Yeah lately I've been trying to break in my Z using the commute to work... but the 5 from SD up to Carlsbad is littered with trailers and construction vehicles traveling so it's been tense trying to avoid them.

Crossing my fingers till I get some protection on the front end.

Sorry to hear about the rock chip BillyV. Isn't that just irony? Brand new car gets the rock... beater car miraculously dodges all obstacles.

Out of curiosity what is the difference between all these different kits? They all use 3M clear guard material... is it just the cut?

 

Nwind, No difference between the kits other than the cuts. I refer to them as kits because that's what they call them on the Xpel website. It seems that installers don't use the pre-cut kits. They prefer to cut their own from bulk material to get "fresh" material. Apparently they feel that they have no idea how long ago the factory cut kits were produced. I guess it makes sense.
I'm looking forward to seeing the process. And I pray the stuff works because another assualt on my bumper could land me in the hospital due to stress. Still freaked that I had the car less than a full week and it's bumper was being ripped off to refinish. It's supposed to be ready this afternoon...God I hope they did a good job! Nothing less than perfection will do...

 

actually most of us ONLY use precut kits on cars of one type or another. WE here cut out our own kits at our shop and prefer to use kits whenever possible unless the car is to old to have a kit designed for it. The Xpel kit for the 350Z we cut is very complete and there is little reason to try to do a custom kit.

 

Jeremy,
It 's probably just my ignorance of the product, but when I say "kit" I'm referring to the package that comes from Xpel with the material pre-cut and ready to install. It's my understanding that you don't use the pre-cut kits that come from the factory.
Am I correct or am I still off base? Don't you use a template, maybe there is a better term, and cut your film???
Anyway, My Z is in the shop as we speak getting the rock damage repaired. They are going to re clearcoat the entire bumper to do it right. My question: Should I wait 30 days before I have Edre apply the clear bra. I assume it needs to cure??? Your thoughts please....

 

We are an Xpel dealer and are licenesed to manufacture Xpel kits cut on a computer cutter called a "plotter" in our shop. These are Xpel kits identical to the ones sent out by Xpel. Edre is an Xpel dealer too and computer cuts his kits as well.

You will definitly want your new clear coat to cure before installing a kit. Even after paint dries, it still gasses off while curing, premature installation can cause gas bubbles to become trapped under the film.

 

Jeremy, I was under the impression that Edre cuts the kits by hand. If you recall, there was a post by "autobahn" here who went to him...and posted pics of both his Z and his wife's A4. If Edre has the computer kits already cut, that's even better. (due to your reply to that thread)

 

Yeah, Edre did that install freehand since the kit wasnt designed yet. But sinice then the kit has been designed and he is a dealer so he will be able to provide you with a precut kit.

 

Left SD around 8am, and arrived at the shop around 10:30. On the 405 right after the toll road, a Black Z was hauling *** past me. I didn't even get to catch the model because he went by so quick (95-100+). Since I was early (Edre was finishing up an A4), I went to some cafe on the corner and grabbed a bite, and then headed back. The job started around 11:30, and I was out of there by 3.

Edre did a great job on the car, and I'm happy with the results. I just hung out and BS'd with him the whole time he was installing. Unless you have another vehicle, there really isn't anything within walking distance.

Afterwards, I cruised West to PCH and did a few passes between Hermosa Beach and Costa Mesa. Lots of hotties, a couple guys in a blue G35 coupe pacing w/ me with the mutual "thumbs up" afterwards. A group of bikers on Harleys were behind me, and I could hear one of them say, "look at that...what a beautiful car!", while at a stop light. (I wonder if they could see my 3M? )

Ganz and Billyv: I suggest you guys do the same after your install. The shop is only 5 minutes from PCH, and you'll get in those break-in miles. Round trip, I logged close to 300 miles.

 

Glad to hear Edre took good care of you! Sounds like you had a great ride too. I miss when I used to be in high school and cruising Beach Blvd street racing till we got to PCH and then hanging out at the Hunington Beach bonfires. Living in the SF bay area gives you endless chances to hit backroads you only see in car commercials all day long, but theres a social aspect missing you only get cruising in So Cal

 

Aloha,
Thanks for the update. Sounds like a good day overall. I'm set for Dec. 20 install. Did you do the whole kit? Hood and fenders?? How is the line across the hood?? I would assume it's out of the sightline when you are behind the wheel?? I got my car back Friday and the shop did an incredible job. No more starter holes on the front. I'm liking that...
Having grown up in Newport Beach, there is nothing better than a sundrenched cruise down PCH. I hope this weather holds! It doesn't suck to be us in So Cal

 

Edre mentioned your having to cancel and re schedule after the bumper fix. I did the whole kit - bumper, fenders, hood, headlights, and mirrors. The line across the hood is minimal. I barely noticed it while cleaning up in the garage last night. Behind the wheel, you can't see it.
It's good to hear that the shop did a good job on your repair.

 

Howdy folks,

Just wanted to chime in and let you know how the installation turned out. Krinkov and all who have had experience with Edre are 100% correct about his skill and professionalism. He definitely knows his bras (3M clear ones, that is). Anyway, I had the complete kit done along with a little extra. You know how Nissan delivers the car with a film similar to the 3M near the rear wheel well? I asked Edre to make a similar cut on the bumper and the rear side of the front wheel well. Think of it as an invisible splash guard (I can post pics if you need illustration). He did it for $35 bucks (custom cut) which isn't too bad. I told him he should sell that as an option along with the install.

Also, the bumper is definitely not an easy install for a novice. I watched Edre stretch and knead that bumper film to perfection. The film itself is (as many people say) noticeable up close, but from afar you can't tell it's even there.

I also got my break in miles done during my trip up to LA and back. Overall a good experience.

ganz.

 

Ganz,
Great to hear another Edre success story. I am set to go Dec. 20th.
I too was thinking about the area behind the front wheel well. I've got the splash guards on my car and I like what they do for it. I am contemplating removing them and doing just what you did and then reinstalling the splash guards. double protection you might say.
I'm still on the fence about the fender/hood install. Do I live with the line or the inevitable rock chip on the hood??
Opinions please.....

 

If you have splash guards, I would imagine you would want the film applied ON the splash guard, right? Anyway, by the time I arrived at Edre's I already had 4 chips on the bumper and 1 on the hood (accumulated during my month of ownership).

So Billy, let me put the question about the hood/fender this way:

After every drive, do you come out of your car to check for chips?

If you say yes, then the peace of mind of knowing there is some measure of protection there is good enough. I'm not so afraid of the road/trucks anymore I can walk away from the car knowing it didn't get scratched. For that reason alone I think the complete kit is worth it.

Then again, it is an extra 250 you gotta shell out. Good luck.

 

Ganz,

My thought process behind putting the 3m on the car as opposed to the splash guards is that it would cost more to cover the splash guards than they cost. I already have an extra pair for the front. They are only $50 so in my mind they are disposable. By putting the 3m on the car I protect the car finish from the splash guards themselves. ****, yes, but as you ask, I do in fact give the front end a once over after every drive. I hope that wears off over time...
After additional thought I am going with the full kit. I know I won't regret it.
I too have a Silverstone and I want it sweet looking for a very, very long time. I'm four coats of Zaino into it and I really like the looks of it. I'm shooting for 10 coats and then one coat every other month; or if I'm bored one coat a month.
Thanks for the input...

 

I am having the Lumar clear bra installed on Monday. I negotiated a price of $349 to cover the bumper, hood, headlights, mirrors and they said they even have a piece that goes near the gas cap to protect from spilage. This guy has been doing it now for 1 1/2 years and flew to texas to get his certification to do it. I will post some picks when its done.

Thanks
Matt...go49ers