Well, after getting my first rock chip (my car is 4 weeks old), I decided to not only purchase touch-up paint, but a clear-bra as well. I went for the entire package, 3M film, with the hood, fender, front lip, rear fender and lights. The coverage is excellent with the hood piece covering almost 50%! I paid about $630 for the entire job.

I don't have a digital camera so I can't post pics, but the bra is not quite as "transparent" as I had hoped it would be. It's still practically invisible from a few feet away, but when you get closer, you see a "rippling" or "orange peel" effect where the film is. The seam is not a big deal, but I'm a bit dissapointed with the rippling. Is this normal? The installer told me to wait a week or so for the film to "cure", but that after that point...it should be like "glass". While it doesn't look bad, it's more noticable than I thought it would be. Am I being too picky?

'04 6MT, Laser Red/Graphite, Prem, Navi, 4-Piece Aero, BSM

 

3M along w/ a host of other paint protection films will give you that orange peel effect.........so it's normal. However, Llumar recently came out w/ a film that we've tried and is easier to work w/, extremely durable, and doesn't give off that orange peel effect.

Pearl White 2003 Sedan & 2004 Coupe 6MT
Certified Window Tint & Detailing Specialist
Clearshield ("Clearbra") Authorized Dealer
Madico Authorized Dealer
syu@machiii.net

 

I also recently got a clear bra (3M) installed on my car (black) by Rockblocker.com. From about 3 feet away, it's hard to see it unless you know where to look. Up close, I do see the "orange peel" effect. However, since I've only had my car for about 3 weeks, I already have a few small chips, so it's worth it for me. Also cost about $600 to install. If it's sunny tomorrow (Seattle), I'll take some pics.

 

I just had the bra installed and its barely noticeable. Up close you can see it(the line on the hood that is), but there isn't any rippling or an orange peel look. Try waxing it..i waxed mine along with the rest of the car and it helps it blend even more

 

most of the templates for the G35 will require some stretching. That will result in ripples and stretch marks. Good thing you dont wear polarized sunglasses, you'd freak out

I'm not really happy with my clear bra up close on cloudy days, but it beats the vinyl bra anyday.. and I can enjoy my car so much more since the install.

Once it cures, you can wax it. Alot of the dullness will disappear. It will look much better.

 

"Good thing you dont wear polarized sunglasses"

i know exactly what your are talking about, i freaked out when i was wearing my sunglasses, at first i thought someone put purple oil over the front of the car LOL

 

There was a post either here or in the detailing forum called "clear bra on black not working". Basically the person had the same orange peel issues, and took it back and they redid the bra. Might want to check for it.

2004 Twilight Blue Coupe
6 spd
Premium Package
Aero Package

 

i went with the Avery clear bra...too many ppl complained about the 3M orange peel look, and i've heard over time its more prone to peel and is not as thick as other clear bras, being more easily damaged...i like the Avery, it cost more, but u barely notice it on the car and there is no orange peel effect...also try not to go for pre-cut templates, i had mine hand-cut to spec and the finish is absolutely astonishing....

04 DG/G/6MT/Premium/Nav/Clear Bra
Bone Stock...to be continued...
"You kill mah brodah, now I kill you!" - some old kung-fu flick

 

Can people comment on what they had done on their G's and how much they paid? Anybody in the Raleigh, NC area to recommend for an install?

Thanks

 

Hey! We talked about installers way back, right? Who did you end up going with...the dealer?

 

um...what is a clear bra??? is it like protection?

JHK 04' G35 CPE, PREM, NAV, SPASH, MOLDING

 

The quality of a clear bra is 99% installation. Get references and look at as many jobs as possible before any decision making. Only use a very experienced installer that has done hundreds of installations. It is definitely an art.

2004 G35C/IvoryPearl/Graphite/5AT/Premium/Clear Bra

 

Statik
How have you been? We havent heard from you since you got the car. Too busy keeping it shiny?


04 G35C DG AT
Prem Aero Perf
V1
Blizzaks
R splash Guards

Long Island, New York, USA

 

I had the 3M kit installed, and got no orange peal or haze. When I went to the dealer for an oil change I saw another G in the show room with it done and that car had orange peal. I belive It is the installer, not the KIT.