So I do alot of highway miles here in S. Fla. About 30k a year. What do you guys think about the 3M bonnet protector / light protector.

Any drawbacks?
Can it dammage the paint?
Can it dammage the factory stripes?
How long does it last?
How long till it looks bad?
Does it discolor with time?
How do you remove it to replace it?
Do it look cool or bad?
How Much $$$?
Who sells it? installs it?
How many more questions can I ask?

 

Are you talking about the Xpel ones? www.autoclearguard.com ?


If so, I use the front bumper and lens covers. They have been a GREAT
investment and insurance for me. :smile:

 

From my experience:


Any drawbacks: Not really, but you can tell its there close up.
Can it dammage the paint: No, if you install properly
Can it dammage the factory stripes: Yes, if you peel the wrong way.
How long does it last: Usually 4-5 years or longer if you use wax on them.
How long till it looks bad: Depends on how you take care of it.
Does it discolor with time: So far no discoloration.
How do you remove it to replace it: Heatgun/hair dryer and peel back.
Do it look cool or bad: Its invisible from 3ft away.
How Much $$$: I think $150 for the bumper, $50-60 for the lens kit.
Who sells it? installs it: Autoclearguard.com. Talk to Ryan. I installed it. :smile:
How many more questions can I ask?: Not sure..

 

Kenchan,

How hard was it to install the bumper kit? I am considering doing that myself.

 

A few Questions if I may?

Does it come high enough on the bonnet? Was it easy to install? Do you like the look?

 

One item not mentioned...

the invisible bra is very visable with polaroid sunglasses... when the plastic is stretched, those stretched areas show a rainbow like affect with sunglasses.

Make sure whomever is installing is using a sharp xacto knife... I have some rough edges.

The bonnet stripes often are the most obvious with a slight change in the color either side of the stripe. Black stripes look bettr than the lighter ones when the film is applied.

 

Oh, and if you have bonnet stripes they might need to be removed before the xpel can be installed on the bonnet.

 

Ninjamini,

If you do a forum search for "clear bra", you will find a wealth of info. :smile:

 

Not super hard. Just time consuming. Autoclearguard has detailed instructions.
My tip is not to rub the clearbra with your fingers. It will swirl it. Use only
a squeegee when you push out the soap solution. :smile:

 

Mine is just the front bumper kit for the aero bumper. I don't use one
on the bonnet. (no need so far). It was not terribly hard to install, but there
are tricks to doing it as I found out. The clearbra does not bother me...
meaning, it won't really change the look of the car which is a good thing.

I recommend a coat of polymerwax (Im using Meguiar's NXT Techwax) on
the clearbra after installation. Very glossy and slick.:smile:

 

I just received my cooperflags sunroof graphic today. I'll see if I can do that and if I can, then I'll try out the bumper. I'll avoid the bonnet for now..in fact, I tried to sell it recently but there wasn't any interest.

 

I had the clear bra installed on my Ford ZX2 - still looked good after 5 years.
I purchased the 3M product and tried to install it myself on my Cooper but decided to have a professional install it - I did do the mirrors and door edge though. Can't tell from a distance and really only see the seam closed up. With the yocals around here and their open gravel trucks - chips are inevitable - at least I can prevent a few of them