Anyone know where a good place to install a clear bra? I live in Whittier, CA BTW. I know there are different brands..3m, expel, etc. Are there any noticible difference between brands? How noticable on black? If so, can I do just the front nose? will let effect my obsession with Zaino ? I know it's a lot of questions .

 

I'm no clear bra expert, but I did look into clear bra, and did install a clear bra within a few days of getting the G35 Sedan. I am also a long-time Zaino user.

Despite the many different names, most (all?) of the clear bra companies use 3M protection film. So I don't think there is a material difference in the film between the different companies.

There is difference in the install process. Some companies will "wrap" the film around the edges, and remove the grill so that they can tuck the clear bra in so that it's not visible on the front. Others will not bother with the more labour intensive process of removing the grill, and wrapping, so there will be a very small gap between the clear bra and the edge of the grill. Expect to pay more for those that wrap the edges carefully.

There is another thread on clear bra on black. As another poster said, clear bra's won't be completely invisible when you're close. On any color, you'll see a faint line where the edge of the bra meets the paint on the hood. It would be most noticable on black. When you're a little further from the car, you won't notice it. But if you're a few feet away, you'll see it clearly.

Also, the clear bra section won't have quite as sharp a shine as paint. (so reflections won't be quite as sharp on the clear bra covered section as on the paint section).

Most people who get the clear bra seem to be opting for both the hood (and fenders) and front bumper. Front bumper is quite complex to install. The front bumper on the coupe is particularily large in surface area.

You can Zaino right over the clear bra. Just be careful not to get too much product built up on the bra edge. (I apply by stroking from the bra to the paint to minimize the build-up). I intend to continue to put Zaino over the paint and clear bra on the hood, but on clear bra over the front bumper, may try 303 Aerospace protectant instead

 

clear bra / paint protection film is manufacture by 3M, Avery, Venturetape, and now, Llumar. They are all pretty much the same. Xpel, stongard, invinca-shield, etc are pre-cut manufacturers. So they buy from the film manufacturers to create pre-cuts. Black looks great with 3M if installed PERFECTLY!

SE-EX Com
Clear Bra Specialist

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The installer here says the 3M is not going to turn yellow, I said if it does, I'll be back! LOL!

Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan

 

Do you mind me asking how much (approximately) you paid? I am getting my G in a few weeks and want a clear bra, so I would like to know how much to expect. Thanks!

 

Mine was installed by the dealer before I got the car, so it's a bit more than what the shop that did it charges, I think it was like $299.

Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan

 

Thanks for the feedback! I'm going in for the install on Monday!

 

not turn yellow? they ALL will turn yellow from staining caused by prolong contact to petroleum based chemicals(ex: tire shine dressing, oil, etc). That's why the film needs to be cleaned and then treated with 303 once a month. If it does turn yellow, we BITCH at the manufacturer since each one claims that the film doesn't turn yellow. That's how we can offer lifetime warranty against discoloring.

SE-EX Com
Clear Bra Specialist

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SEEX,

lifetime warranty to never turn yellow?

He!! whatever was on the car above....it turned the whole damn car yellow! LOL

I just got my clear bra today (on a black G). It looks great. I will look for some cleaner for it.

Gotta a get some 303 cuz I truly love my baby G....

G35_XTC

 

Had mine done at Envisage a couple of weeks ago. Drove up from the San Diego area because their reputation is so good. They came very highly recommended on the Fresh Alloy forums. You can find them on the web or give them a call @ 866 335-3456.

 

The other day, I saw one on a Passat that was really "brownish" looking, almost like it had been burned, kind of like a convertible plastic rear window would do, I wonder what might have happened to that one, geez, it looked terrible!


Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan/5AT

 

On white or close to white colors we do not recommend 3M urethane film since it will tend to slightly yellow after a year or two. Instead we use Avery or Venture film on white or close to white since they resist yellowing better than 3M. It should be noted though that on darker colors this is not a problem at all with 3M, in fact 3M looks far better on black and close to black than any other film available right now.

Yellowing has mostly to do with the evaporation of plasticisers from the material. That passat you mentioned most likely had vinyl film used on it, in the early days of clear bras they were all vinyl. While much cheaper than urethane film, the plasticisers in vinyl are not stable and evaporate VERY quickly. If youve ever opened up a new shower curtain or beach ball you can smell the vinyl very strongly, anything you can smell is evaporating. The loss of these plasticisers causes the hardening and yellowing of the material as in the old convertable top window like you mentioned(which are indeed vinyl)
All reputable clear bra installers(exept for one that I know of) have switched over to urethane films, make sure your installer is using them too.

If anyone has any other questions about paint protection film feel free to drop us a line!
Jeremy
Invisiguard@sbcglobal.net



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