zac

I just got myself a new 9th Gen accord. I'm really excited about working on protecting the paint, and want to get into a rhythm with my detailing.

I especially want to protect myself from rock chips. What are the positives and negatives of the clear bra, and where do I want to look for installers? I live in South Eastern PA.

I want to do the full hood, front bumper, and rockers.

Jesstzn

Negative I have been finding lately is if bugs aren't washed off within a day or 2 some will imprint into the film and never come out. Better check this part out and see if the warranty covers that. Also if the car is really white they can show up as yellow in short order.

zac

Its modern steel so it should be fine. I'm not sure where to look for an installer but I plan to ask if my shops detailer does it.

Anything wrong with buying a meguiars detailing kit on amazon?

CheeseyPoofs McNut

Which one are you looking at?

What are you looking to do?

You may want to spend some time over here (click -> Maintenance & Detailing - Drive Accord Honda Forums) - there's a handful of very helpful and very knowledgeable guys who post there.

zac

Thanks!

Doing research into what I need/want and seeing if what the kit has suits me.

Besides the starter stuff, washing mitt, drying cloth, MF towels, etc., I need a sealant or something that will protect my paint over the winter. It was horrible last year and my car is outdoors, so I want to do what I can to protect it.

Jesstzn

Whats modern steel have to do with it?

CheeseyPoofs McNut

Are you referring to this kit ->
If you ask 10 auto detailers which products they recommend you're likely to get 10 different product lines! Mequiars is certainly a well respected name and I don't think you can go wrong with them.

I have no idea what the price breakdown would be if you were to purchase each item seperately however there are a few items you may not need - at least initially. Specifically the PlastX and ScratchX products.

Here's a breakdown of what you'll need to get started:

1) Car wash soap
2) A good MF wash mitt
3) Clay or nanoskin
4) Quick detailer - for use with the clay/nanoskin
5) Waffle weave drying towel(s)
6) Paint sealer
7) Spray Wax
8) Quality MF towels
9) All purpose interior cleaner
10) Interior protectant (I use Aerospace 303)
11) Two five gallon buckets
12) Grit Guards (optional but good to have)

DjElucid

I'm from the philly area and went to these guys, just had my clear bra installed last november so I can't comment on the durability/reliability but the install was flawless. Their tint work is great also, I have a car they did 9 years ago and it looks great.

The clear bra does require routine monthly maintenance from discoloration and bugs. The discoloration is most noticeable on white cars (which is what I have). You will have to wash and apply spray wax/polish.

Window Tinting & Film in Philadelphia | Shades of Gray Window Tinting

zac

See above

Thanks! Im looking for someone local. But if I cant find anyone, Ill have to check these guys out.

They do seem to be off on white cars. Theres also a spray on product I saw at Advance auto, its like plastidip but clear for protection. Might look into that for some parts, like the rockers.

Jesstzn

Still trying to figure out what modern steel has to do with it .. I looked above .. didn't see anything .. ????? clue me in..

detailersdomain

clear films are great, they will protect the car from rock chips.

yellowing will happen over time. I tell customers clear film should be changed every 3-5 years.

bugs should be removed as soon as possible. we have used paint cleaners to remove bug and tar and it works great.

zac

I got a quote from a local vinyl wrap/detail shop. They told me 600 for the front bumper alone and they quoted me 1200 for the full hood, fenders, and mirrors.

Seems a bit much. But it takes them a while they said, so labor adds up plus material cost is high.

detailersdomain

the bumper pricing is spot on we are $650 but the other pricing

if they are charging that for the full front that is a killer deal, just make sure you got the film that you were quoted.

Xpel is going to be a bit more than that.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Try Nick Oakes. oakesdetail.com | Home

Tell him Neil from Acurazine with the Genesis RSpec sedan sent you.

cmschmie

It is the color of the car.

Jesstzn

No need for the whyme face .. how am I supposed to know the color names of every car out there? My other car is WDP.

miner

I just had my 2015 TLX done - bumper, mirrors, fenders and half hood - $445.

Invisishield - Paint Protection Film Application and Distribution

I had my 2014 RLX done last year - still looks new.

zac

Sorry I didn't make it clear, my car is grey!
Thats a great price, if I were to find anyone around here close to that I would do it! I couldnt get a quote for just the bumper lower than 500!


On a side note, I picked up a DA polisher today from Harbor Freight on sale for $55, hope this things works ok. I read decent reviews. I want to do a full detail on my wife's Avenger this weekend.

What I got so far from Amazon
SmartSealant Deep Gloss Car Paint Sealant and Protectant - 16 oz.
Meguiar's Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Quik Wax
Meguiar's Finishing Polish
Meguiar's X2000 Water Magnet Microfiber Drying Towel
Black Magic Matte tire cleaner
Black Magic Wheel cleaner
Chemical Guys - Chenille Microfiber Premium Scratch-Free Wash Mitt

I still want to get Meguiars Microfiber correction kit, and the nano skin wash mitt.