Would you mind telling that who is your installer and how much it costs? Thanks a lot/

 

Here are some shots of a Challenge Stradale with a proper clear bra application...install photos

 

Project completed.....

Custom Full hood
Custom partial fenders
Custom mirrors
Lights
Custom 1 piece front bumper

 

I became very interested in the clear bra and did a bit of research and found a great local installer. He used Venture Shield pre cut masks and wrapped the leading edge of the hood and the trailing edge of the bumper. Also did the bikini wrap on the hood and the front fenders. Also did the headlights, foglights, mirrors, wheel cups and rear fender flares. Full hood would have been more and I was not willing to go there, but the results are excellent. If you don't look edge on, you don't even see it. I'll see how it weathers, but it looks perfect now. Took the clearest pics I could, but I'm not sure if you can see it except in the last edge pic.

BTW, saw a Carrera GT at the local Greenwich dealership for the unveiling of the Panamera. Had the worst clear bra I've ever seen. Streaky and totally yellowed. Probably been on there for a while. Kind of embarassing on such a car though.

I paid a fraction of the typical $2k install. If you are are north of NYC, I can pass on the contact. With the pre cut masks, I think the need for custom work is much less. Also, much less risk that someone will cut your paint. With time, the edges may show more, but at the cost, I figure I will replace it!

 

I don't want to put out $2k all at once (which is what Premier in Fremont, CA charges for the entire from half to door hinges on the car including mirrors), so I'm doing a piece at a time. From what I have found through talking to people and reading these forums, the installer is KEY and of course you want a place that is always looking at the new versions of each clear film manufacturer to see what's the best one at the time you install it. Premier seems to be the winner by a long shot in Northern CA. I believe they also have a southern CA office. I figure the bumper (using a custom fit where they tuck the clear bra under the lights and such, not the cookie cutter application) is the most important to start at $650. Then I will proceed with the hood next ($550) I believe and then front fenders and mirrors last. I had a black '05 E46 M3 prior to this car and my bumper was a mess, but I only had less than 5 (one big one) chips on my hood.

 

I got a Ventura Sheild bra on front bumper, hood, and fenders. Cost about $650 by Sticker City in Sherman Oaks. It is almost invisable. I love it.

 

It all comes down to each individual's preference. Some do not mind seeing a seam while others detest it. Be sure to look at the installer's work prior to getting it done. Here is a good example as black vehicles are the toughest to do.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...d-premier.html

 

Cons from StevePow:

- doesn't look nearly as nice as the paint finish when viewed up close - from 3 feet or so.

- scratches, scuffs, or mars cannot be easily polished out - or maybe not at all.

- black cars easily show defects in the application which can appear as blotches, scars, lines, debris trapped underneath etc. Again, not really visible from 6 feet away, but if you are nit picky, it can be annoying.

PLUS: $2000 cost
PLUS: no really added value for resale


I must admit that I don't know why I would spend $2k on a feature that eventually will show scratches as much as a clear beautiful lacquer finish - if you just repaint the hood and front fender in 5 years if the little damages really should become unbearable and if you really keep your car that long, your financial damage would not be that bad ...
Had four black cars over the last 6 years and none showed truly bothersome damage from highway debris

Safe your money for something fun ...

 

again, my two cents.. I had a ton of specks on my bumper of my M3. I went to a body/paint shop and yes, I could repaint the bumper for probably the same price as the clear bra. However, the one thing to remember about re-painting from what the body guy said is it will be even more susceptible to new damage. It's not baked on like the paint is on a new car from the factory. For now, I'm just going to do the headlights, front bumper/spoiler and the door handle cups. I think I may not spend the additional money to do the hood and fenders because I really didn't have much in the way of damage to my car after 3 1/3 years on those areas. A mark here and there, but who knows I may do more of the car later as I have more fundage.

 

Had a Interlagos Blue M3 and after 1 yr used as DD the spoiler and bumper looked horrible...and hood wasnt that much better...tried Dr Colorchip and that didnt work very well....had to have the entire bumper/spoler sanded down and re-sprayed before selling it.

My black C4S has clear bra now and all my cars(well expensive ones anyway) in the future will have it...I could see not getting clear bra if its weekend car but anything close to a DD it will front of car will look horrible if you drive around the freeways around my house anyway.

 

It is actually more difficult to scratch paint protection film than scratching the paint. Oftentimes, when a scratch is created, it can be removed. You just need to bring it to your installer granted the instlaler knows how to remove it. Most of our clients never have to replace the film due to the reasons you've stated and when they do it is usually because of an accident.

What is also very important to note when you mention defects in the installation, this is why it is so important to find the right installer.

 

If you have a black car...get it done. Once you repaint anything on a porsche...the value of your car plumments.
Here is mine with 3m before I sold it....Turbo someday

 

I have an appointment at Premier on Saturday to get the front bumper and lights done. I hope to have pics and an update to you guys on my thoughts soon after.

 

Good luck with the install on Saturday, I think you are really going to be impressed with Premier's work! They did my full hood, RUF front end, TechArt side skirts and rear quarter panels. I'm curious what your impressions are after the work is completed.

Keep us posted, thanks!

Jay

 

I had mine done by the dealer before delivery. This way the car wouldn't ever be on the highway without having the protection in place. The price was just under $1900 and before you guys who had yours done independently start snickering that price included several extras. In addition to the "standards" like the front bumper, half the hood and the mirrors, I also had them do the rocker panels below the doors from wheel well to wheel well, the flare in front of the rear wheels which greatly expands the area where the factory film is and also behind each wheel where splash guards would normally go. Finally, I also has them do the painted areas of the door sills (in front of the Carrera logo) which was a custom cut. The installation is near flawless and the dealer will stand behind the work for the duration of the warrantee (and I have that in writing). Sure, I may have saved a few bucks by having it done at an independent shop but I'm very happy with the installation and happy with the decision I made to have it done through the dealer.