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Old 10-27-2006 | 02:57 PM
  #1  
pbm317's Avatar
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Clear Bra

I tried to do a search and didn't find too much on this topic.

Has anyone had this done on their TL?
How happy are they with it?
How much did it cost?

I'm looking to get this done on my new TL-S.

Also, any recommendations on shops near Seattle?


Thanks!
Old 10-27-2006 | 03:03 PM
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berite100's Avatar
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http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...ind_Installer/

start from there. i called couple of numbers i found there and i got a feel and choosen one. havent dont it yet but soon.
Old 10-27-2006 | 03:16 PM
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Warren803's Avatar
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Yes.
Extremely Happy.
$500...but got a discount because me and a friend did both our cars at the same time.

If you can, decide on if you want a-spec kit or not, first. At first I didnt, got clear bra...then had to clear the front lip after I got the kit. So wasted $150 there.
Old 10-27-2006 | 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by pbm317
I tried to do a search and didn't find too much on this topic.

Has anyone had this done on their TL?
How happy are they with it?
How much did it cost?

I'm looking to get this done on my new TL-S.

Also, any recommendations on shops near Seattle?


Thanks!
(I'm a newbie here -- major enthusiast, considering a TL Type-S, not [yet] an Acura owner.)

Short version: I have it on another car. It would have cost $500. (Dealer made a mistake ordering my car, so he paid for it.)

It's not invisible, and it doesn't make the car bullet-proof (or even chip-proof), but it sure slows down the wear-and-tear on the nose.

Long version: I had the film installed on the hood, bumper, mirrors and front wheel arches (front fender berween headlights and cutout) on my '02 BMW M5. They also custom-cut a piece for the bottom part of the front fender behind the wheel arch, just above the rocker panel. For my car, they had to hand-cut the film to accommodate the headlight washers. The car is Carbon Black Metallic, which looks either black or blue depending on the light. I'm psychotic about the finish. I've taken second and third in concours d'elegance competitions with it.

The film -- especially the lower 1/3 of the bumper -- seems to be yellowing. OTOH, the surface is in way better shape than it would have been without the film. I did manage to get a rock chip between the two grille sections UNDER the film. When it started rusting, I used a small knife, scraped the film off, sanded the rust off, and painted it with touch-up. If I didn't point it out, you wouldn't see it.

When one of my friends bought a Lexus LS430 a couple of years ago, she expressed interest in the film and concern about it not being invisible. I told her to go to the dealer and look at a couple of 2- or 3-year-old cars of the same body style and see how they look without the protection. She ended up going for it.
Old 10-28-2006 | 12:06 AM
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ubnpast's Avatar
Burning Brakes
 
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read my thread: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145357
Old 10-28-2006 | 01:01 AM
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Originally Posted by pbm317
I tried to do a search and didn't find too much on this topic.

Has anyone had this done on their TL?
How happy are they with it?
How much did it cost?

I'm looking to get this done on my new TL-S.

Also, any recommendations on shops near Seattle?


Thanks!
There are numerous threads regarding the subject of Paint Protection Film (PPF) or clearbra. You can do a search and you'll find loads of info about it. A lot of the members will swear by it and have often said it was the best investment made for the car. The cost will vary and usually start out at about $500. Click here for a review and test of the 3M Protective Film. Here are some links to help you out.

https://acurazine.com/forums/audio-video-electronics-navigation-22/alternator-question-107607/
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109775
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/kicker-combo-sale-107306/
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124438
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120397
Old 10-28-2006 | 01:23 AM
  #7  
Racer
 
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From: SE Wash. State
Bellevue is home base of Stongard. www.stongard.com
One of the first that came out with this product.
Old 10-28-2006 | 02:53 AM
  #8  
Sclass88's Avatar
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Get the Clear Bra. Acura paint SUCKS and will chip very easily. It saved my TSX and my Dad, who failed to install it on his '05 TL is regretting it everyday.

I paid 595 for a full install, including headlights and mirrors.
Old 10-28-2006 | 07:29 AM
  #9  
ViNhXoNxAcuraTL's Avatar
I LOVE MY TL
 
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From: Salem,New Hampshire
i got mine for 350 at the dealer when i brought my TL...worth every penny..up here there are soo muuch snow and road works soo it willl worth it even more..
Old 10-28-2006 | 12:22 PM
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Thanks all for the tips/help! I'm pretty sure I'll be getting it, just wanted to know the price points. My dealer offered it for $898, so I turned them down. I'll be going with an independent shop.
Old 10-28-2006 | 01:49 PM
  #11  
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Burning Brakes
 
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read my post, do it yourself for less than $60...
Old 10-28-2006 | 02:09 PM
  #12  
ViNhXoNxAcuraTL's Avatar
I LOVE MY TL
 
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From: Salem,New Hampshire
i 4got to mention it was at the acura dealer who i got it from..there a warrenty on it also..it is covered as long as i own my car..which is good.
Old 10-28-2006 | 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by ubnpast
read my post, do it yourself for less than $60...
Yah, I tried to do that today. Screwed up the top part and kinked some of the film such that is will never lay flat. Maybe ill try and order some more and give it another go, but its not exactly a cakewalk laying that stuff down correctly.
Old 10-28-2006 | 07:44 PM
  #14  
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Burning Brakes
 
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Originally Posted by geekybiker
Yah, I tried to do that today. Screwed up the top part and kinked some of the film such that is will never lay flat. Maybe ill try and order some more and give it another go, but its not exactly a cakewalk laying that stuff down correctly.
If you read my post, use a hairdrier (lots of heat) and soapy water, it goes on like icing on a cake .
Old 10-28-2006 | 11:42 PM
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2-FA$T's Avatar
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can u post some pics of ur Type S
i never saw one in silver yet
Old 02-10-2007 | 10:31 PM
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Hmmmm.

In Toronto, I got it for about $250.00 Canadian.

Fenders, Mirrors and front part of hood. Did people get their bumpers protected too for that $500?

I didn't get the bumper.

3m ScotchGard. =)
Old 02-10-2007 | 11:16 PM
  #17  
ubnpast's Avatar
Burning Brakes
 
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^whats the point if you dont get the bumper done?
Old 02-11-2007 | 12:27 AM
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^^I gotta agree ubnpast. Do yourself a favor and get the bumper done. Small price for complete front end protection from road debris.
Old 02-11-2007 | 12:39 AM
  #19  
acura911's Avatar
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does any one have any pictures of the clear bra on the tl?thanks
Old 02-11-2007 | 12:44 PM
  #20  
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Here's a picture of Jerky's SSM with PPF and Xpditor's NBP





Old 02-11-2007 | 02:54 PM
  #21  
mark 3M bra man's Avatar
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From: st. louis, mo
Cool

Good material will run (even an pro-installer) more than $60 bucks unless you buy vinyl film (basically plastic). Try removing it after 3 months or so. You will be screwed. Heat from the engine will yellow it in no time, crack soon, etc.

Do some research on what you put on your $30k + car and than decide.

I can believe some people and the e-bay company that sells it to people claiming how great their film is...
Old 02-12-2007 | 11:37 AM
  #22  
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From: Hollywood, FL
Taking the plunge and doing it this weekend... $600 including headlights... I saw this stuff on a Mercedes in the showroom a couple of years ago and have always wanted it.... stone chips on WDP stand out big time. Very excited about this.
Old 02-18-2007 | 05:28 AM
  #23  
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No more Infinitis for me
 
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got it done yesterday, very happy... in S Fla, Invisibra.... PM for contact info.
Old 02-18-2007 | 09:35 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by JPA3
got it done yesterday, very happy... in S Fla,
Old 02-18-2007 | 09:41 AM
  #25  
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No more Infinitis for me
 
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From: Hollywood, FL
pics are shown above
Old 02-18-2007 | 11:01 AM
  #26  
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No, YOUR pics! The more the merrier when it comes to this. I am trying to make my mind up about this mod. Definitely beneficial, but as in the other thread (ubnpast), I have concerns as to the pros/cons of the types of installation (DIY or professional).
Old 02-20-2007 | 11:13 AM
  #27  
Hawhyen51's Avatar
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Originally Posted by darksom1
No, YOUR pics! The more the merrier when it comes to this. I am trying to make my mind up about this mod. Definitely beneficial, but as in the other thread (ubnpast), I have concerns as to the pros/cons of the types of installation (DIY or professional).
For me it was a no-brainer and definetly worth it. Had it on for over 2 years and no problems with it. My PPF was professionally installed and if any sort of problems showed up all I have to do is call my installer to take advantage of the warranty. It's comforting to know I can all someone should a problem occur. You can do a DIY and take your chances. IMO, the hood and fender areas seem to be to be the easiest to apply. It's the front bumper that should be of concern because of the curves and recesses. Another factor to consider is how to claim a warranty on a self install. If you have the confidence for a DIY, go for it.
Old 02-20-2007 | 11:19 AM
  #28  
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~Da Nocturnal Cheetah~
 
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From: Germantown, MD
Originally Posted by Hawhyen51
For me it was a no-brainer and definetly worth it. Had it on for over 2 years and no problems with it. My PPF was professionally installed and if any sort of problems showed up all I have to do is call my installer to take advantage of the warranty. It's comforting to know I can all someone should a problem occur. You can do a DIY and take your chances. IMO, the hood and fender areas seem to be to be the easiest to apply. It's the front bumper that should be of concern because of the curves and recesses. Another factor to consider is how to claim a warranty on a self install. If you have the confidence for a DIY, go for it.
Thanks, but you are right on the counts that matter most: appearance and peace of mind. I want it done right, and to know that a correction is only a phone call away. So I will get this done soon. Sounds like a cool DIY, if you don't mind the maintenance should a problem arise. But, nah, I'll pass. Thanks again.
Old 02-20-2007 | 01:13 PM
  #29  
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No more Infinitis for me
 
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From: Hollywood, FL
mine looks the same... as far as I'm concerned, I would never try to do it myself... in FL, lots of debris and stone chips... last 5 cars have been white and even though it is a lease, I want my car right. Well worth the money I spent.
Old 02-20-2007 | 02:19 PM
  #30  
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Definitely worth it. After driving home from a trip, a tarp flew up and slammed into my car. If it wasn't for the bra, my hood would've been badly scratched. One thing for sure is that, it isn't chip proof. I must've hit something hard because it took a dime sized chip off my front bumper near my fog lights.
Old 02-20-2007 | 09:59 PM
  #31  
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~Da Nocturnal Cheetah~
 
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From: Germantown, MD
Hey, do you think it would help if it was one of those tire remnants that come off of those fucking trucks on the highway? A car hit one of those and bounced it up on a company vehicle and it left a nasty scratch. Think the ClearBra would have stood up to that? Trucks are definitely infamous for the kicked up rocks. I change lanes whenever I see those jokers!!
Old 02-22-2007 | 10:33 AM
  #32  
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There was a post sometime ago about something falling off a truck, don't remember the exact details. Anyway, the object made contact with the hood area of the TL. Needless to say, there was damage to the film but no visible damage to the painted surface. The installer replaced the damaged film. Although this a somewhat old, you can view the the results from a 3M Clearbra Test using a CO2 pellet (.177) pistol.
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