idk if i want to 3m it because you can spot the 3m and it looks weird at times but rock chips/debris is ftl. i was thinkin of a nose mask/bra just to use when i go for travel but i doubt they even make one for the nismo????

 

I vote 3M.

You can wax the 3M just like the rest of your car, and this will make it harder to spot, as it'll keep the film from yellowing. If Nissan makes the nose mask for the Nismo, that'll just be added protection when you add it. I have the 3M on my 06, and it's barely noticeable, as long as the car is clean and well maintained. Occasionally, I put the nose mask on, over top, just for added protection, esp on the highway.

 

I had the 3M on my '05 roadster and it is getting installed on my NISMO today. I wouldn't go with anything else. It's worth the money and you can't even tell it's there if it's done properly.

 

Let me know how it goes. I am leaning towards the 3M Xpel kits myself.

 

How much does it run?

 

I was quoted $795 installed and the guy travels to me.

 

I'd just keep your car clean.

Edit: Hm... But, it actually depends on conditions. Come to think of it, the winter season is coming, and this is the first year I have the Z. I hope it'll be alright. Anyways, if anything serious happens to the bumper, I'll just dump money into a Kenstyle kit.

 

It's not just protecting the bumper. The 3M clear bra can also be applied on your headlights, which is subject to being chipped by rocks and/or debris. You may want to check how much the headlights are on the new Zs and you will change your mind immediately about the benefits of a clear bra.

I had the 3M clear bra installed for $700 the 1st few weeks I had my Z. It covered the bumper, hood, fenders, headlights, side mirrors, and door edges. XPEL came to the house to install it. It is the best investment you will ever have on your brand new Z. Trust me.

BTW, the black vinyl bra is 60s technology, and it does not protect your headlights. Don't do it to a sports car like the Z.

 

I do not like either method of bumper protection. I think the bumper will need to be painted in a few years. If you put a 3M or a protective bra on, you will see faded paint. Just my 0.02

 

With no protection, yes, you'll need to repaint, because your bumper will be beaten all to hell.

I've had a 3M bra on the Z for 1 year now, and have seen no faded paint anywhere. I've even peeled off the hood piece and re-did it. Needed a new piece anyway, as I had put the previous one on crooked. My last car had one on for 3 years, and no problems there either. Of course, I apply wax to the 3M bra, just like the rest of the car, which is what you're supposed to do anyway...

 

True, but if you actually use a bra, the paint will fade. The only thing that I do not like about the 3M bra is that the protective film fades if not properly taken care of. I can see the lines on almost every single car at my work, and in my opinion, i would rather have no clear bra and have to repaint my bumper every few years.

 

3m ftw.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that paint put on by body shops tend to be even weaker than factory paint, so it will be more prone to chipping after you repaint. Plus, if you have a hard to match color like silver, it'll look like @ss. The difference between a car with clear bra vs. one without is night and day after 10k miles. My Z didn't have a clear bra, and the front looked like hell after 20k miles. My new car has a clear bra, and my front still looks great even after multiple track days.

 

I had the 3M on my '05 for two years and when a rock hit my car it tore the clearshield but the paint under it stayed protected. The shop only had to replace the torn clearshield so to me it was well worth it. And after two years of Florida sun I had no paint fade. I actually went with a different product for my NISMO this timw. The shop talked me into a product called VentureTape. It is scratch resistant and you can wax over it. I love it!