Just got my 3m clear coat protectant put on today - I thought you may be interested in some pics.


More available at: http://www.laurenson.com/users/jeremy/350z/3m/

Beware - some huge resolutions.



Pic1: What came off in the pre-install wipedown.

 

Pic2:
Film being cut

 

Before...

 

Applying film

 

Smoothing out the film - squeegeeing the lubricant out from under the film and stretching where necessary.

 

Finished - heres the "seam" where the coating stops ont he hood.

 

done..

There are higher res versions of these at the link above.

 

Work done at Envisage Design Labs in Torrance, CA - right down the road from my place.

 

Jeremy, I have an LS too and had the bra installed over a month ago here in Phoenix.
Let me give you some caveats realized from my install.
Initially, things looked good upon completion, tho I wasn't sure what I should be looking for.
In about a week, lines or stretch marks began to show up, especially around large curved areas. They worsen almost by the day after the first 10 days or so. Next, bubbles began to form in the two seams running down the center of the hood. This really set off the alarms because others could see this too. Also, make sure they have the material tucked all the way in/up to the bottom of the headlights. I didn't see this gap initially and now I see a full 1/2" gap under the drivers headlight on one side. They responded to my complaint by saying that the company is making a brand new pattern because they were having problems with the install on that pattern. They said the new pattern would be ready this coming week and they are going to do it all over again.
I am very pleased with the concept and the material. I have 11,000 miles on the car and about 8,000 miles with the bra on and it has saved me many, many times. It is just an install problem that I am dealing with over here. Watch yours closely and keep on the installers if things start to show up. Regards, Jim

 

Thanks..

This installer is actually the bulk distributor for California - so he has very good ties to 3m and is very professional (hence securing the distributorship).

He warrantees the install itself for 60 days and has done many, many 350Zs.

I have seen the pictures and actually met an owner who came in with his 350 to get a piece of film replaced where he took a big hit. His looked crystal clear all round. Luckily my installer also happens to be a mile from my house, so I feel confident it'll be fine.

 

Jim,
Those bubbles on the hood creases are a very tough area. I haven't had to warranty a hood yet but if I do, I bet that will be the problem. I guess I am trying to say that as long as he is going to fix it, I would not sweat it too much. He should be willing to do a touch-up on the other areas.

I can say that there is no way to cut that hood to make the area easy. If it is not down perfect, bubbles will form in the groove. Hopefully he will have better results next time. What brand of kit was he using?

Lines and other blemishes will come and go for a couple of months. In time the material will smooth some, but not completely. Remember, you are putting on a tough, fairly thick film in order to protect your car. It is an alternative to a vinyl bra and it's looks. It is not a factory clear coat.

At DynaShield, if the customer is not happy with the product, we will either do what the customer wants to make it right or remove the entire bra and give a full refund.

 

I was the one who was with JeremyL the first time he visited Edre's shop. I, along with around 10 other Zs have had our 3M installed by Edre at Torrance. His install is by far the cleanest and most professional in the area. Not to mention the cheapest in town.

I also think that temperature has something to do with whether the 3M will adhere to the surface.

JeremyL - the install looks good. Enjoy your Z!

 

JimH,

*Love* your sig logo! I'm inspired!

 

Yes, Marilyn is the only one I will allow to give my Z a little pat on the butt! Regards, Jim

 

how much did you pay for the bra?

 

I paid $600 installed. It took two men approx. 4 hours to install. They were experienced, but this was their first 350 and it is acknowledged by all that the 350 is a particularly difficult install. IOW, don't try this at home kids.... Regards, Jim

 

I've had my Stongard on for about a week. It was done at Stongard HQ by the VP of operations. It wasn't their first 350Z, but it was the first LeMans. When I mentioned to him the trickyness [sic] of the install, he said it was difficult, but not that bad. He said that the new Lexus SC and a 964 twin turbo were prolly the most difficult, and make the Z pale by comparison.

Also, the Stongard's hood is curved, and that makes it [supposedly] more difficult to see, and a tad bit easier to install.

Anyone else have a Stongard?

 

I tried to get a StonGard kit installed yesterday & they ended up taking it off & trashing it, citing rough edges & other fabrication issues - not installer issues. They reordered one and I guess we'll try it again next week.

Matt

 

Followup: I have had 0 bubbles, edge issues etc - so it is all about your installer, people.

..and I agree - there is no ay in hell you can put this on yourself!

J

 

How long does this last for? Does it have any issues such as fogging or dulling when it ages?