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Bra, Deflector or Film? Front end protection?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by qdllc, Sep 1, 2013.

  1. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    When I got my Prius, I thought it would have the FULL 3M film paint protection package. They put it on the doors and rear, and it did cost less. The dealership didn't let me know it wasn't the full application.

    So, do I go and see about getting the rest of it put on?

    Do I consider a "bra" front end protector or a hood deflector?

    Thoughts? Pros and cons of each?
     
  2. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    No bra. They do more harm than good.

    Giggidy!
     
  3. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    Find a 3M Clear Bra installer in your area, may be less than the dealership. Still like $700. though.

    This is something I'm considering since my Prius is black and will show rock chips probably really easily. I'm just not sure I want to spend that much but it seems that's the going rate.
     
  4. sarir97

    sarir97 Member

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    Expensive, but well worth it in the end. You'll probably recoup that cost when you sell it with pristine paint.
     
  5. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    I'm sorta worried about seeing a line 3/4 of the way up the hood. Is that much of an issue?
     
  6. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    I have 22K on my car and there is not a chip on the hood. The bumper cover picked up a few. If you want to do a clear bra, I would just do the front bumper cover. The hood does not get chipped due to its slope.
     
  7. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    i remember xpel is one of the top stuff. is it computer cut or hand cut? are they going to wrap the edges so you won't see them? full hood vs 3/4s vs 1/2... there a bunch of stuff to consider.

    and if you want to save money, then there is 3m paint defender. its like plastidip except its clear. and if you don't like it, then you just peel it off. it will save you several hundred.
     
  8. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    What I don't get is that what Toyota shows is $399 for the "package."

    I paid $199 for the doors (behind handles and edges of doors) and rear bumper (where you might drop stuff on loading and unloading).

    What would the full Toyota package have included? Just a 3/4 cover for the hood alone?
     
  9. Bob Hahn

    Bob Hahn Wingman08

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    i gave this a lot of thought. then one day i was waiting for my car wondering around the parking lot and came across the dent repair guy. he was touching up a preowned car for the dealer. so i asked him how much to touch up a front end? he said $2-300 would cover even a pretty badly chipped up front end. So i ask him why don't people just get front ends touched up every 3 years? he said he didn't know but it as far more practical that spending $7-800 on the plastic.
     
  10. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Some, not all, plastic turn yellow too after baking in the sun.
     
  11. Kevin Le

    Kevin Le Junior Member

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    I wrapped my entire 2013 Prius III in black with XPEL Ultimate. :) The installer laughed at me and told me only people with Ferrarii? (or Ferraris?) do a full wrap like that... I looked him square and the eye and said I don't give two shits, lets wrap my baby up!

    I live in Southern California the land of construction trucks with small rocks and pebbles coming out in all directions.
     
  12. Kevin Le

    Kevin Le Junior Member

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    Touch up is not the same as factory paint :( You can always tell when a car has its paint touched up... the continuous smoothness is not there. I wrapped mine to protect it from bird dropping, squirrel droppings and from myself when I wash the car (now there is little chance of swirl marks or marring).
     
  13. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    I have decided not to clear bra my Prius, and just take my chances. Apparently the removal process after a few to several years (after it yellows) is invasive and requires not just peeling it off, but also removing the adhesive with something like Goo Gone, then wet sanding and polishing.

    Given that I could probably have the entire front bumper refinished and repainted by a body shop several years from now, for around the same cost as a good clear bra installation, it doesn't seem worth it.
     
  14. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    Maybe that's why the dealer said most people don't want it on the front of the car. I suppose I should just take my chances as well.
     
  15. Bob Hahn

    Bob Hahn Wingman08

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    im not talking about touch up paint. these guys use an air brush. when they are done its like new. Im telling you im very, very fussy, it looks new. i also agree, there is no way to make touch up paint look like new. Ive used tooth picks, pins, brush, you name it. but this is not the case with the air brushing, it looks like factory. Its why dealers are using them.
     
  16. sarir97

    sarir97 Member

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    After experiencing white polkadots plastered all over my hood and front bumper on both my previous cars (black and silver), I promised myself never again. With the 3M product, yellow discoloration shouldn't be an issue. I'll have 5-7 years of pristine paint before I trade her in for another. Peeling the product off won't be my problem.
     
  17. holyhokes

    holyhokes New Member

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    How much did that cost?
     
  18. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Good film doesn't yellow. Chips & scratches will find whatever panel isn't covered with film. The film has saved a mirror cover as well as chips & scratches to the hood & front bumper cover. Cover the cups on the doors to prevent fingernail scratches.
     
  19. Kevin Le

    Kevin Le Junior Member

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    4,000 USD lol.... I know insane. But I just turned 30, and this is my first new car. Ive owned two cars prior to this, one was a 89 camry (bought it in high school and it was cheap) for 6 years, a hand me down 4runner another 6 years. Both of these cars did not have any options i liked, or color or interior colors. This new Prius is exactly how I want it, color and interior, options and of course fuel efficiency hehe.

    I plan to drive this Prius for another 10-12 years so I want the paint to be perfect for the life of my ownership.
     
  20. Kevin Le

    Kevin Le Junior Member

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    I agree with you... if you care for the film just like paint it will not yellow. If you have to wash it regularly and use a sealant to help protect against the elements.

    The great thing about XPEL Ultimate (if you wrap your entire car) is that you can wash/dry your car with out having to do it meticulously. For example, wiping in a S motion, or make sure the soap has lifted all the dirt off so that you don't scratch or mar the paint.