealer doesn't install ANYTHING, they sub it out. Don't pay their markup.:nomore:
Do research in your area. Don't skimp here, and if the best guy isn't 20 minutes away then drive an hour (or more). When calling installers, ask how long they've been installing ppf? How many installs they've done? Ask what product they use now, and WHY they use that product. How many products have they used in the past.
Most important (imho) is whether they "free hand" or apply "pattern" cuts. I wouldn't pay for a guy to freehand and put a razor blade on my new car. Especially if he charged as much as the guy doing pattern cuts. The only area that may be OK to do freehand would be the leading edge of the hood. With that he can wrap around the edges and just may end up preventing a chip on one of those edges. (That being said, mine isn't wrapped.)
Finally ask the warranty, both on the product and on the installation. Typically 5 years or so is all they'll give you. My G was done new, has never spent a night outside since we've brought it home, and the ppf is failing. Without keeping a coat of wax on it you can see the surface getting chalky.
And YES make sure you do the entire front bumper, along with the headlights. Do the mirrors, A pillars (if they offer it, if not see if you can get the upgrade), door handle recesses, top of the rear bumper by the trunk/hatch (if you put a lot of stuff in your trunk/hatch). And of course the sill plates/top of the rocker panels (if none were there from the factory). I've even known people to do the leading edge of the roof! (Then I had one guy that did his ENTIRE GT3-RS for $15K.)
Dealer install... NO!!!
The dealer doesn't install ANYTHING, they sub it out. Don't pay their markup.:nomore:
Do research in your area. Don't skimp here, and if the best guy isn't 20 minutes away then drive an hour (or more). When calling installers, ask how long they've been installing ppf? How many installs they've done? Ask what product they use now, and WHY they use that product. How many products have they used in the past.
Most important (imho) is whether they "free hand" or apply "pattern" cuts. I wouldn't pay for a guy to freehand and put a razor blade on my new car. Especially if he charged as much as the guy doing pattern cuts. The only area that may be OK to do freehand would be the leading edge of the hood. With that he can wrap around the edges and just may end up preventing a chip on one of those edges. (That being said, mine isn't wrapped.)
Finally ask the warranty, both on the product and on the installation. Typically 5 years or so is all they'll give you. My G was done new, has never spent a night outside since we've brought it home, and the ppf is failing. Without keeping a coat of wax on it you can see the surface getting chalky.
And YES make sure you do the entire front bumper, along with the headlights. Do the mirrors, A pillars (if they offer it, if not see if you can get the upgrade), door handle recesses, top of the rear bumper by the trunk/hatch (if you put a lot of stuff in your trunk/hatch). And of course the sill plates/top of the rocker panels (if none were there from the factory). I've even known people to do the leading edge of the roof! (Then I had one guy that did his ENTIRE GT3-RS for $15K.)
I'm not convinced it's worth it in all situations. It protects the paint, true, but replacing it can cost more than respraying the bumper is some cases, so the value is lost a little to me. Plus, removing it later, depending on who does it and the quality, often ruins the clear on the paint anyway.
FUNX650
New member
- Dec 1, 2010
- 21,057
- 1
IMHO...
Clear Bras [Paint Protection Film (PPF)] is definitely worth it!!!
I use the PPF's of XPel.
Also...ask if they have their own plotter:
That's a excellent gauge of their professional-dedication to PPF's.
Bob
Clear Bras [Paint Protection Film (PPF)] is definitely worth it!!!
I use the PPF's of XPel.
I'd also inquire if they have the XPel "Ultimate" PPF...
Also...ask if they have their own plotter:
That's a excellent gauge of their professional-dedication to PPF's.
Bob
dorkiedoode
New member
- Apr 1, 2013
- 307
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Worth it. A few I know did theirs for 400-500 Xpel and 3M for the front. As dangerous as it sound I want them to cut mine not the pre-kit. I trust them to cut it perfectly without touching the paint (reputable shop recommended). That's because I want my bra Tucked behind not hanging on edge. That way it'll prevent the bra from coming loose during wash.
To the GTR-3rs guy that paid 15k he got ripped off like crazy. I will not pay anymore than 3k for whole car. I hate shop that base their prices on how much money the car cost. You bring in a Honda it's 400 and a Lamborghini it's 1k.
To the GTR-3rs guy that paid 15k he got ripped off like crazy. I will not pay anymore than 3k for whole car. I hate shop that base their prices on how much money the car cost. You bring in a Honda it's 400 and a Lamborghini it's 1k.