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Clear-Bra pricing for the Prius.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by F8L, Apr 25, 2008.

  1. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    We recently start doing the clear-bra or clear-shield or whatever you would like to call the plastic paint protectant use on hoods, mirrors and bumpers. They have a couple different options for the hood including a bikini cut and a full hood option.

    I looked up the average pricing for the Prius and a full protection kit would run about $700-$750 installed. This would cover the mirrors, front part of the hood, and the entire bumper and grille assembly. See pics below for coverage area:

    Bumper
    [​IMG]

    Hood and mirrors
    [​IMG]

    I'm sure prices will vary but for those that want a good ballpark # here it is. The product we use is by LLumar Films but this site shows some nice pics and descriptions of similar products: XPEL Paint Protection Kits. This is not an advertisment for our shop. Just info for those who were interested in this mod. :)
     
  2. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    I paid about $750 and I also got the A pillars covered and about a foot of the roof over the windshield covered. Prius: the rock magnet.
     
  3. neon tetra

    neon tetra Member

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    I was quoted $450 + $25 travel charge for a mobile installer to do it & $500-something (I forget the exact figure) for a dealership to do it.
    Both were listed on VentureShield's website.

    The ppl @ the company did say that there could be a slight difference in the paint fading if you took it off after several years. And it does dull after a few years, which can supposedly be re-glossed by using a heat gun.
    Those are the 2 things that I'm still on the fence about.

    Does anyone know how the 3m one compares?

    I'm also curious if it's any easier to get bugs off of it than the paint alone. We had so many on our last road trip it was insane.:eek:
     
  4. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Last weekend I washed both cars. I find it is easier to get all the "stuff" off the plastic than the paint (waxed or not). If foreign matter is going to cause damage I would prefer damage to the plastic over damage to the paint.
     
  5. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    What were the coverage areas and where do you live?

    Be choosy on the brand as well. A customer had a 2006 Civic Hybrid in the shop on Friday getting the rest of his front end done in our clear bra but whatever he had on the hood was very dull and kind of opaque looking. It looked to be doing a good job of protecting the hood but it made the hood look dull and kinda orange-peel like.
     
  6. stevendwatson

    stevendwatson New Member

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    Hello! I'm new to the board and have already learned a lot. I'm actually still waiting for my Prius to be delivered (they said between the 9th and 15th). I was calling around today to get quotes for VentureShield installation. I didn't realize that they can only do 24" up on the hood. Does it look strange having only part of the hood protected?

    From the research I've done, it appears that VentureShield has the best reputation. Can anyone here confirm or deny this? Just looking for input.

    The best quote I got for full install was $450.

    Thanks!


    I want my car!!! :car:
     
  7. texnet

    texnet Junior Member

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    F8L

    Men from M.A.R.S. professionally installed all the clear bra pieces you illustrate plus the front fenders and the trailing edges of all four doors for $570. They use 3M and are 3M certified. A small area puckered after a few days and they fixed it right away, gratis. I am pleased with their installation.

    The same folks fixed my wife's 04 Camry rock pitted front end. They have an amazingly accurate paint matching system that smoothes deeply pitted paint and makes it look new. I was very impressed with the results for only $60.

    Note: these are Houston prices, I'm sure they vary a bit by area.

    You should be able to find a local outfit at The Official Directory for Clear Bra Installers! Find a clear bra installer and protect your paint today!

    Texnet
     
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Great info Tex, thankfully Houston is cheaper than Cali. I looked at real estate in your area (Houston) once and freaked out at what I could buy with such little money lol. No wonder my brother loves Texas! Thanks for adding the links as well. Maybe this will help others. :) I feel sick to my stomach everytime I look at my hood with all the chips. I wish I had done this as my first mod. :(

    Steve, I believe they have an option for the full hoo but I would have to look around. I don't see why you could'nt have it custom applied to get full coverage though. A quality shield and a good installer should make the install appear seemless between the paint and the plastic. Many of my friends in our Corvette club have it and it looks great. :)
     
  9. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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  10. jpkemmerer

    jpkemmerer Junior Member

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    Hello everyone. I had "complete" VentureShield coverage installed last Friday (08 non-touring), with mixed results.
    The hood is fine and 24" up the hood looks to be more than enough.
    The bumper looks good, but they managed to seal the cover for the tow hook.
    The fender coverage is incomplete, missing the lower fender between the bumper and the tire -- not happy about this.
    The mirrors look terrible. Within a day the film crinkled on one edge of each of the mirrors (driver - street side, passenger - bottom)
    The door edge guard is a joke. The next day the tape on all four doors peeled from the inside, leaving flaps that are collecting dust and looking a mess.

    I have contacted the installer -- Carcondoms from Allentown, PA -- and I am waiting on a response to their "lifetime warranty" claim.

    My recommendation for the moment is to go with the hood and bumper. Looks good and should intercept most of the incoming.

    Jeff
     
  11. chrisspaulding

    chrisspaulding sexy, high tech, fun

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    I contacted a ventureshield installer and received the following quote (before tax)

    lamps $105
    hood/fender/mirrors $235
    front bumper $345

    = $685

    They (Ventureshield) have the best reputation I've seen. From the German engineering to the yellowing resistance.
    -Combined with the right up-front agreement on installation expectations, and lifetime warranty on cracks, peeling, etc., I'm going for it!!!
     
  12. Jon1976

    Jon1976 Junior Member

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    I just got my Prius a few weeks ago and have been looking into getting the 3M Clear Bra. I got a quote of about 580 installed for the full protection. They will even come to my work place and do it in the parking lot. ( It turns out the company that does it is only a few blocks away )

    My question is to people who have had it done.. Is it worth it? Will the car washes hurt it? Do they tend to peel off? How does winter salt effect it?
     
  13. OrlandoGuy

    OrlandoGuy Junior Member

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    In Orlando, I just had the 3M applied for about $800 - I say about because I also had the windows tinted and the total was 980.

    The clear bra included the front bumper, hood, quarter panels, mirrors, A pillars, front of the roof, headlamps, and fog lights.
     
  14. H2OSkier

    H2OSkier Member

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    I had my 06 done in the Los Angeles area, Van Nuys to be exact. I had the hood, front bumper, front part of front fender, mirrors, door cups, and the back ledge of the rear bumper. Cost was $400 and 3M product was used. Just recently while on the freeway I was hit by part of a flying tire. The front right corner took the hit but other than a some black marks on the clear bra no worse for wear, I didn't want to get out to see the damage so I was very happy.

    Ken
     
  15. vince3151

    vince3151 Junior Member

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    I'm getting VentureShield installed tomorow at Tint King in MA. I opted for the complete kit for $600-. Does anyone know if I should have mentioned to the installer that I have a '08 Touring edition. Is there any body panel differences ? Thanks
     
  16. chrisspaulding

    chrisspaulding sexy, high tech, fun

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    wish I knew for sure to answer you Q. I don't, but being the A-type I am, if it were me, I'd contact them ASAP(the 1st minute they opened - wouldn't trust a voice message or e-mail) and indicate that - just to be sure.

    Would sux to have a set back when your expecting to be done at a certain time.

    GL
    Let us know how it turns out.
    ((( I heard the first few hours (or days) it's a little unfinished looking and needs to dry. Then it will look great )))
     
  17. chrisspaulding

    chrisspaulding sexy, high tech, fun

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    .
    How did it go? How does it look?
    .
     
  18. vince3151

    vince3151 Junior Member

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    Complete VentureShield installed yesterday for $600-. The install included hood, fenders, lower front end, headlights, door mirrors,rear hatch. Pretty happy except for the hood, it has a streaked rippling effect look in some areas.The installer says if it dosen't work it way out he will redo the hood. I'm going to give it a few days.
     
  19. rpg51

    rpg51 Member

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    Given the high cost for the clear bra, the mixed results descrbed here, and the low cost of excellent paint repair described - I'm gonna pass on this clear bra idea.
     
  20. chrisspaulding

    chrisspaulding sexy, high tech, fun

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    I think it depends on the 'perfectionism' of the installer, but I have heard from each one that if your unsatisfied they will correct the install for free!

    Ventureshield is lifetime guaranteed and easier to clean bugs off, etc (ive read).

    Good point on the low cost of paint repair.

    Now I'm curious for a comparison: $600 venturshield vs repainting
    .