I know this was brought up in another thread as an OT sidebar, but I wanted to bring it out clearly into the open for thoughts and experience with dealer-installed 3M chipguards.

I'm a little apprehensive about having one installed given cost, but also because the 993 Carrera shipped with these on their rear fenders - 8-11 years later, 993's fender chipguards are cracked and obviously there. Whenever I hear of these being put on a hood, I hesitate thinking of what would happen on a larger scale to the product 10 years down the road (if these cars are even expected to live as long as a '94 Carrera).

If someone could post photos on an MY07, or even a MY03-06 G35, it would be greatly appreciated - with emphasis on the seams and maybe a little bit about what you think about the application and how it's performed for you, whether there have been any caveats to the care and feeding of your G, etc. Thanks!

 

Don't even consider not doing it. Paint on these cars is very soft.

There are many posts on here with pics, feedback etc on the 3M clear bra. In nutshell- good installer is critical, performance is fantastic and newer technology nearly eliminates fading. Protection is great. Care, just wax over it and you're done.

If for some reason you need or want to have it removed it's a quick job for a qualified installer.

G/L

 

^+1.. pretty much a no brainer

 

I agree w/the 3M installation as I have it on my G as well [I got mine for $0.00], but no one knows if the '07 suffers from the same paint problem as the last generations do. I do not have film on my other vehicles and for the most part, the paint is fine.

If you lease as I do, there are provisions in the lease for chips and since it's not your car, you not protecting any investment; but it’s not a bad choice nonetheless especially if you’re purchasing the vehicle and plan on keeping it long-term.

 

If it means anything I definitely recommend clear-bras on almost any car, particularly Infiniti's. As mentioned, a good installer is key.

 

+1 on the OP's request for photos with the clear bra installed ....

Anyone that has it installed now (doesn't matter which model year !), please post pics

 

Best I have right now...
'04, with clear bra on hood, fenders, mirrors, & bumper wrap.
.

 

True enough, the paint softness isn't for sure on the '07's. I'll take that bet on low durability though.

Leasing could be a different matter unless you are buying out or enjoy the protection you get for a modest investment. I took it from the poster leasing was not in question since there was a reference to the longevity ten years down the road.

 

Looks pretty nice Ian .... I cannot tell that something is on it

Nice work -- how much did that thing cost you installed ? Might be worth a look !
Thanks for the pic

 

I know not too many people are from the NYC area, but I was wondering if anyone knew of a reputable installer that is reasonablly priced? I'm willing to travel an hour or two to get it done right and cheap.

 

A friend gave me a link where he got it in Stamford, CT, but I don't have it at home....I'll get it tomorrow.

 

It's settled then, going with the 3M product after all.

One look around the WPI parking lot today convinced me it was a good idea - any car over 4 years old had touchup paint out the wazoo on their hood, bumper, etc...or lots of rust!

 

Good choice, I am sure you won't regret it.

 

I cannot recommend the ChipGard (ScotchGard Paint protection) enough, my G is over a year old, and the only chip is one that happened before the clear was applied, this stuff works great, I'll never buy a new car without having it applied, great product, and it's noticeable to an extent, but far better than a lot of chips!

 

Yeah, the apprehension just comes from living in Miami all the time - the worst thing you'll have pop up onto your hood is generally a palm frond, so it's a little strange going to road salt and random debris as standard.

There's something very lovely about being able to run high-perf summer tires year round that I miss living in New England!