saltyFISHscales

Has anyone had any luck with Clear bra installers in the So Cal area? I was hoping they could also do my tint as well... and maybe even my Navi to TV/DVD conversion... Hahaha, now that's knocking 3 birds with 1 stone!

Cyclonus

I just had my TL done this past Saturday with an installer called EDL in Torrance. You can check them out at their webste at transparentbra.com. I'm from the valley and did a bit of research beforehand and after talking to them on the phone it seemed to me like they had the most experience in the SoCal area.

I know it's tempting to want to get both tint and the clear bra done at the same time, but I wouldn't recommend it.... IMO installers that are really good at tint are probably so-so at clear bra installation.

Good luck, let me know how it goes even if you find someone different than EDL.

saltyFISHscales

Cool, thanks Cyclonus! Ill check that web page out, how much did it run you and how lond did it take for them to install it? Has anyone converted their Navi to TV yet out in the So Cal area?

Cyclonus

It took about 3 or so hours and it ran something around $550 (for some reason I can't seem to remember the exact cost but it ain't cheap). It turned out great. The people who work there do a lot of G35s, Z350s, and Porsches. They are huge car fanatics from what I could tell. If you end up going there mention you heard about them from the guy with the NBP TL.

This is sort of off topic but I also got my car from Keyes Acura (I noticed that you did too from a previous post). I was wondering if you've been in for service yet? If so, what do you think of them? All I'll say is that I was looking at a ES330 before I got the TL and Lexus Valencia customer service is light years ahead of how I was delt with at Keyes Acura. If it wasn't for the TL being such a kick a$$ car, I would have went for the Lexus.

As for the Navi to a TV/DVD player, there was I a guy who had a TV tuner and DVD player hooked up at a stereo place in Woodland Hills. It was in an old post but since they've updated the website I can't find it anymore. Sorry.... He had pics and everything..... It looked sweet as hell.

saltyFISHscales

Cyclonus,
WOW! That's not too bad for prices... I'll give them a call today. I'll tell them that you sent me their way! I haven't taken my car in for service yet, and i probably wont. I'll take mine to Tustin acura, thats closer to my work. Their customer service is real good! I'll try to do more searches for that NAVI TV post...

saltyFISHscales

cyclonus,
i just called that shop you went to, and they told me they use a differnt brand than 3M. And the company that designs the clear bra is called Xpel. Does that sound right to you?

w1n78

http://avelectronic.com/products.htm has the kit to add dvd to the TL

salty let me know how much they quote you. i just sent them an e-mail for a quote but wanna compare.

Cyclonus

Salty,

Right, Xpel is the brand that they use. Info about the product is also online at xpel.com. When I was researching for an installer I was also checking on brands of products used, 3M and Xpel kept coming up. I didn't use a very scientific method but in the end I figured that with a 4 year warrenty and a 60 day money back guarantee on the install, I might as well go for it. Not to mention that these guys have been doing it for the last 5-6 years. A couple of places I found use 3M products but they mainly do tint and clear bra-ing is kind of like a side job or something. I just didn't want some chump who does 2 or 3 installs a month working on my car.

Once the old posts come back up be sure to checkout the MP3/DVD/TV/backup camera install those guys in Woodland Hills did on that one TL. Man it was smokin'. I wish I could remember the name of the shop he went to.

w1n78

hopefully someone has installed a dvd on their TL and come to the so cal meet.

i just got my quote back and here's what they sent me:

Hood kit with included Free Fender and Mirror coverage. $334.95 INSTALLED

WHEEL TO WHEEL BUMPER KIT: $385.00 INSTALLED

STANDARD BUMPER KIT: $285.00 INSTALLED

it's probably the same for all 04 TL. don't know why it wouldn't. they emailed me a quote w/in 2-3 hours of filling out the form. cool thing too is they do payment installments so that's a plus for me

zeezz

thanks for the info, will look into this!

saltyFISHscales

W1N78,
OK AVELECTRONICS, chared me $525 for system #1. What did they quote you? Do you know where you're going to have yours installed at? What type of dvd player are you considering?

weeeg

That was probably me. Here's my pics:
http://discoball.com/acuratl/

Cyclonus

Weeeg: yes sir that was you all right, very nice. The original post was a bit old so I've been wanting to ask you how is the install holding up, everything still working OK? What was the name of that place again? For my TL I don't know about the MP3 or TV but the DVD and backup camera would be really cool.

w1n78

salty
the prices i posted are for the clear bra not for the avelectronic.com. sorry for the confusion. ya the dvd kit is $525 and dunno where i can get it installed. they say it's easy but i'm a lazy bum and rather pay someone else who knows what they are doing instead of me doing the "insert slot A to slot B, where is slot C?"

if someone knows where i can go in so cali to get the dvd kit installed pls post.

saltyFISHscales

w1n78,
I'm just waiting for someone to answer your question... LOL, i think i may have to goto where Weeeg went. How much did that install set you back weeeg? And in the last pic, what is that LCD display for?

saltyFISHscales

I was quoted by Xtreme Audio in Anaheim, 500$ for a dvd player, and installing the Navi conversion kit. But i have to buy the kit from Avelectronic.com. I dont think thats a bad deal, he said it's best to use that kit since if anything goes wrong, they can yank that kit out and still try for the Acura warranty.

Mike H.

A met up a fellow Volvo member yesterday who got his XC90 done by EDL (www.transparentbra.com). I will vouch for them, they do outstanding work. The kit is cut on the spot and the fit is excellent. I will get my Volvo done by them soon.

saltyFISHscales

w1n78,
so we can pick from the two different bumper kits?
WHEEL TO WHEEL BUMPER KIT: $385.00 INSTALLED
STANDARD BUMPER KIT: $285.00 INSTALLED

Sonic

They quoted me:
Hood kit with included Free Fender and Mirror coverage. $334.95
and one of above option

total = 719.95 or 619.95

Someone said he did for 600 or 580. I also got a quote from another shop for 595 installed. I not sure those quotes I got is first or second option.

weeeg

Everything is holding up just great. The website of the place that installed it for me is:
http://www.sounds-good-stereo.com/

weeeg

It was about six months ago, so I don't remember exactly how much it all set me back. Just under $5000 if I remember right. The shop has learned so much (about the Acura TL) from doing my car that I'm sure they could duplicate my system for substantially less the next time around.

The extra display above the steering wheel is a digital speedometer. I ended up not liking it and it is no longer there. I'm looking into putting in a head-up display to replace it.

Invisiguard

Heres another big thumbs up for Daniel and Edre down there at Envisage

Everyone we have refered to them has left happy, they keep and excellent reputation on many other forums and are very reasonably priced too, they'll take good care of you!

Jeremy
Invisiguard@sbcglobal.net

saltyFISHscales

is that the same place as www.transparentbra.com? I think I might be going up there this weekend...

Cyclonus

Yes, Daniel and Edre are the ones from www.transparentbra.com. If you want them to do yours though you will be better off making an appointment rather than just going down. The installation processes does take some time so it's not the type of place that you can just stop by and expect to get it done. I've had mine on for about 2 weeks now and it seems to be holding up pretty good. I may have to go back and get it touched up though, I have a couple spots where it didn't take to the curves quite right. With that said though I'm still pleased with the installation....

This is a pic of my TL with the bra on, not a very good pic though....

http://www.envisagelab.com/albums/al...725/248111.htm

w1n78

yes, that's what it seems like. dunno if i'm ready to drop more money yet. i just drop a chunk for the down payment. hope u local peeps make it to the so cal meet. would like to see some of the stuff you guys did to your TL. all i got to show is 1000+ miles in 12 days lol and that stupid screw that defaced my front bumper for the license plate - thx dealer :thefinger

saltyFISHscales

wow, looks great... butt like w1n78 just said, put a large downpayment down... plus i just spent a grip last couple of days on a suprise this easter...

w1n78

OK to get the hood, fender, side mirrors and wheel to wheel bumper from Envisage, I was quoted $750. Sounds a little high. What package/coverage is everyone getting that it's only costing them around $500? This same package only cost $498 if it's done in NY WTF is that all about. I think California has the most broke people versus other states so why is everything more expensive here

i need this bra soon coz i'm gonna be goin to vegas. it looks like i'm gonna get the leather if i don't get a hook up. so who do i look for or what do i say? what's the secret password? :banghead:

Cyclonus

$750 is total BS in my opinion. I’m at work right now but when I get home I will look up exactly what I paid and post it. It wasn’t no $750 though, I’ll tell you that much.

Give me until about 7:00pm PST, I’ll tell you what I paid and then you can call them back and say that the guy with the black TL paid $??? just 4 weeks ago, why the hell should I pay a cent more than he did?

I’ll also be at there shop at 12:30 or so on Saturday to get a couple of touch ups done. I know that they are doing a guy in a gray (???) TL that morning, is it anyone here?

w1n78

cool man let me know and what it covers (wheel to wheel front bumper, all of the hood?) and who i can talk to. i would go saturday but got a wedding to go to or else i would go, thanks

Cyclonus

Check out the xpel.com website for exact specs but basically it was about 18" up the hood, the headlights (for an extra 30 bucks), the entire front bumper, and the side mirrors. It covers all of the areas that are most likely to get smacked by a rock on the freeway, trust me, you'll be pleased at the coverage. They said a lot of G35 guys get their entire hood done but I really don't see the point unless money is no object for you.

Give me a bit, I'll get back with you.....

w1n78

ya i don't need the whole hood. thx for the info i'll wait for your next post

Cyclonus

Here is the breakdown of what I was charged for the material and installation:

2004 Acura TL Hood, Fender, Side Mirror $239.95
2004 Acura TL Bumper $190.00
2004 Acura TL Headlights $ 29.95
Installation Charge, Quantity 2 $190.00 ($95.00 each)
Discount (for being an Acura-TL.com member) $-68.78 (10% discount)

Subtotal $581.12
Sales Tax (8.25%) $ 33.93

Total $615.05

Hope this helps you out. I’m a bit upset that I am recommending them in this thread and they are trying to give you that ridiculous $750 quote. I would print this and bring it with you when they do the install. Good luck. They do a great job!

Cyclonus

Here is the breakdown of what I was charged for the material and installation:

2004 Acura TL Hood, Fender, Side Mirror $239.95
2004 Acura TL Bumper $190.00
2004 Acura TL Headlights $ 29.95
Installation Charge, Quantity 2 $190.00 ($95.00 each)
Discount (for being an Acura-TL.com member) $-68.78 (10% discount)

Subtotal $581.12
Sales Tax (8.25%) $ 33.93

Total $615.05

Hope this helps you out. I’m a bit upset that I am recommending them in this thread and they are trying to give you that ridiculous $750 quote. I would print this and bring it with you when they do the install. Good luck, they do a great job!

w1n78

thx, that's a little better. i'll probably go there in 2 weeks, after the so cal meet.

saltyFISHscales

w1n78,
did you ever get your clear bra done? im interested on what that place said after you showed them the REAL price...

rkilian

Check with John Estrada at a "Tint of Class" in Fountain Valley He did excellent work for me on the tint and I think he does Llumar Clear Bra now. I would go to regardless for the tint.
For the clear bra, I got mine at Sheeld Industries ( Before John did clear bras) in Huntington Beach. Their Phone number is on the xpel web site. High quality work, good price. 595 for the whole thing, extended bumper, 24" hood mirrors and fenders.

saltyFISHscales

rkilian,
cool i'll try looking them up today and calling them for prices. what did they charge yoru for your tint? and did they include that moleskin stuff?

saltyFISHscales

Well, I just got off the phone with John. He said that, he wont install the felt. Plus he wont warranty it if it scratches... not sure if i want to go that route. He's a very nice and honest guy, i would deffinately go with him if i can find out if i will need the felt or not...

w1n78

nah didn't get it done. no one at the meet had one so i can see it. plus i blew the money and then some on a new Mac G5 computer lol. more than likely i'm gonna just get the leather one for $100 something. i'll be getting the service manual in the mail soon so i'm kinda looking at adding some louder sounds too.

saltyFISHscales

cool, thanks... Yeah, now I'm finding it hard to find a tint installer that will install that felt or moleskin in the doors. I found one place in Huntington Beach, but they are charging like 250!