Clear Bra installed with final pics
09-14-2002, 03:19 PM
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Clear Bra installed with final pics
I got my kit on Friday from Jeremy aka krinkov (invisiguard). The kit came in the cylinder container, very well packaged, thanks!
It has two huge sheets. One with hood, mirror, and fender cut out, and the other one with bumper and lower airdam cutout. The quality is top notch, the cut are precise and doesn't stick to the sheet, and I didn't have to trim anything. Good job. Anyway, I was feeling little pumped and wants some challenge, so I decided to do the install myself. Let me tell you this, IT IS NOT EASY! you need another helper to spray and hold for you while you squeeze out the water. The key to a successful install is.......SOAP/WATER! I was keeping spraying the alcohol/water solution, but found out that it sticks real fast, even before I got all the bubbles out. The hood piece was actually harder than the bumper, maybe it's because I did it first. Total installation time was around 3 hrs with me, my bro, and my girlfriend. Anyway, I only took the pictures afterward, so no installation pics. I follow all instructions according to this web site:
http://www.rockdefender.com/content/paintkitinstall.htm
Very informative. Here are the results:
<img src="http://apexi.servehttp.com:8080/ebay/5ft.jpg"> you can barely see the line
<img src="http://apexi.servehttp.com:8080/ebay/hood.jpg"> see the line?
<img src="http://apexi.servehttp.com:8080/ebay/fender.jpg"> I left too much gap.. oh well.
<img src="http://apexi.servehttp.com:8080/ebay/mirror.jpg"> not clear, but you can see two pieces. One on top and one on bottom.
If you are in the Houston area, I can recommend a good friend of mine, he can do the install for you guys.
Executive Motoring (Ask for RENE)
(713) 780-8000
2823 Hillcroft St
Houston, TX
It has two huge sheets. One with hood, mirror, and fender cut out, and the other one with bumper and lower airdam cutout. The quality is top notch, the cut are precise and doesn't stick to the sheet, and I didn't have to trim anything. Good job. Anyway, I was feeling little pumped and wants some challenge, so I decided to do the install myself. Let me tell you this, IT IS NOT EASY! you need another helper to spray and hold for you while you squeeze out the water. The key to a successful install is.......SOAP/WATER! I was keeping spraying the alcohol/water solution, but found out that it sticks real fast, even before I got all the bubbles out. The hood piece was actually harder than the bumper, maybe it's because I did it first. Total installation time was around 3 hrs with me, my bro, and my girlfriend. Anyway, I only took the pictures afterward, so no installation pics. I follow all instructions according to this web site:
http://www.rockdefender.com/content/paintkitinstall.htm
Very informative. Here are the results:
<img src="http://apexi.servehttp.com:8080/ebay/5ft.jpg"> you can barely see the line
<img src="http://apexi.servehttp.com:8080/ebay/hood.jpg"> see the line?
<img src="http://apexi.servehttp.com:8080/ebay/fender.jpg"> I left too much gap.. oh well.
<img src="http://apexi.servehttp.com:8080/ebay/mirror.jpg"> not clear, but you can see two pieces. One on top and one on bottom.
If you are in the Houston area, I can recommend a good friend of mine, he can do the install for you guys.
Executive Motoring (Ask for RENE)
(713) 780-8000
2823 Hillcroft St
Houston, TX
Last edited by Apexi350z; 09-14-2002 at 03:34 PM.
09-14-2002, 03:29 PM
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Originally posted by DrDrilZ
why doesnt it cover the edges? thats where my cars seem to be prone to chips. is it not possible to wrap the material around the edges and tucked under?
why doesnt it cover the edges? thats where my cars seem to be prone to chips. is it not possible to wrap the material around the edges and tucked under?
But it's just my opinion.
09-14-2002, 03:35 PM
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Congrats on the install! You are a brave soul to tackle this on your own -- I don't think I would have the guts (or the skill). It looks like a good job. But I think I'm gonna get krinkov to do it for me.
09-14-2002, 04:23 PM
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Apex350Z,
Great job on the 3M film installation! Very impressive for a beginner.
I screwed up the hood piece on my wife's BMW 330i on my first attempt to install the Xpel kit. 
Since then I've installed Xpel, Stongard and Invincashield kits on my personal vehicles. I'm far from a professional, but I really think that the project is within the realm of a do-it-yourselfer. You need patience, an extra pair of hands (or 2), and meticulous preparation of the surface. It's not rocket science and there are few necessary tools needed.
Thanks for the link from rockdefender.com. That's the best I've seen yet. www.invinca-shield.com also has a good video on self-installation.
The reason that the film DOES NOT wrap around the edges of the hood was explained by Jeremy at invisiguard. Jeremy uses an Xpel film design which intentionally avoids wrapping the film around the edges. That's Xpel's philosophy.
Stongard advertises that their hood pieces wrap around the edges. My Subaru WRX has the Stongard kit and I haven't had any problems with edge lifting. The Stongard kit does have a cleaner look, but Xpel has a much more reliable fit, IMO.
Jeremy's prices were incredible considering that Xpel wants $249 for the hood and $299 for the bumper on the 350Z. Thank god I got my order in before Jeremy pulled the plug on the group buy.
Dean
Great job on the 3M film installation! Very impressive for a beginner.
I screwed up the hood piece on my wife's BMW 330i on my first attempt to install the Xpel kit. Since then I've installed Xpel, Stongard and Invincashield kits on my personal vehicles. I'm far from a professional, but I really think that the project is within the realm of a do-it-yourselfer. You need patience, an extra pair of hands (or 2), and meticulous preparation of the surface. It's not rocket science and there are few necessary tools needed.
Thanks for the link from rockdefender.com. That's the best I've seen yet. www.invinca-shield.com also has a good video on self-installation.
The reason that the film DOES NOT wrap around the edges of the hood was explained by Jeremy at invisiguard. Jeremy uses an Xpel film design which intentionally avoids wrapping the film around the edges. That's Xpel's philosophy.
Stongard advertises that their hood pieces wrap around the edges. My Subaru WRX has the Stongard kit and I haven't had any problems with edge lifting. The Stongard kit does have a cleaner look, but Xpel has a much more reliable fit, IMO.
Jeremy's prices were incredible considering that Xpel wants $249 for the hood and $299 for the bumper on the 350Z. Thank god I got my order in before Jeremy pulled the plug on the group buy.
Dean
09-15-2002, 04:22 AM
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there ia a reason that it doesnt go all the way to edges, the kits are designed to be an 1/8- 1/16th away from the edges, the kits are cut a little short to allow for this stretching, the installer must stretch in varying degrees aroung the whole kit and go in certain order on different cars in order to acheive proper fitment (you did great for a novice, your's was better than the frankenstein kit (peices) that some one else experianced. the only way to acheive this knowledge of stretching is by doing lots of them, I have done over 5000, among those, custom kits on everything from musclecars to lamborghini Diablos.
One thing to keep in mind gang, is the purpose of the film, its NOT designed to beautify your vehicle, it's designed to be the least obtrusive of any paint protection out there. as well as its designed not to beautify, it shouldnt detract either, using too much slip solution, such as baby shampoo has color and not washing it out with alcohol, can leave residue... they're are a lot of tangibles, weight them out. it can be done by the home guy, but its best to leave to the professionals
Maryland Performance Works
mdperfworks@md.prestige.net
410-549-3551
One thing to keep in mind gang, is the purpose of the film, its NOT designed to beautify your vehicle, it's designed to be the least obtrusive of any paint protection out there. as well as its designed not to beautify, it shouldnt detract either, using too much slip solution, such as baby shampoo has color and not washing it out with alcohol, can leave residue... they're are a lot of tangibles, weight them out. it can be done by the home guy, but its best to leave to the professionals
Maryland Performance Works
mdperfworks@md.prestige.net
410-549-3551
09-15-2002, 05:46 PM
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Originally posted by Proform
I have done over 5000, among those, custom kits on everything from musclecars to lamborghini Diablos.
I have done over 5000, among those, custom kits on everything from musclecars to lamborghini Diablos.
Mike@dynashield.com
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09-15-2002, 05:59 PM
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If you have read any of my posts, Youll see ive been with Xpel since their inception, even before they were known as Xpel.
I'm proud to say that we market the bests kits available, with the most coverage for the dollar, along with protection there is value!
I'm proud to say that we market the bests kits available, with the most coverage for the dollar, along with protection there is value!
09-16-2002, 12:55 PM
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Originally posted by Proform
If you have read any of my posts, Youll see ive been with Xpel since their inception, even before they were known as Xpel.
I'm proud to say that we market the bests kits available, with the most coverage for the dollar, along with protection there is value!
If you have read any of my posts, Youll see ive been with Xpel since their inception, even before they were known as Xpel.
I'm proud to say that we market the bests kits available, with the most coverage for the dollar, along with protection there is value!
Info for all. If you want to save some $$ go with XPELL. A little more coverage for a lot more $$, go StonGard (no kit yet). The most coverage by far for the most $$, DynaShield.
WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT GO TO A SLAP IT ON/TRIM IT OFF DEALER!!
Mike@dynashield.com
770-471-8598
09-17-2002, 03:15 AM
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Originally posted by Proform
actually it avgs out to about 700 a year for the past 7 years, not as many at first, but most in the past 5.
actually it avgs out to about 700 a year for the past 7 years, not as many at first, but most in the past 5.
Mike
mike@dynashield.com
09-17-2002, 03:42 AM
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Well Mike,
Being as I run my own business and I'm quite sure I have a different business formula than you, I do what I Demm nesecary, To provide customers with what they needed, 7 Years ago this product was only a glimer of hope in the eyes of many of us, I would go to customers homes (still will). As far as the Time of installation,it varies on the car and what kit is being applied to the car, a basic hood, fender and mirror kit can be done in about 20 minutes.
However I feel that you have aan alterior motive in your questioning, perhaps to try to make yourself look better? I'm not sure, If you would care to discuss my credentials I'll be more than happy too.Feel free to call my shop...
but before you continue to question me, in this manor, keep the following 2 thoughts in mind...
1. It's better to be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.
2. Arguing on the internet is like running in the special olympics, even if you win, you're still retarded.
So as you can teel if you are trying to goad me into a debate on this it wont happen, your better off focusing on your business and other things in life....Rob
Being as I run my own business and I'm quite sure I have a different business formula than you, I do what I Demm nesecary, To provide customers with what they needed, 7 Years ago this product was only a glimer of hope in the eyes of many of us, I would go to customers homes (still will). As far as the Time of installation,it varies on the car and what kit is being applied to the car, a basic hood, fender and mirror kit can be done in about 20 minutes.
However I feel that you have aan alterior motive in your questioning, perhaps to try to make yourself look better? I'm not sure, If you would care to discuss my credentials I'll be more than happy too.Feel free to call my shop...
but before you continue to question me, in this manor, keep the following 2 thoughts in mind...
1. It's better to be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.
2. Arguing on the internet is like running in the special olympics, even if you win, you're still retarded.
So as you can teel if you are trying to goad me into a debate on this it wont happen, your better off focusing on your business and other things in life....Rob
09-17-2002, 04:29 AM
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Originally posted by Proform
However I feel that you have aan alterior motive in your questioning, perhaps to try to make yourself look better?
However I feel that you have aan alterior motive in your questioning, perhaps to try to make yourself look better?
Mike
Mike@dynashield.com
09-17-2002, 04:40 AM
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As I had said, I wasnt sure but your clarification was greatly appreciated, It takes time to be able to get good and fast. Even the simplest kits that one has done time and time again, can give you problems, its the nature of the beast. I have done up to 10 cars in a day( hood,fender, mirrors, lights) bumpers take considerably more time, based upon the size. I'm not familiar with the Dynashild kits are they all handcuts, or are you templating and using a digitizer to save it?
Over the years I have learned lots of tricks to make installs go faster and look better, along with the guys at Xpel, we are continuing to find more products to aide us in this, such as different squeegees , different solutions to help promote in adheasion, as well as clean areas with less residue, like any other industry, clear bra's are a growth industry. Always being ready to accept change and adapt.
Again, I wasnt defensive, just questioning. I'm sure I'm not the only one reading that post that wouldnt have questioned it, Thanks again for the clarification....Rob
Over the years I have learned lots of tricks to make installs go faster and look better, along with the guys at Xpel, we are continuing to find more products to aide us in this, such as different squeegees , different solutions to help promote in adheasion, as well as clean areas with less residue, like any other industry, clear bra's are a growth industry. Always being ready to accept change and adapt.
Again, I wasnt defensive, just questioning. I'm sure I'm not the only one reading that post that wouldnt have questioned it, Thanks again for the clarification....Rob
09-17-2002, 06:00 AM
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DynaShield kits are computer cut, premium full wrap kits. They are designed for the customer who wants the best and is willing to pay for it. They require minor disassembly to accommodate wrapping into grill openings, turn signal openings, wheel wells, etc. They are often cut from 48" bulk material, but most use 18" or 24".
Not the best choice for some, but customer demand is why I develop them. I started making kits for myself. I do sell them to other installers, however, most find them too difficult to install. As you know, the bigger the kit, the less forgiving it is.
Mike
Mike@dynashield.com
Not the best choice for some, but customer demand is why I develop them. I started making kits for myself. I do sell them to other installers, however, most find them too difficult to install. As you know, the bigger the kit, the less forgiving it is.
Mike
Mike@dynashield.com
09-17-2002, 06:57 AM
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I bought DynaShield.com but haven't had time to build a site. Xpell is a good kit and they are a great company (some of the others are very bad). Giving the customers other options is not being disloyal to Xpell, it's being customer loyal. Some folks want more, that's my place in the market. I'll email you some pics later.
mike
mike@dynashield.com
mike
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