Paint Protection: 3M Scotchcal, Revisted
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 25
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Paint Protection: 3M Scotchcal, Revisted
A number of threads on this topic exist, but I want to share my experience today with a specific installer: Envisage Labs @ www.transparentbra.com. Like many shops, they use 3M's excellent Scotchcal product with kits from a number of distributors as well as custom in-house kits.
As I recently purchased my 350Z, I wanted to get some kind of serious paint protection before I developed the typical nicks, scratches, and dents sports cars seem to get when daily driven. At just two weeks old, I was too late but decided I'd abate any further damage. Daniel provided the quote at the bottom along with a number of embedded drawings to illustrate which body portions would be covered (I didn't include them). I went for the "full front coverage" which included the hood, front bumper, lower air dam, and mirrors. Additionally, I sprung for the headlamp protection. Those pieces utilize 40 mil thick material and the body portion uses a 6 mil thickness variety.
Though the web site lacks high resolution detailed photographs of their work, I had little doubt this was the route I'd take. I used their online form to get a fast quote (same day) and decided at least some form of their protection was in order. What really sold me was just how direct, knowledgeable, honest, and HUMBLE these folks were. Both Daniel and his business partner, Edre, are car enthusiats and clearly put the time and effort to make your car is handled right the first time.
The process is more than a little like the application of window tint. The applicaiton for the 350z uses an Xpel template (other kits exist too, but many others aren't the one-piece type the Xpel is) that they print and cut in-house with a plotter. Those sections are then lubricated with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water and 'floated' into place. Artful use of a squeegee along with some tactical stretching/smoothing anchor them in place. Though some leave their cars for a later pick-up, I stayed to watch them work their magic while I waited. This isn't a fast process -- I arrived at 9AM and didn't leave until nearly 2PM!
One thing I didn't see in previous posts was the www.my350z.com forum discount. They offer members here a 10% discount! They volunteered this information as I clearly didn't know about it.
Overall I'm very happy with the product so far and see this as a worthwhile investment for a car I hope to keep for many years. You can go the same route or piece it more a la carte. I doubt better protection exists for any amount of money and recommend them wholeheartedly.
***
You seem like you're in a rush. We usually run about a week ahead on bookings but I believe we have an opening tomorrow afternoon. Give us a call at the office (310) 787-7544 or (310) 613-4671 mobile.
Here is your quote. I've broken the quote down into separate parts.
Regular Full frontal protection:
Hood, Fender, mirror: OUR PRICE: $159.95 ($249.95 retail from xpel.com) Installation: $95.00
Also available with custom hood edge wrapping for additional $99.95
Bumper / air dam kit: OUR PRICE $179.95 ($299.95 retail from xpel.com) Installation: $95
Head Lamp Protection $59.95
Install labor approx. 3.5 HOURS
__________________________________________
Additional options:
Splash guards rear: $49.95 - Installation: FREE
Splash guards front $39.95 - Installation: FREE
Door edge protection 2-4 doors: $19.95 - Installation: FREE
Door sill protection (front doors): $29.95 - Installation: FREE
Rear Bumper protection: $119.95 - Installation: $35.00
Custom protection solutions: price based on material used
__________________________________________
Please let us know what you think or if you have any questions. We have a 60 day satisfaction guarantee on our installs and an almost 100% customer satisfaction rate. Although you might find slightly lower prices, ours are very competitive but more importantly, you won't find our brand of service mixed with good coverage and custom protection ability.
Thanks again,
Daniel Cook
Envisage Design Labs
Transparentbra.com
As I recently purchased my 350Z, I wanted to get some kind of serious paint protection before I developed the typical nicks, scratches, and dents sports cars seem to get when daily driven. At just two weeks old, I was too late but decided I'd abate any further damage. Daniel provided the quote at the bottom along with a number of embedded drawings to illustrate which body portions would be covered (I didn't include them). I went for the "full front coverage" which included the hood, front bumper, lower air dam, and mirrors. Additionally, I sprung for the headlamp protection. Those pieces utilize 40 mil thick material and the body portion uses a 6 mil thickness variety.
Though the web site lacks high resolution detailed photographs of their work, I had little doubt this was the route I'd take. I used their online form to get a fast quote (same day) and decided at least some form of their protection was in order. What really sold me was just how direct, knowledgeable, honest, and HUMBLE these folks were. Both Daniel and his business partner, Edre, are car enthusiats and clearly put the time and effort to make your car is handled right the first time.
The process is more than a little like the application of window tint. The applicaiton for the 350z uses an Xpel template (other kits exist too, but many others aren't the one-piece type the Xpel is) that they print and cut in-house with a plotter. Those sections are then lubricated with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water and 'floated' into place. Artful use of a squeegee along with some tactical stretching/smoothing anchor them in place. Though some leave their cars for a later pick-up, I stayed to watch them work their magic while I waited. This isn't a fast process -- I arrived at 9AM and didn't leave until nearly 2PM!
One thing I didn't see in previous posts was the www.my350z.com forum discount. They offer members here a 10% discount! They volunteered this information as I clearly didn't know about it.
Overall I'm very happy with the product so far and see this as a worthwhile investment for a car I hope to keep for many years. You can go the same route or piece it more a la carte. I doubt better protection exists for any amount of money and recommend them wholeheartedly.
***
You seem like you're in a rush. We usually run about a week ahead on bookings but I believe we have an opening tomorrow afternoon. Give us a call at the office (310) 787-7544 or (310) 613-4671 mobile.
Here is your quote. I've broken the quote down into separate parts.
Regular Full frontal protection:
Hood, Fender, mirror: OUR PRICE: $159.95 ($249.95 retail from xpel.com) Installation: $95.00
Also available with custom hood edge wrapping for additional $99.95
Bumper / air dam kit: OUR PRICE $179.95 ($299.95 retail from xpel.com) Installation: $95
Head Lamp Protection $59.95
Install labor approx. 3.5 HOURS
__________________________________________
Additional options:
Splash guards rear: $49.95 - Installation: FREE
Splash guards front $39.95 - Installation: FREE
Door edge protection 2-4 doors: $19.95 - Installation: FREE
Door sill protection (front doors): $29.95 - Installation: FREE
Rear Bumper protection: $119.95 - Installation: $35.00
Custom protection solutions: price based on material used
__________________________________________
Please let us know what you think or if you have any questions. We have a 60 day satisfaction guarantee on our installs and an almost 100% customer satisfaction rate. Although you might find slightly lower prices, ours are very competitive but more importantly, you won't find our brand of service mixed with good coverage and custom protection ability.
Thanks again,
Daniel Cook
Envisage Design Labs
Transparentbra.com
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Contact Info (at their site)
