3M Paint Protection Kits are HERE!!!!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 1
From: Haddonfield, NJ
I'd like to get the kit installed, but unfortunately, I'm having trouble finding a reputable installer. I went to this place today, and they LAUGHED at me when I said I wanted to put the 3M clear bra on my car. They kept insisting that it yellows and that it peels off, and it looks horrible. I said okay, and left - still wanting it 
The guy said that he's done it before, but honestly, I don't think he has. He was also telling me that you had to take it off when you waxed your car, and that your paint would be ruined if you decided to take it off. So much for honest people in NJ. 
I guess I'm just going to sit back and wait for someone in my area to get it done, go and take a look at it, and get it installed where they did. Anyone in Jersey/eastern PA/Delaware get it done yet?
The guy said that he's done it before, but honestly, I don't think he has. He was also telling me that you had to take it off when you waxed your car, and that your paint would be ruined if you decided to take it off. So much for honest people in NJ. I guess I'm just going to sit back and wait for someone in my area to get it done, go and take a look at it, and get it installed where they did. Anyone in Jersey/eastern PA/Delaware get it done yet?
Charter Member #49
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Originally posted by krinkov
UPDATE!!!
Im sorry to have to say this, but effective immediatly
we can no longer sell uninstalled kits at the
promotional price of $275. Unfortunatly we had
estimated a discounted price to offer the kits to the
my350Z.com forum members before the kit was finished
and our cost had been calculated, and as it turns out
we are now selling these kits at a loss. At this time we are only filling the orders we have
recieved payments for up to this point. We will still be offering the installation price to our
California customers for the rest of this month. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone.
Jeremy
UPDATE!!!
Im sorry to have to say this, but effective immediatly
we can no longer sell uninstalled kits at the
promotional price of $275. Unfortunatly we had
estimated a discounted price to offer the kits to the
my350Z.com forum members before the kit was finished
and our cost had been calculated, and as it turns out
we are now selling these kits at a loss. At this time we are only filling the orders we have
recieved payments for up to this point. We will still be offering the installation price to our
California customers for the rest of this month. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone.
Jeremy
OK, what's the new price that give you decent profit? Also, need an experience installer in Austin TX that will install the kit after I buy from you.
Charter Member #70
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Oak Hill VA
Hey all!!
I just had the clear bra put on (Viictoria's Secret style number 350Z). The installer was a pro - has done more than 3000 cars and after seeing him do it I would not try this myself (kiddees - don't try this at home). The kit was from X-Pel and it is awsome (I already had a small nick from my 60 mile trip home. It took them about 3 hours to do.
I would highly recommend the two guys who came out, very personable and didn't charge extra for all of my dumb questions -
Trim Masters (with 1000+ installs)
Larry Schonter
Mobile Service
Potomac Falls, VA 20165
703-626-0969
and
Maryland Performance Works
Rob Freeman (Master Installer featured on Pat Goss' Show)
7705 Carter Rd. Suite G
Sykesville, MD 21784
410-549-3551.
Hope I got the number of installs right (its at least the number I stated, possibly more).
I just wish I could have had it put on at the dealer before the damn nick (the film helps hide it, thiough)!
They come to you and will be coming back next week to put on the headlights when they have been released by X-Pel.
I just had the clear bra put on (Viictoria's Secret style number 350Z). The installer was a pro - has done more than 3000 cars and after seeing him do it I would not try this myself (kiddees - don't try this at home). The kit was from X-Pel and it is awsome (I already had a small nick from my 60 mile trip home. It took them about 3 hours to do.
I would highly recommend the two guys who came out, very personable and didn't charge extra for all of my dumb questions -
Trim Masters (with 1000+ installs)
Larry Schonter
Mobile Service
Potomac Falls, VA 20165
703-626-0969
and
Maryland Performance Works
Rob Freeman (Master Installer featured on Pat Goss' Show)
7705 Carter Rd. Suite G
Sykesville, MD 21784
410-549-3551.
Hope I got the number of installs right (its at least the number I stated, possibly more).
I just wish I could have had it put on at the dealer before the damn nick (the film helps hide it, thiough)!
They come to you and will be coming back next week to put on the headlights when they have been released by X-Pel.
Last edited by robf; Sep 11, 2002 at 11:03 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: virginia
3m film in Md/Va
Maryland performance Works is also doing my install. They guarantee for 10 years, and are very professional, and hepful. They come to you. Highly recommended. Price is in the $1000 range for materials and labor. sweet 
Charter Member #70
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Oak Hill VA
I found them after looking at the X-Pel site. The guy is a master. Complete kit is about $1100, but include bumpers (Upper/lower) about 2 feet up the hood, mirrors, and headlights (he even cut half circles to fit into the Z emblem that were not a standard part the the cut as well as the door edges). You can see the line across the hood from a few feet away. but otherwise it is basically invisible. I will try and post some pictures a little later.
Well worth it IMHO.
It is actually less noticeable than the patches on the rear fender.
Well worth it IMHO.
It is actually less noticeable than the patches on the rear fender.
Charter Member #70
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Oak Hill VA
Yes - Hagerstown. It was my best car buying experience ever. They have a factory Z-certified technician and the sales department has all received Z training. I was the first one they delivered and they couldn't have been more excited. I met the owners and they gave me their personal cards - "If you ever have a question, problem or issue - call me." And I believe that they meant it. The service department was huge and spotless. The new dealership building is only about 1 1/2 years old. They were not pushy at all on extras either.
I tolds my salesperson (Jenn Strange) that I didn't want anybody sitting in the car or touching it, etc. She even told the owner that he couldn't sit in it (I think he did pulling rank and saying that HE stilled owned it at the time, but oh well!).
Would I buy from them again - you betcha!
I tolds my salesperson (Jenn Strange) that I didn't want anybody sitting in the car or touching it, etc. She even told the owner that he couldn't sit in it (I think he did pulling rank and saying that HE stilled owned it at the time, but oh well!).
Would I buy from them again - you betcha!
Charter Member #70
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Oak Hill VA
Apexi350z
The kit itself is about $350-400 (depending on lights, etc.) but the labor is what you are paying for and that uis where you don;t want to skimp IMHO. The stuff is not easy to do if you don't know hat you are doing (I watched and figured that if I had bought the kit and tried to do it myself it would be rolled up in a ball right now in the corner of my garage and I would kicking myself. Expertise doesn't come cheap!)
BTW - the Z bumper piece is the longest made - over 80 inches!
BTW - the Z bumper piece is the longest made - over 80 inches!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 1
From: San Fran
Yeah, expect to pay about that $800-1000 for these kits installed. Like I had stated, the kits came out WAY more than we had expected. The retail price is $550 for the top and bottom kit. But for that you get about the BIGGEST kit we make for any non-SUV. Its good you took it to Maryland Performance, they've been doing this longer than just about anybody on the east coast(7 years) and are probably the best people to take your car to over there if your close enough. We're not able to sell the kits for $275 anymore but we will still honor the $495 install price I posted above for people in California between now and the LA install day(Oct. 5th) If anybody is interested mail me at invisiguard@sbcglobal.net or call 707-328-5865
Jeremy
Jeremy
Charter Member #55
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 890
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Jeremy-
Will you post some good pics of the '97 BMW you mentioned in one of your earlier posts? The one that has had one of these kits on it since new. I think it would help many of us that are concerned about long term looks and durability. That way we can see what a car that has had the kit for quite some time looks like.
Thanks,
JD
Will you post some good pics of the '97 BMW you mentioned in one of your earlier posts? The one that has had one of these kits on it since new. I think it would help many of us that are concerned about long term looks and durability. That way we can see what a car that has had the kit for quite some time looks like.
Thanks,
JD
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Posts: n/a
3M film Xpel / Proform
First To Robf, Thanks Bob, I appreciate your kind words, It was a pleasure working with you. To the others that are doubters about the value of the product, your absolutly right, its your money and feel free to spend it as you wish. However, as robf had posted he had 2 sizable chips in approx. 150 miles.
The film on this type of kit is the same film that you can buy from any reputable 3M dealer, however the key is the installation. I have been associated with Xpel for 7 years, and a royal pain in their butt concerning kits and fitment. I have never seen a group more committed to proper design and value in this arena. Perhaps that's why BMW has stayed with Xpel for so many years.
For the people that are interested on the east coast I will be more than happy to talk with you concerning your car, my goal is not to make a ton of money off of one person, its to make a living while you are able to enjoy years of chip free driving with your new vehicle. I do consider my self a professional, beware of the part-time installer that is trying to make this a well paying hobbie, for the few dollars he will save you, what about warranty, customer service?. As jeremy(krinkov) has stated even the most experiance hand makes mistakes. Use your common sense, a few bucks saved up front wont make a bad install job look better down the road. Feel free to get in touch with me, I'm Rob.
Maryland Performance Works
7705 Carter Rd St. G
Sykesville, MD. 21784
Phone: 410-549-3551
email: mdperfworks@md.prestige.net
If anyone is interested the motorweek show # is 2129, episode title "Pat gets Stoned"
The film on this type of kit is the same film that you can buy from any reputable 3M dealer, however the key is the installation. I have been associated with Xpel for 7 years, and a royal pain in their butt concerning kits and fitment. I have never seen a group more committed to proper design and value in this arena. Perhaps that's why BMW has stayed with Xpel for so many years.
For the people that are interested on the east coast I will be more than happy to talk with you concerning your car, my goal is not to make a ton of money off of one person, its to make a living while you are able to enjoy years of chip free driving with your new vehicle. I do consider my self a professional, beware of the part-time installer that is trying to make this a well paying hobbie, for the few dollars he will save you, what about warranty, customer service?. As jeremy(krinkov) has stated even the most experiance hand makes mistakes. Use your common sense, a few bucks saved up front wont make a bad install job look better down the road. Feel free to get in touch with me, I'm Rob.
Maryland Performance Works
7705 Carter Rd St. G
Sykesville, MD. 21784
Phone: 410-549-3551
email: mdperfworks@md.prestige.net
If anyone is interested the motorweek show # is 2129, episode title "Pat gets Stoned"