My mom has an 05 4R in Glactic Grey and was wanting some protection from road debris, bugs, etc. I have seen the clear bra that 3M makes. It is several mm thick and is made for each application (fit is perfect). They offer them for either just the hood or hood, side mirrors, bumper cover.

I was thinking about gettting just the clear hood part.
Has anyone used this? Does it discolor, Look obvious over time??
OR
Do I just get a color matched bug guard??

 

I haven't heard anyone talk about those here on YT, but I've seen it discussed on other boards. If you don't get much feedback here, you may want to take a look on

www.g35driver.com
or
www.bimmerforums.com
www.bmw-forum.com
www.e46fanatics.com

A common theme that I picked up on esp. on the G35 forum is that it is best to have them professionally done.

 

A friend is an authorized delaer/installer of 3M and Llumar. This is something that would be done professionally.
TDiddy-thanks for the links.

 

Mind posting pix of your mom with the after the clear bra installation?

 

you mention mom around here and people go CRAZY

 

I have it on my 4th Gen 4Runner. Let's see now, I have had it on since Jan 28, 2004. It is the first thing I did the day I picked-up the new 4Runner. If you look close you might nitice it, otherwise it is invisible. It sure has saved me from lots of rock chips. I did the hood and fronts of the fenders. Since the grill and mirrors are plastic, I didn't do them.

 

Ha.....

 

many of us use that stuff over on the audiworld forum. It's a great protector and those guys back their stuff up! You'll need to have it professionally installed though.

If the vehicle has already seen some nicks and scuffs, getting the clear bra may not be a good option anymore.

It is clear, but you can tell that it is there. I've seen people who have cleared the entire vehicle....I dunno. I personally do not like it.

 

Hey do you know Boba Fett over on the audiworld boards?

 

I do. Are you over there also? Or, is this you?

 

I have the Xpel kit on my 4runner. I put it on myself. Its about 1 mm to 2mm from being perfect, but that was good enough for me. There were already some existing chips on the hood edge so it was not a big deal for me to not have the edge perfectly applied.

This stuff works. I was just up in Death Valley in a very rocky environment. After I got home, I washed the ol' girl and I can see no new rock strikes. My slider outriggers on the other hand

Would I buy this stuff again for any new vehicles? ABSOLUTELY. i'll probably buy this for every vehicle I buy.

Bob

 

I used to install it (the 3M stuff) - it's definitely an acquired skill. Large areas and complex shapes are difficult but it can be conformed to pretty severe shapes. We use it on the front of motorhomes - it really works as advertised. It' also guaranteed not to yellow and it will come off years later without ruining the paint. (If you get a damaged area you might need to remove it.) We've used it for about 7 years now. Wonderful stuff.

 

Anyone have a good link to buy from?

 

My dealer used the Llumar product. It is the same clear vinyl as 3M. It is made in a "kit" for ach specific vehicle. Some are just for the hood and the upgraded kit covers mirrors and bumper.

I can get whatver anyone needs, but I am sure any local shop that installs sells it as well. Also, not sure how the warranty works if you DIY

 

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

 

the only downside to clear vinyl is it will yellow and shrink with age and exposure to the sun.. higher quality materials take longer, but they will all do it. (words of wisdom from a person working with substrates for the last 30 years)

 

my buddy (rip) got this on his 02 4runner durring the spring of 03 (when he got the car brand new after his land cruiser blew up literally). by this summer it was peeling off in some spots and looked ugly as hell. he got it done at the dealer and was planning on taking it back but then he passed away.

 

The 3M stuff is pretty good. Their warranty is outstanding. I have friends who complained about the plastic starting to tarnish and it was replaced....for free.

 

if thats the case then, great... but if there isn't a warranty, expect to change it every now and then, or look at a hideous mess on the nose of your runner

 

I just inspected a 1998 unit with the 3m film on from new. Still looks perfect. We used Invinca-shield kits at first then bought a plotter and started cutting our own. As for installation, prep is everything. If it's peeling and ugly in a year or three, you can bet the surface wasn't clean.