Sorry to hear about your chipping. You are just one of many. If you didn't have time to protect the paint from the inevitable you should have had it done by the dealer before you picked your car up, that's what I did on mine. I did my wifes myself right away.

I would be shocked to hear it getting repainted under warranty. Good luck though.

Unfortunately almost everybody is complaining about paint chipping - on a variety of car forums. It is almost common knowledge. That said, why everybody isn't getting clear bra's put on right away amazes me. I guess most have the 'it wont happen to me syndrome'

Although complaining about having to protect something you just paid good money for is a good point, complaining about the consequences of not getting the car protected, when you knew or should have known is a bit strange.

Not cranking on you, just some thoughts that have been bugging me for a while.
Good luck with the dealer!

2004 Sedan -- 3M Clear Bra - Bought on eBay and DIY -- Rocky Mounts bike racks!

 

the problem wiwth getting a clear bar is that dust and wax accumulates on the edge of the bra. on a dark car it looks bad. There's really no solution to rock chips. You're just screwed.

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

the problem wiwth getting a clear bar is that dust and wax accumulates on the edge of the bra. on a dark car it looks bad.

<hr></blockquote>

No offense but if you are too lazy to clean your car or wax it properly a dust line is the least of your worries.....

I wax it just like the paint and when I am done buffing the car I just run a q-tip along the edge, easy as can be... I also got a can of plastic cleaner at the Harley shop and apply it now and again. Keeps it looking good and does a great job of repelling dust and pollen in between washes.

2004 Sedan -- 3M Clear Bra - Bought on eBay and DIY -- Rocky Mounts bike racks!

 

true, i guess you can take the time to actually remove the dust lines, but even with the slightest dust on it you will notice on the line. I really wanted the clear bra, but after seeing a black Z with it and saw all the dust on it and noticed the color difference with it on, i decided against it.
Your car must be a light color one. i've noticed a friend of mine that has it on his coupe (blue) but it gives off a diferent color.

 

There's actually two reasons the film is noticeably visible on darker cars:

1. car's dirty as you mentioned
2. orange peel effect from films such as 3M & BSF. This orange peel effect is very noticeable on dark colored cars, which is likely what you saw on your friend's Z. Today, films like Venture is ultra-clear, do not have any orange peel, and comes w/ a lifetime warranty from bubbling, peeling, fading, and yellowing. 3M's only backed by 5 yrs.

Yes, having a line on the car may be bothersome, but keep in mind it is not permanent. Rock chips are permanent. After a year or two the front bumper would look like it's been sandblasted a thousand times.........at that point, repainting the front bumper would cost $300-$500 depending on the bodyshop. To have these areas repainted would take 2 days minimum.........after repainting, the paint still takes 1-2 months to fully cure. This is the point where the paint is still soft and most vulnerable to rock chips. Just driving the vehicle from the body shop and back home could easily collect a rock chip or two. In addition, this is only for the front bumper. Now what about the hood, fender, and mirrors, which are also the "red zones" for rock chips. There really is no perfect solution, but in my opinion, this is the best and clearest solution for rock chips..........at least until they develop unchippable paint.

Certified Window Tint & Detailing Specialist
Premier Paintless Dent Repair
3M / VentureShield Paint Protection Film Dealer
Madico Window Film Dealer
2003 AT Sedan / 2004 6MT Coupe

 

Here is what the Lexus guys recommend, it works really well I heard.

I am gonna try some soon.

http://www.langka.com/

2004 Infiniti G35S, 6MT, Premium, Sport, DP
Mods: JDM Clears, 20% tint, Z-tube, Stilen CAI
Track: 14.32 at 98.79 mph 2.2032 60ft
Dyno 07-07-04 - 234.2 hp & 233.8 tq
http://www.g35world.com

 

i just purchased a Langka chip repair kit for $40.
i'll let you know if it works on my black paint.

 

Of course, an ancillary benefit of a bra is prevention of front-end spring sag. A nasty problem if allowed to fester - everyone knows that a well fitted bra will keep ones' suspension feeling firm, well into mid-life.

Nothing like comic relief ...


The Prisoner
------ We want information ...

2004 G35 Sedan AT w/ Premium, Leather, Wood, Sport & Michelin Pilot Sport A/S @ 235/50ZR17 on Stock Rims