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Bug guards, protective bras & film
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Comments
Most of the aftermarket stuff is 8-mil urethane plastic film.... ah, here's a bulk source: link - doesn't say whether it's wholesale to the trade only.
Steve, Host
Personal experience: I applied some x-pel (bulk sheet, no kit avail) to my e-code "glass" H4 Corolla headlights 3 years ago. The film and headlights are still crystal clear! My hella foglights are cracked and pitted, and I'm on the 3rd Windshield during the same time. When I replace the fogs, I will DEFINITELY be ordering more film and applying it to them as well.
I figure after a while maybe they will just make it so you can use a paint roller and do the whole car (like the roll on bed liners for trucks) but with clear.
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
The kit and installation cost me $1000. The installer came out to my house and installed the kit in my garage. After watching him do the installation (took him about 3 hours) I have no desire to attempt an installation myself.
The film is almost invisible. About the only thing you can see is the line where the film ends. The film actually adds a little gloss to the paint.
Yes, the film can be waxed just like clear coat paint. After about 2 months, I'm very happy with the clear film. I believe it's guaranteed for about 8 years. Far superior to a conventional bra. Just wish the price would come down.
I also like the way it looks with the mask on it (my car is desert mist in color). It makes it look sportier and separates it from other Accords driven my soccer mom's and old people (forgive my lack of political correctness).
Would the insurance companies reimburse the clear bra and labor?
I went with the extended coverage - front bumper, head lights, part of hood and fenders, side mirrors and door edges. The cost was $650. I checked out the x-pel.com web site and the kit was about $350 if you wanted to do it yourself. So labor is pretty hefty but I think well worth it you do lots of freeway driving.
I'm not sure that a driver would get the Xpel $$ back if they were found to be at fault. It probably depends on your state laws, the insurance company, your coverage, etc.
It 'sticks' to my hood with the magnetic attraction of the bra. The material is similar to the flexible refrigerator magnets that a lot of businesses use to advertise their products. Unlike the conventional bra, dirt won't get between it and your hood, and it stays 'stuck' on the highway - no flapping. The front edge is secured by a flexible beading that 'clamps' the bra to the hood. They aren't made for every vehicle, and some new vehicles have hoods made of aluminum or alloy that they won't stick to. But the price is very reasonable - about $45 plus shipping. And I believe they are available in black and white. I did 'wax' my hood prior to installation. After 8 months, it and my hood still look great!
I also saw them removing an invinca shield on an X-5 that a competitor installed. it had many gaps, wasn't flat in many spots had bubbles etc. all from poor workmanship not product.
Steve, Host
bretfraz "Paint and Body Maintenance & Repair" Dec 15, 2003 6:15am
Steve, Host
1) does the paint fade differentially in the portion that's covered vs uncovered?
2) how long do they really last before bubbling, etc (I live in the NE so the weather conditions are not exactly friendly)
3) do they damage the paint beneath them if they bubbly, fail etc and then what do I do??
Thanks for any insight.
Steve, Host
Anyone?
Melody
Security systems (Lojack, alarms, engine immobilizer, etc.)
tidester, host
anyone know the name of a clear spray product that coats your license plate so that traffic cameras cannot read it?
Look in the back of an auto magazine like Car & Driver and you'll find one.
Is that legal?
tidester, host
There is also a website.
I think that (quite often) the bra's and coatings are uglier than the problems they're supposed to prevent. You can't see paint chips from 10 feet away, but you're sure going to see that bra.
Sort of like when Grandma put plastic covers on the leather sofa she got.
I doubt you could see it from 10 feet away. 2-3 feet, yes; 10 feet, you have pretty darn good eyesight. And even at 2-3 feet, I'd doubt you would notice it unless you were looking for it.
The clear plastic coatings are the way to go in my opinion. Once you have to touch up or repaint a hood, your value will decrease much more than the cost of the coating.
Find a Professional Film Installer
Steve, Host
Thanks!
Anyone with longer term experience with film, have you noticed any yellowing of the product?
Steve, Host
Any help/suggestions please......
I then bought the Wade per the good comments on the Tacoma forum. It mounted easily and looks good but the hood won't close. I called Wade and they said the hood is adjustable, but I don't see how. Someone else on this forum had a similar problem with another brand. I'm not sure how to correct it.
I agree that the weather stripping between the hood and the grill will make any wrap around (rather than bracket mounted) type fit very tightly. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm hesitant to do too much tinkering with a brand new truck.
Thanks.
car. I know it is designed for protecting paint from flying rocks at
speed. However, I would like to know from people who had it applied,
how effective is the film in protecting your front bumper from other
cars. (I also plan to get a custom piece made for my rear bumper). In
the city I live in, I rely mostly on tight street parking. My last car
became full of paint chips and scrapes on my bumpers quickly. Thanks
Currently legal in almost all states. In states with broadly written prohibitions about altering or treating license plates it would be illegal but unenforceable because unless you get up real close to a treated plate there's no way to tell that it's been sprayed.
WARNING: This spray protects you against photo enforcement cameras that use a flash by increasing your plates reflectivity to a ridiculous degree . . . which makes your car an even better target for laser or Lidar guns.
By the way, who in their right mind would run a red light on purpose?
C.
:confuse: