Vinyl Paint Protector

It's my understanding that the paint protection film is applied "at the port," and that once the car has been delivered to the dealer, it's too late to get it. If you ask your Toyota dealer to install it on a Prius that doesn't have it, he'll farm it out to a third party installer, and it will cost more than the approximate $395 you would have paid if it had been installed at the port.

There are numerous companies that sell and apply paint protection film. I had my Prius V done by a company called Armourfend (they have a couple of dealers in Canada, but none in Newfoundland). They covered all of the bumper, grill, the lower third of the hood, both rearview mirrors, the edges of all four doors, and the top of the rear bumper. That's a good deal more than is covered by Toyota's paint protection film, but it was more expensive. My theory is if you plan to keep your Prius for a long time (and which of us doesn't?), it's worth the money to preserve the appearance of your car by protecting the paint from the slings and arrows thrown at it by the world.

 

The PPF is on Toyota's national website as an option in a few of the new vehicles when you are 'building it'. The 2010 Prius. MSRP $395 for hood fenders - looks like there is not an no option for the bumper only the hood which is min coverage. - No mirrors, no bumper no other options. Your coverage is minumal at best.

I have installed kits on older prius's, one with full hood coverage. The 2010 XPEL kits are out and look great - many options also Proform has 2010 kits too. Also we have the ability to wrap the front bumper up by the hood - along with hood wraps makes for an awesome install.

Joe Altman
Automotive Candystore - Motoring Lifestyle & Tailgating Store
Certified Clear Bra (Paint Protection)& Headlight/Taillight Protection Installation Facility
3M Certified Headlight Lens Restoration Facility
Stuart, Florida

 

I negotiated this to be installed by my dealer (Don Valley North Toyota in Toronto) as part of the price of my car. They do contract it to a third party. I would call around to see if any dealers/third party installers will install it.

This is the first time I have an "invisible bra" installed on my car. I'll post my comments on the forum once I pick up my car.

 

I am very interested in the 3M protection. I live in South Florida and wanted some direction of where to go for an application and what prices to expect.

 

In case anyone is interested in trying to do it yourself, I just ordered this clear bra kit off of Ebay. Toyota Prius 2010 Mega Kit Clear Bra:eBay Motors (item 140330545276 end time Jul-30-09 18:55:59 PDT)
I was quoted $700 to put clear film on just the bumper and hood from a local company so I'm going to attempt the cheap way. I'll let you all know if I manage to get in on successfully!

 

YOu can go to our website (click on my Bio) and you will see the 3M link - just type in your zip code. automotivecandystore Any questions just let me know. :cheer2:

Joe Altman
Automotive Candystore - Motoring Lifestyle & Tailgating Store
Certified Clear Bra (Paint Protection)& Headlight/Taillight Protection Installation Facility
3M Certified Headlight Lens Restoration Facility
Stuart, Florida

 

At www.ventureshield.com there is a page to locate an installer.

 

Right on, I was able to confirm this today my Dealer called the region. I canceled the $395 paint protection film option I had ordered. I am going to have Venture Shield installed by a local shop. It costs over twice as much but it covers everything I want covered.

 

Couldn't you just spray your entire car with rhino-lining?

I kid, I kid.

 

I honestly never thought of that Steve. I did see a picture on one of the BMW sites of a BMW that was covered with quills. Something to do with the joke about "what's the difference between a BMW and a porcupine?" I think.

 

Locate an XPel/Proform or 3M certified installer in your area do to www.automotivecandystore.com or www.clearshieldprotection.com Left side - blue section.

This is also is a Colored Headlamp Protection Configurator under the headlight protection film section.

Left side and choose. Hope this helps.

Joe Altman
Automotive Candystore - Motoring Lifestyle & Tailgating Store
Certified Clear Bra (Paint Protection)& Headlight/Taillight Protection Installation Facility
3M Certified Headlight Lens Restoration Facility
Stuart, Florida

 

Edward,

We had the paint protection film installed on the front and the the back (The clear film that goes on the top of the black bumper with the PRIUS logo). It is a MUST if you drive on the highway.

I have a shop install this on every car I've ever owned and I must say that it is something that I can't live with out. You 100% eliminate stone chips on your hood.

You do however have to be careful when cleaning. For example, you can not clean the film while it is dry or you will scratch it. You also have to remember that you will have wax build up on the edge of the seem about a day or two after you wax your car... easy enough to take care of with a toothbrush though.

I hope this helps!


Dino

 

I had this installed as an option on my car (along with the rear bumper protection). I find that it's a complete waste because the entire front bumper is not protected (where you will receive 99.9% of your rock damage). If I knew they were only going to do the leading edge of the hood up about 6" I wouldn't have purchased this. I will now have to spend the same amount and have the 3M ClearBra installed (bumper, headlights, mirrors). This is my only gripe with the car.

 

I was driving on I-95 for a few days. The couple of small chips I got were located at the body area between the headlights

 

That's weird... I got mine installed from the factory (actually at the port of arrival). It protects the front bumper and hood almost half way up. Way more than what you are describing.

I used the 3M ClearBra on my other cars... LOVE IT!

 

Did you get that much covered for the $395 price? if so I would say that is a very good deal. I had my salesman call the region here and they told him it was only the front part of the hood and fenders for that price so I canceled it.

 

So what are the costs for these with installation?

 

Yes. I paid $395.