Hey there everyone I was looking into getting a clear bra for my brand new '06 I started at the dealership and they are charging almost $800 I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions as far as where to look for them because I don't really have $800 right now and I would like to get one on sooner than later before there are too many rock chips on my Baybee. Thanks everyone

 

Call a few MINI dealers and ask who they use for the installs. The material "parts" are relatively cheap it's the MINI service rates with the mark-up from the vendor they use that's the killer -- I think.
I have an 07 on order and have to look into the same.
Input/experiences from others here would be helpful though.
miniclouds you might want to mention were you are so if someone in your area has had a good experience with a vendor they can respond.
I'm Upstate NY -- about 3 hours from NYC/Boston/Montral. I certainly would be willing to drive 3 hours to get to a highly recommended vendor.

 

My dealer quoted 799 and when my eyebrows "spocked" he quickly dropped it to 699. Then "I" had to call the company and set up the install (which was in my own garage). Looks pretty good although the only way to know if it works is over time. FYI I asked the installer what he would have charged me if I had gone to him directly rather than through the dealer...and got the same number the dealer charged, so at least they aren't getting any pass-through profits (that is after he dropped the price 100 bucks)

 

I don't know where you live, but if you are anywhere near Tampa, I had Ryan from Auto Paint Guard(a NAM Vendor) do my car yesterday. He's an awesome guy and it cost me $480. He sells the kits if you are brave enough to try it yourself. The local MINI dealer sell their cars with a "Protection Package" that costs $900. Basically all it is is a clear bra and it doesn't cover as much as the one that Ryan put on. Also, he may know someone local to you if give him a call.

 

Another way to find installers is to contact the vinyl manufacturer for qualified installers. I think there have been threads here about the merits of the various kinds, 3M, Venturetape, etc - I'm sure if you search around here and online you can get all sorts of info.

Fwiw we installed clear bra on the sides of the car ourselves and it was pretty easy since those areas are flat, we only left the bonnet to the pro as that is more difficult (and that was only a couple hundred direct, not through dealer). We didn't do the bumpers, just the bonnet and lights/fogs, and rocker panels as they seemed to take the brunt of the flying debris

 

I have heard that it's a good idea to ask about the manufacturer of the clear bra material - I think 3M is the #1 manufacturer of the material -- if they can keep graphics on commercial jets then I would say they've got the process down -- without damage to the paint over time. I would say saving on the material is probably not wise.
If there is any substantial saving to be had it would be on the application side -- but from what I read here there isn't a huge discount to be had. Maybe you can gather some other MINIers together and have a garage day and have an installer come and either do a few together (might be a discount there) or watch the technique on one and then do the other car(s) yourselves.

 

You can do it yourself like I did. You'll also save a lot of money for something that is simple to do. You'll have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. You won't have to drive anywhere to have the work done.

I drove my car home and kept it parked in my garage for about 5 days until I had the time to install the clear bra. It took about 4.5 hours to install pre-cut material on the entire front bumper, all front lights, scoop, bonnet front, grill, top of rear bumper, both mirror bodies, and behind the door handles. You can do it! I got the pre-cut material from Accuguard,
http://www.accuguard.biz/index.html, for about $210 in April 2006.

 

WOW thanks BM
I'll check that out. I'll probably need to add a heated to the garage.