I am considering getting a clear bra for my 350z Le Mans Sunset. The dealer has quoted me $499 for bumper and hood which seems a little high based on other threads in the forum. No real surprise from a dealership:-)

I do have a couple questions:

1) Being in Austin Texas, I am curious how the clear bra will hold up under the heat. Also will the Sun produce any fading difference between the protected and uncovered paint sections?

2) I am concerned about the appearance of the hood. Is there anyway for me to get a feel for how the clear bra (line where it ends) look on orange paint? I imagine it looks close to invisible on white paint but on other colors it likely is more visible.

3) What is the recommended coverage? Bumper, hood and lights? How much of the hood is covered?

4) Is it priced as a package or individual sections? i.e. prices for bumper, hood, headlights, ...?

5) Any recommended places in Austin for installation - I did find the Ding Company (http://www.thedingcompany.com) from a zip code search on the X-Pel website.


Thanks!
Jerry Vauk

 

I have a clear bra on a Lemans 350z and a white g35. Here are my thoughts:

1) I think it will hold up to the heat fine. You probably have a little higher temps than we do, but that much hotter. My kit is made in 3M film (as is the X-pel kit). It is not suppose to fade at different rate. I put Zanio right over the film.

2) The line ends right at the top of the head lights. I think the film is actually less noticeable on the Lemans than the white. I think this is becasue the film is not perfectly clear and the white background shows the slight discoloration. I have heard of another film that is better than the 3M on white cars. I think it is mentioned in one of the clear bra threads on this site.

3) I would do the bumper and the hood. Hood coverage ends at top of the lights. I would also do the little strip on the inside of the door sills (along the bottom). I found I was dragging my feet getter in the car and scratching the paint there. I also did the mirrors. Not sure I would do those again.

4) Usually cheaper as a package, but can get it by the piece.

5) Can't help you on installs in your area.

 

Also, ask around and find a good installer. How good the kit looks will depend on how good the installation is.

I would only buy a kit. Some guys wil just lay the film on the car and cut it out freehand. I have heard of nightmares where people cut thru the film and into the paint.

Hope this helps.......

 

I had the Llumar film installed on my chrome silver. It looks fantastic. I don't believe that $500 is on the high side, but it all depends on the installer. Find someone you trust and who will stand behind their work. I'd suggest you find a shop and not a "mobile" installer. You don't want dust or dirt to find their way under the film during installation. And the most important thing to keep in mind.... you don't want a bad installer cutting your paint and finding rust lines 6 months from now.

 

Llumar is the way to go dude...clean and clear looking..no orange peel effect from certain angles like the other brands...$500 is OK, check out their work before hand