My Z got keyed after owning it for only eight days. After attempting to make the repairs myself, following the Autopia instructions, I'm not satisfied with my results, and am having a body shop correct the damage done to the bumper and both front fenders.

While browsing the forums for advice, I first heard of the Clear Bra. Intrigued, I went to the 3M site, and did a search for installers in my area. I contacted the closest installer to me and discussed my options, which lead me to the following questions:

I was told that he'd do the hood, headlights, mirrors. and partial front fenders for "around $300.00". When I told him I wanted the bumper done as well, he hemmed and hawwed, claiming that the bumper panel was extremely difficult to do, and would cost roughly $375.00. The posts that I've seen here lead me to believe that most people who have clear bras include the bumper, and the cost for the entire job is between 3 and 5 hundred. Is this guy trying to gouge me?

Second, how long should I wait after the repaint to have the bra put on? The installer claims it can be done immediately, but that doesn't seem right to me. I'm thinking the clearcoat will need some time to cure.

Finally, I have 3 layers of Zaino on my Z at this point, and probably 2 more to follow before the bra is installed. Should I play catch-up on the freshly painted surface with the Zaino, or will I be wasting my time applying it to that area?

Sorry for the long-windedness of this post, and thanks in advance for any replies!

 

find another installer. if he doesn't want to do the bumper, there is a reason, and neither you nor he will be happy. It is a difficult car to do. The average kit should be around 400-600.

 

Get a hold of Thomas at Seconday Exposure in NY(se-ex.com damn thats a great url! ) hes done many members of this forum and is the only installer we refer work to out your way. AS for curing, even if your body shop says they heat cure it, I would recommend at least a month before installation, a bit longer if you park it inside during the day or if its not very sunny where you live, doing an install on a paint job that is not properly cured is a recipe for disaster, ask me how I know and I will show you what looks like the worlds most expensive fruit roll-up

 

Thomas at Secondary Exposure had big problems installing mine, including lots of dust left under the hood piece, a big scuffed area on the film on the bumper, poorly done mirrors and a SCRATCH his installer put on my hood UNDER the film. He can't get the Z in his facility for some reason, so installs Z film at his installer's home garage, which is definitely not a dust-free environment. I brought the car back after the first install to get new hood film, due to all the dust bits pushing up the film and making the hood look like it had been dinged all over. His installer put a nice scratch on the hood while I was watching, as he used an incredibly dirty rag to clean off the wax. Then he managed to buff it out, and Thomas showed up and brought me to a local shopping area. When I came back I couldn't see the new scratch the installer put on, so I took it home. After driving up there twice, and getting my hood scratched for my trouble the second time, I'm just going to try to ignore the problems until I replace the film in a few years. Also, when I pointed out the big scuff on the bumper film, Thomas said he'd give me a discount on the next install, which wasn't an answer that made me very happy. I'm really not a picky person, but the quality of this install was not one I would recommend to anyone on this forum.

 

At DynaShield we charge $950.00 for the full wrap kit on a 350Z. $600.00 may be a great deal or the worst $600.00 you ever spent. You tend to get what you pay for. If I ever had a customer with some of the complaints I see here, I would replace the bra or offer a full refund.
Mike
770-471-8598

 

WHA??? How often does this happen to people?

 

Please see my post in "Secondary Exposure install update" in Detailing if you're interested in an update to my above post.

 

I am really sorry for your misfortune. I can't believe anyone could key someones car for any reason. People can really be screwed up like that though.

I am a Distributor, and Installer of Invinca-Shield the product you are inquiring about made by 3M.

http://www.invinca-shield.com/index.htm

I have been doing this for 4 years, and I can tell you for cerain that it is imperative that you let the paint cure properly before applying these clear bra's. Otherwise if you ever have to remove it your paint will come off right with it.

Anyone that doesn't tell you to let the paint cure for at least 60 days to be 100% safe is just trying to make a couple of quick bucks off of you.

Also, ******WARNING******* No Zaino, or any other wax products should be applied to anyehere you wish to have the clear bra installed. Obviously if you already waxed the car the installer you choose would have to do an excellent job at first preparing the paint (Removing the wax, dead bugs, etc). Believe it or not this is really the most important step. If there is wax under the clear bra, you might see a hazy look to it, and it can cause the film to not adhere to the paint properly.

One last note: You may wax the entire car INCLUDING the clear Bra after it has been on the car for about 2 weeks.

In addition these kits come pre-cut and are done by computer for exact size, so doing a bumper is a piece of cake for anyone with the experience.

In answer to your price question, I personally charge $785.00 for a complete install which includes the Hood, entire Front Bumper, front quarter panels, and side view mirrors. There are other options available at an additional cost, but this is what 95% of people wind up installing, and honestly it's all you really need.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me, or call me at the info below.


Good Luck to you,

Frank O'Grady
Car Crafters

Phone: 732-778-2895
E-Mail: carcrafters@comcast.net