Anyone Have A Clear Bra Installed?

[sperold]

You will have to get more information on the cutting. I have heard of something called "knifeless cutting" that involves some kind of pull string, but I did not hear enough to make sense of it.

 

[Matt M PA]

As I understand it, the tape used for knifeless cutting is for thinner materials then would be used in a clear bra.

I stopped at one of the shops I talked to a few weeks ago, today. They’re going to do the car tomorrow. They offered two different vinyl options by a company called premium shield. I’ll make a decision in the morning, but they’re going to allow me to stay during the installation to get some pictures so that I can make a newsletter article for my car club.

Of course, I’ll also keep you guys in the loop!

 

[XPEL]

To XPEL, I would like to thank you for your honest answers and info. You might want to think about posting some work you've done or more info on your product as I'm sure there's more of us who would like to see that. Or if you only sell the product and don't install, samples would be nice to be able to order or vendors who do install your products. And we do have a classified section if you qualify for that for group buys. Just saying.

Happy to help any way we can. As far as offering a group buy, as you can see from Matt's experience, this isn't a DIY product. A professional installation is always recommended. We do have a large network of certified installers that are ready and waiting to get your cars protected. They can be found on XPEL . com

As I understand it, the tape used for knifeless cutting is for thinner materials then would be used in a clear bra.

I stopped at one of the shops I talked to a few weeks ago, today. They’re going to do the car tomorrow. They offered two different vinyl options by a company called premium shield. I’ll make a decision in the morning, but they’re going to allow me to stay during the installation to get some pictures so that I can make a newsletter article for my car club.

Of course, I’ll also keep you guys in the loop!

Matt,

We're sorry to hear about the DIY experience. It can be quite frustrating as there is stretch involved as you learned. We hope that when you choose your film today that you go with a film brand you trust. Consider the warranty terms, self-healing properties, stain resistance, ease of maintenance, fitment of the pre-cut patterns, and then installer quality. Not all films are created equal and neither are the patterns. In fact, most installers who use patterns, choose to use the XPEL DAP Pre-Cut Pattern Software.

You're also correct that the knifeless tape is meant for vinyl (color changing materials for stripes, decals, etc as it is much thinner) and not for PPF which is a completely different type of plastic called a polyurethane.

If anyone has any questions or needs to reach us quicker, you can email us directly at [email protected].

 

[Matt M PA]

Thanks XPEL, I have read good things about your product. I did look at your installers page, but none were close enough to me to make it convenient. When the trip for installation takes over an hour..and I need a ride to the place and back the next day...you get the idea.

 

[Matt M PA]

..I should add...that the folks I bought the vinyl from did respond to my e-mail. They say that all their kits are tested/installed by professionals prior for sale in the catalog. They suggested that I order another bumper piece without the cut-outs for the sensors. They also sent a diagram of the order in which the points on the bumper should be placed...almost exactly what I did.

As said before, I'm thinking it's lack of experience/knowledge on my part and I can live with that. I know I won't be happy with my attempt..the same reason I don't do bodywork.

I'd also argue that likely all of the films today are pretty good and that the installer plays a huge part in how well it fits, etc.

 

[Matt M PA]

Yet another update. Took the SHO to a place called "Shades of Grey" yesterday. I picked the car up today. First, I have to say that I was impressed with their shop, the way they did business and the time they spent to make sure I understood about the products, etc.

The installed PremiumShield on the front bumper, partial hood and fenders, painted portions of the mirrors, headlights, fog/accent lights, door cups and top of the rear bumper. They tell me this is a self-healing film with a 5 year warranty. They further commented that since I take care of the car, keep it sealed, etc it would likely last much longer.

There are a couple little spots that they seem to think will clear up in a couple weeks, but the job really looks great. (If they don't , they were quick to say that I should bring the car back to have it fixed.) Nice coverage, and (not that this is saying much) a superior job to what I could have done. I watched the installer and he is very good. In fact, at least of two of the guys there went to training to do the PPF. I should have just gone there to begin with and not try it myself...but...live and learn.

They need the car a couple days to have it in the sun for awhile to make sure everything is staying the way it should.

Finally, when I picked the car up, one of the installers went over the car with me, and the owner shook my hand and thanked me for the business.

At the right angle, you can see the line across the hood, and I'm okay with that. Not that there's much to see....but here's a pic.

 

[Bronco2fan]

That looks really good, you can barley see the line and with luck and time it may disappear more. I couldn't see it anywhere else either. Now I'm jealous lol.

 

[mval]

love the clear bra but what i've found as have done on several cars, depends on the car color, as dirt tends to collect near the lines. one of my cars is black, no issue at all, my newer one is yellow & then it does matter. really an easy fix i think just timely. take a few wet qutips & go down the lines. haven't done yet as still winter but should work fine.

 

[Matt M PA]

Thanks mval for the tip! I have seen what you describe on a white car.

I've never had this done before, so I'm going to be watching it carefully.