bradykp

does anyone know of a shop that does the 3M clear bra installation?

and also - any input on the clear bras from experience? i'm picking up a new car tomorrow, and didn't do it on my tsx and regret it...

xvalor

Speaking from my experience; if you have a car which is relatively new and one that you cherish, its worth the investment.

Although to be completely fair my local shop charges about, give or take $600, for the whole front protection. You could do a lot with that money, but at the end of the day it sounds like you know what you want.

Good luck

bradykp

yeah. my brother-in-law has a new wrx, and he said the paint is really bad. i knew that about the 2006 tsx, and i didn't spend the money, and now i'm mad about it looking back. for about $500, you can preserve the paint. i keep my cars a long time, so i like to keep them looking as good as possible.

you in nj? i'm trying to find a shop that does it.

xvalor

Nope, WA so can't help you there. Google search? http://www.google.com/search?q=nj+cl...ient=firefox-a

I agree that the long term investment is easily worth the money.

One recommendation is to check the quality of work they provide since it'll suck if they screwed it up - its not pretty from what I've seen/own

rx280

Just be aware that paint protecting film isn’t impervious and indestructible. As I said in a post three years ago this month:
The film is very effective, but it's not impervious to every impact. There are little scars here and there on the film-covered sections of my hood and bumper. You have to keep in mind, though, that the hits that caused those scars probably would have been even more damaging to the paint.
Also, as I've pointed out before, the film becomes more visible over time because it doesn’t “age” the same way the uncovered paint does. It gradually gets hazy with very fine scratches.

Simba91102

I've used it on my last 5 cars or so and wouldn't be with out it. As far as how well it ages is concerned, I think how visible it becomes over time is directly related to the color of the car and well the paint holds up (my 05 is silver, 5 years old, and the bra is still pretty invisible). I've alway paid the dealer to install it (which means whoever they farm the job out to). Whatever the stuff Acura sells is guaranteed for life (original owner I think anyway). You may find little divots in it over time, but believe me.... that only means it's doing it's job. The last car I had without protection (an Audi A6) had an aluminum hood, and boy..... I learned that spending time of the highway is not kind to the front end of a car. I've been using clear bra ever since.

nbtx

try this:

http://www.xpel.com/products/dealersearch.asp

redpoint

600 bones would pay for new paint on the bumper and hood. Is there a cheap place to get the materials to do it yourself?

bradykp

a guy i just spoke to said he's worked with avery and xpel, and 3m is better.

he said you have to maintain it, but that the 3m clearcoat holds up better over time, and it has a 5 yr warranty.

i'm still debating it. i guess i could always just repaint it after 4-5 yrs....

Kingmeow

What maintenance do you need on a clear bra other than to wash it like the rest of the car? Just curious.

bradykp

don't know. didn't get that far in the conversation yet. if i choose to do it i'll let you know.