3M paint protection film...is it worth it?

I would rely on the 3M website more than this installer. The film does not start to peel, it gets dull after years of abuse from road debris. It is designed to let your paint fade at the same rate under the clear bra, so discoloration of the paint should be a non-issue. It also is designed to be cared for exactly like you paint -- just wash it and wax it exactly like the paint. No "special formulas" every month.

Your only choices other than the clear bra are a "traditional" bra (black leatherette with fabric lining) or do nothing and repaint the front of the car if it becomes objectionable.

You can install it yourself and save money, but it isn't for the feint of heart. The bumper is a difficult install -- I did my own from a kit I bought on Ebay.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gnagel @ Apr 19 2006, 04:01 PM) [snapback]242273[/snapback]</div>

In my opinion its a no brainer. I had lots of doubts until I had my hood done. Two weeks later I was back for more. Whether its 3M or another brand the stuff works great. And depending on you car color it is nearly invisible.

I paid $200 for the hood and $250 for the front bumper, headlights and mirror. Workmanship was excellent.



I'm concerned that over enough time, the film will begin to peel at the edges or show some discoloration. I am also concerned that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove after several years. The installer told me that it becomes increasingly difficult to remove the longer that it remains in place. He said that the film will come off relatively easily, but that the adhesive can be very stubborn. And, what about discoloration of the paint below the film as compared with the paint that does not have film on it?

Of course, I am also concerned about how to best treat this material. The installer indicated that there is a special solution which keeps the film slick and clean and that it should be applied monthly. But, this sounds more complicated that simply washing and waxing the area just like the rest of the car.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences with this product over a long period of time? Is this a good investment?
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To address your othe issues. I was told and given it in writing that the ClearBra is guranteed for as long as I own the car. It is my understanding if I wax, Saino or seal the paint and the ClearBra it will oxidize at the same rate if at all. Yes it can be removed although bar no accidents there would no need to.

I hope this helps. My advice "Go for it" but you might want to consider getting more estimates

 

For anyone in the Orange County/Los Angeles area, I just had this done yesterday by Jeff at Pro-Armor Solutions Clear Bra 3M Paint Protection Film Orange County San Diego California

Price was about $500 installed and the workmanship was excellent. I only wish I had done this sooner on my '06, as it already had a small amount of damage.

 

For what it's worth, I installed a hood protector myself that I purchased on ebay for $24 shipped: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/43697-cheap-clear-bra-install-successful.html

 

I have 3M Paint Protection Film on all my cars. They are worth every penny and do not peel. fade or turn yellow. The best part is that you can't even see it or detect it once installed. Plus, my cars all look showroom new.

 

If anybody is interested I have an extra one that I got on ebay. It's not 3M but the same thing. It's the protector for just the hood. Never used, still in the tube. Fits 04-08 Prius. If anybody's interested send me a PM. I'd sell it for $35 includeds shipping in Cont. US.

 

Definitely worth it!

I have one that goes about 2/3 up my hood. I can definitely see rock chips where I don't have the film. I had mine put on in 2005 when I purchased my Prius. I have not seen any discoloration or peeling. I don't know if it was 3M or not, but it was done by an auto body shop.

 

You mean, does it work? Yes. Only you can decide whether it is worth it.

On my silver, the chips are inconspicuous, and of course the aluminum hood does not rust. I'll save my money and buy a new hood if it ever gets seriously dinged.

 

I am in Chicago and I am having my installed. I picked up my car Monday and want to make sure to get it on there before I get any rock chips. The main reason I got it is because of the salt they throw on the roads during winter. I will let you know how it goes.

 

IS IT WORTH IT ON A NEW CAR? YES!
USED?
NO! Clear Bras should only be done when NEW, or with FERSH paint! You may think your 2006 is in perfect shape, but there are minute scratches, nicks, etc in the finish, and the clear bra will show these, and create air bubbles before long where the imperfections are.
I have sold high end cars for a while, and now sell Toyotas, and have sold Road Block, 3M, etc, and all the installers have told me this. My brother-in-law has recently trained to apply these as well, and has been told by his 'instructor' the same advice. For the sake of quality and longevity, it should only be applied to a new car, or new paint work.
I have refunded money to customers and told them I would not be party to installing it on a car, if they had waited to long to come back in to do it because of the minute 'unseen' imperfections that can occur in just a few hundred miles.

 

I put the 3M clear bra on my '07 the day I got it. It IS worth $$$ I spent. I had an '04 that I drove for 2 years without and had hundreds of pecks in the paint. After 18 months with the bra installed I have none. Also get them to put it behind the door handles. My wife's rings scratch the %@# out of the doors.

 

It's really not the hood that get the brunt of the rock chips, but the front spoiler below. I have that section completely wrapped along with the fog lights and front headlamps, 2/3's of my hood, side mirrors and complete rear bumper. I did it at the same time I got all the windows tinted and paid $500 for the work. The installers at our local tint shop are fantastic and do some really clean work. I couldn't be more pleased with the results.