Front paint protection in general (3M etc)

i bought the 3M brand off ebay and installed it myself. i did the bumper, partial hood and partial side quarter panels. very happy with the 3M version. I attempted the headlights but gave up due to curvature. i also gave up on the mirrors due to the same issue. i didn't want to experiment with the cheaper stuff.

my DIY install pics can be seen here:

Prius Stuff - a set on Flickr

 

RROLFF,

I recently checked into the 3M product and was quite pleased with the results I saw on some of the employees cars at the Auto Repair shop. They are also the Certified installation location in my area for the 3M product. What's concerning to me, and I didn't note your location, but I was quoted 350.00 for the full hood. I can also add Mirrors, rocker panels etc. I personally was told the Bumper (Being Plastic) may be fine and more resilient so personal choice to have that done. As for the Mirrors it was $75.00 and I suspect that's time/cost related as opposed to coverage area. As for the rocker panels I don't recall getting many chips on my last prius at that location. And for $50.00 more they would have done the door wells where you get in an out. Same cost to do the lower door panels. I am having my hood done in 2 weeks...and will let them know about mirrors and door panels. I don't think 350.00 is bad and it comes with a full 5 year warranty. That's not a bad deal at all in my honest opinion, but wanted to share my experience. Will let you know how it came out and see if I can include some pics when complete for you!

 

I had the 3M product installed on my car on Friday. See

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ondering-whether-buy-clear-plastic-bra-5.html

The installer said that the 3M film is harder to install than other films because it has the 2 mil clear coat on top of the 8 mil film which makes it less flexible. On the other hand, as you probably noticed, others here have installed the 3M film themselves and generally been satisfied with the outcome. Having watched a pro installer at work, however, it is clear that it will take a lot of time and patience to get the job done right. Personaly, if I was going to DIY, I'd get the best film possible. No point in spending the time and effort if the film discolors or peels in the short term. YMMV.

 

I'm getting a Llumar Paint Protection filem installed this week. I will let you know how it goes. They have a ton of options for the Gen III. You can have part of the hood or the whole hood done with the mirrors and part of the fenders or you can add the whole nose of the car. I am going to go for the whole nose, hood, fenders, and mirrors. I believe that with the whole nose you also get the headlights. I will post pics when I can.