Anybody try this product? Does it work and how easy is it to install?

 

I had clearbra installed on my MINI 2.5 years ago, and on my Jetta before that for two years. The product works great (3M stonegard). It's not something that I would do myself though, due to the expense of the material, the wet application, and the MINI's compound curves. Materials and installation ran my $450 for the hood, bonnet scoop, grille slats, bumper cover, headlights, fogs, and mirrorcaps.

 

Our dealership is selling the "Stoneguard" version. There are other brands like "Xpel" and "Invinca-shield". All are basiclly the same 3m material, so I went with price as the decision maker.

I went with Invinca-Shield and got the deluxe kit and some extra pieces for my MCS installed for $250.

Recommend a search of this board and the others to get all the info.
Motor Trend gives the product a good review and provides some other links for info at this link.
http://www.motortrend.com/features/care/112_0401_cc/

I can't find the link to my install but here is one to scooterboys'
http://home.comcast.net/~sfconnell/mods/home.htm

Good luck

 

I know quite a few people with the 3M stuff and they all swear by it. You can bet my MINI will get it.

 

I recommend finding a professional installer in your area. The MINI is real curvy (like some women) and it's real difficult to DIY especially if it's your first time. The 3M Xpel is pretty thick compared to other materials and it's not as pliable but it does protect your MINI's paint and body.

 

I don't have to worry about that part. I work at an Acura dealer, and they have a company come in and install this on cars all the time. They already told me that I can get it done for dealer-cost since I'm an employee, which is about half-price.

Can't go wrong

 

We have it on both MINIs - in my opinion - well worth the money - and it's something I would never try to put on myself - cause I would mess it up for sure...

Chow!

Donna

 

My first "mods" -- tinted windows & clearbra -- both before I drove the car off the lot! Good investment, I think.

 

I installed mine. bought one from ryan at www.autoclearguard.com

It's the Xpel version. Must-have item for those with aftermarket
painted bumpers.

 

smokey4 - where did you get the deluxe kit installed for $250?!?! It's almost worth driving from Florida!!

 

After a few rock chips, I'm having mine done next week....I feel so bad that it took me so long to realize how great it is, I guess better late than never

There were a few vendors at the LA auto show, so I had a chance to take a good look at the 3M on a few cars, and eventhough you can see the line from up close, I think it's better than to see the paint chips.

I'm driving 200 miles for a good installer, I want to make sure it's done properly....needless to say my car will be covered with masking tape on the way

 

Come on Up Hammer!

I had mine down in North Wilkesboro, NC at their "Headquarters". I got more then just the deluxe kit, I had them do the mirror caps and the top of the rear bumper.

Fantastic group of people and real car lovers! If my memory serves me right Mark was my installer he runs their Design & Installation Training Department.

Check them out at http://invinca-shield.com/main.htm click on the "Contact Us" link for the driving directions.

 

In addition to the normal clearbra'ing, I know Mark (mferguson) had the painted wheel arches and the side skirts clearbra'd on his MINI (the wheel arches were sanded and painted) with the aero kit.

 

Had it done to my '04 V70R when I first got the car--no worries about the gravel and sand that are a reality in Northern Illinois winters. Had the bi-xenon HID headlights and fogs done, too as they cost $1000-plus per unit to replace. A local installer did it--comes to the house and installs in your garage. Excellent results for about $500. Plan to have our '05MCSC treated in the same way. Much too nice to have rock chips on this car.

 

DiD- Actually when I bought the Xpel kit, I had a lot of left-overs (excess)
so made my own side skirt protector and also front fender well area protector
on the side skirt.


It's not really hard to install..just need patience. autoclearguard has
some excellent instructions too.

 

Are you telling me a fairly handy novice could do a quality job? About how long would it take?

 

I lucked out and found an installer who did the job for the price of the material. It was the Xpel brand, about $400. Came to the house and spent four solid hours on it. After watching, I'm glad I didn't try it myself, and I'm a confirmed DIY'er.

04 MCS LY/W

 

Hey Wedge


I found the link to the install done on my car, a few pictures of the process.

http://forums1.roadfly.org/mini/foru...3261916&page=1

 

It was my first time... many people's seen my car and no one crackedup,
so I think I did a pretty good job.

It took me a good 4-5 hours.