Is the clear bra worth it? Can it be taken on and off? How much does it cost?

 

Worth every single penny. I got it on my TSX and my dad didn't get it on his TL. His TL is a mess while my TSX looks brand new. Get it. You won't regret it!!!!!!

 

How much did the clear bra cost for your tsx? Can it be taken on and off or do you just leave it on permanently?

 

Derek, Paint Protection Film also known as clearbra is worth it and most of the members who have it installed say it's the best investment made on the car. The answer to your 2nd question, no! Well, not completely true, however if you were to remove it, you wouldn't be able to use it again. It's like window film. As to cost, it will vary - you can purchase precut kits for about $260 and up from Rockblocker as well as other online sites such as Xpel, InvincaShield, Clear Mask and StonGard. But I would have it professionally installed and the entire package may cost anywhere from $600 and up. Read about the 3M Clearbra test here. You might also do a search on clearbra because there are loads of info available.

 

If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, I'd get in contact with Jeremy of Invisiguard. He did a great job installing my clear bra. He even came out to my house to install it.

 

i got my clear bra installed after a week i got my TL. i luv it and its worth the investment. i got it around $485

 

Could anyone recommend a good place to install in MA

 

what is usually included in getting clearbra for a TL? Do they do the bumper or just the hood/headlights?

 

its up to you i guess! if i were you, get the whole package!

 

I have the entire front bumper area, headlights, front half of the hood, side view mirrors, door trim, and the top of the rear bumper (protection against dropped or scraped cargo when loading the trunk). It was installed by a professional (highly recommended) for $670.

 

I had the whole hood surface covered (1 piece), the whole front painted plastic bumper cover, the top of both front fenders extending down about 6 inches on the sides and both exterior mirror for a little less than $720 CDN

About 1 month ago, about a 6" X 6" piece of a big rig tire hit the hood while I was travelling a 70 MPH, it left some scuff marks on the film but with a lot of elbow grease and the help of Zaino's fine products, it is still flawless.

The place who did the job told me that they will charge around $1200 for the next TL they do like mine as it was their first and material cost plus over 4 hours to install did not leave much profit for them. They just consider it as a new learning experience as they do mostly installs on Mercedes, Porsche, Audi.

Best regards from Montreal

frenchnew

 

Acura of Peabody

 

I would strongly support getting the clear bra. It cost me $600 when I got my TL last September. It was professionally installed before I took delivery and it covers the entire front bumper, the backs of the side view mirrors and about 35% of the front hood. It's real easy to clean if you don't let stuff sit on it too long (once a week is fine). I also wax it when I wax my car (Meguiar's NXT) and it looks great. I don't have a paint nick anywhere where the clear bra is.

 

I got a clear bar last year on my SSM for the front bumper i do a lot of highway driving and yes it's worth every penny, I just wished that I had covered part of my hood too as I am starting to see chips now.
The gerat thing about the clear bra is that you can hardly see it (especially on light colored cars).

 

Try this link:3M Professional Installers and I came up with some 7 installers. Hope this helps you out. You can also Google Paint Protection Film to see if they have any 3rd party sellers/installers in your area.

 

Google Paint Protection Film and see what configuarations are available for the TL. Some sites to check are Rockblocker, Clearmask, Invisible Mask and Xpel. This will give you an idea of what the kits are comprised of. Here's what was included on my install: Extended package includes front bumper, hood (about 20 in.), fenders, mirrors, rear bumper ledge, and door edges. I also got headlight protection.

 

Just realized that my clearbra treatment doesn't cover the front bumper but rather:
-front headlights, front part of hood, edges on all 4 doors, underneath door handles, and mirrors

I negotiated the clearbra as part of my deal and he said they usually charge 500+ for it. Would it be normal not to include the front bumper??

 

As to the coverage, any painted and as much as one wants can be covered.

As to the price, varies by parts of the country.

Make sure you go with 3M material. It is clearcoated, which will last longer, will not stain and shine like the rest of the car. By the way, I do not work for 3M, I just use it because I love it.

Good luck in staying chip free.

 

When I get my car straight off the factory next week, the first thing the dealer will do is put the a spec body kit then install my 3M paint protection. I think its worth it especially when you do highway driving.

 

HI NoyChris

I noticed you're located in North Hills, CA. I work near the area and was wondering if you can give me the name and number of the company that did the install for you? Thanks so much! I'm looking to get the clear bra installed and would appreciate your info.

Thanks again,
lawwoo11

 

Take a look at this for anyone who thinking about do it yourself...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...0723&rd=1&rd=1
I'm not sure about their product quality but they have good feedbacks and full kit is around $40. Local store who uses is certified by 3M and use 3M films will have this full kit install for around $600, $300 for hood, fenders, mirrors but not bumper.
I sent the ebay seller some questions and got their answer within 24 hours. I purchased a full kit and they should arrive this week.
==============================================
Hello,

Thank you for your interest in our products. Our product is our own Xtremecity Inc. brand. Our product is not cheaper quality wise by any means, just cheaper for the consumer cost wise. This product is 8 mils thick, and will last anywhere from 3-4 years outdoors on your vehicle. This product has a OEM safe adhesive which will remove when you take the protection off years later. Some competitors products adhesive stays on the vehicle when you remove the paint protection system.This product is also guaranteed not to turn yellow, crack, or peel. If for any reason you feel our product has not held up to its standards, you would simply contact us and do our best to ensure your satisfaction on this issue.

Please make sure to read your auction completely as some auctions are specially priced due to them being the thinner product.

Once again I thank you for your interest in our products.

Please let me know if you have any other questions/concerns.
============================================

 

I have the clear bra now for almost 2 years. It's the best "Option" for any car IMO. Compare your TL now vs. a TL without a clear bra. Usually when you drive off the lot after purchase, you're bound to get a rock chip within the 1st few weeks.

 

Thanks for the info! Keep us updated on how the self-install goes! I'm really interested in seeing how it works out.

 

I installed it. Look good overall but don't know how long will it last. Some corners doesn't look really good... it would be perfect if I do it again cuz got experience now. Need lots of patient with the hair dryer.

 

can anyone post an update as to how well the clear bra from Xtremecity is holding up?

 

i installed a 3M clearbra myself on my 05 TL. It's really not that hard, but I did watch the videos and got all the proper supplies. Total cost = $200. You can get clearbras cheaply on Ebay (or I did.)

 

I also did the install and mine looks like crap. One of the hardest things I have ever done, Even watching the video over and over, They make it look simple. For me it wasn't.
Its still on for now saving the car from the Calif Freeway rock shots.
I plan on getting it done again by some one that knows how to..

 

I just ordered mine for $160 on ebay for my TL-S. It is genuine 3M and I'm gonna have my tint guy install it

 

anyone know a good place in Dallas/Ft Worth to purchase/install it? And about how much would it cost?

 

I'm curious to know if the clear bra tends to yellow over time and you have to have it redone. Is there any truth to this? Also, if it eventually does need to be redone over time, similar to tint, does anyone know approximately how long if the car is garaged and babied?

 

I had mine for 2 years 10 1/2 months and never noticed any sign of yellowing.
It was genuine 3M Paint Protection Film.

Please note that the clear bra need to be treated like the painted surface (A good wax will help)

I like the Paint Protection Film so much that I had it done to my New 2007 MDX Elite the next day after I took delivery.

For Window tint, it all depends on the quality of the product (metallic based tint or ceramic based tint usually last longuer)

 

I love the idea of a clear bra but I'd be pissed if she couldn't take it off.

 

Aren't you a little old to be breast feeding?

 

I've had my 04TL for almost 4 years and had the 3M product installed prior to taking delivery. It does not yellow (I have SSM), and I wax it when I wax the rest of my car. Never had a problem with it and would assume it will continue to be OK.

 

what should I expect to pay for installation if I bring the kit to my tint guy??

 

That is a question for your tint guy.

Please note that even if the installation is similar, the film react's differently then tint when you stretch it.

If your tint guy never install Paint Protection Film, he might ruin the material.

I would suggest that you buy the material and installation from the same dealer if possible. Depending on the amount of surface you want covered, some area's of the TL are really curved and make the installation difficult for inexperience individual.

 

Man, I should have listened to your advice!! I brought the kit to my tint guy and the majority of it looks great except for the big bumper piece. There are lots of small bubbles and a few creases etc. Now I need to get another piece and have that part re-done....

 

I can tell you where not to do it, Tint King. They are a great tint shop, but not so great on putting on clear bras. I speak from experience.

Go to venture shield or 3 M and get recommended installers from their site. Then compare that to the dealer's price.

 

I know this is an old thread. You shouldn't ever need a blow dryer/heat gun to install a clear bra kit, it may ruin the film if you stretch the film to much. I used to install kits professionally and never needed to use a blow dryer but I was also trained on how to properly install the film. Depending on the film you choose it should last the life time of the car, just don't think because its there that you can neglect that portion of the car i.e. not waxing it. Treat and take care of the film like you would your paint.

Where did you buy the kit from? Ebay?