As I prepare to order my '04 MCS, I want to benefit from the experiences of this esteemed forum. Please pass along your opinions and experiences about whether my future IB/B MCS will need protection from paint chips. And, if so, which of the above products is best. I'd also like to hear your thoughts on whether to install myself or pay a professional. Thanks in advance.

eMini
Proud futurre owner of IB/B MCS

 

Well, cant really offer you adivce per experience with my roadblock (same type of product) because I dont get Andre for another week . But, I would think it a good idea, I mean it cant be worse than no protection. Our other cars all have paint chips around the front from traveling without a clear bra. I'm thinking if you got the money and you want to be sure then why not. There's alot of construction (means dump trucks) around where Andre will be so I think it a good idea.

 

I've tried a few of these products out and most are some sort of 3M product packaged in a different way. I like the Invinca-Shield the best for a few reasons.

1) Ease of install. All the parts are pre-cut for the sections of your MINI
2) Amount of coverage - lost of pieces to make sure you cover the critical areas.
3) Support - quick shipping and nice people when you have a question.
4) Price - a little lower than some other competitors
5) Warranty -5 years against, fading, peeling, cracking or yellowing.

I have two installers that do our clear-bra stuff and they both like this product the best. For Light covers I use Xpel.

Matt@cooperflags.com

 

Matt,

So what do you think about whether professional installation vs. DIY? How long should I expect the job to take? Or, how much should I expect to pay for the kit plus install? Any recommended installers near Charlotte, NC?

Thanks,
eMINI
Proud futurre owner of IB/B MCS

 

Hi,

I am against these products. I see these products a lot where I work. Over time, they become scratched and pitted. You cannot polish them and sometimes, if you use a polisher, polish and wax gets trapped under the edges making the line very noticable. One other MINI owner in our club had "Stone guard" and it got scuffed by another car. It kind of looked like the bumper was torn. His only option was to cut a small piece off, since he would have had to buy the complete kit again to replace that piece.

I have a chip on my car, and know for about $50 a year I can get all the chips fixed professionaly from my local mobile chip repair guy. Or I can go to the MINI dealer where they can fix it for free.

All that said... If you were to get a clear type protection, the light protectors are still a good idea.

My 2 pennies
MINIACK

 

Your dealer fixes paint chips for FREE? Sign me up!



>>Hi,
>>
>>I am against these products. I see these products a lot where I work. Over time, they become scratched and pitted. You cannot polish them and sometimes, if you use a polisher, polish and wax gets trapped under the edges making the line very noticable. One other MINI owner in our club had "Stone guard" and it got scuffed by another car. It kind of looked like the bumper was torn. His only option was to cut a small piece off, since he would have had to buy the complete kit again to replace that piece.
>>
>>I have a chip on my car, and know for about $50 a year I can get all the chips fixed professionaly from my local mobile chip repair guy. Or I can go to the MINI dealer where they can fix it for free.
>>
>>All that said... If you were to get a clear type protection, the light protectors are still a good idea.
>>
>>My 2 pennies
>>MINIACK

 

>> Or I can go to the MINI dealer where they can fix it for free.
>>
>>All that said... If you were to get a clear type protection, the light protectors are still a good idea.
>>
>>My 2 pennies
>>MINIACK

Your MINI dealer fixes chips for free?

Andy

 

The Invinca-shield kit for the MCS is about $170.00 and that covers from the scoop across and all the way down to the plastic moulding. Our installers charge $150.00 for the installation and it takes a few hours. The one critical area on the install is the area between the scoop and the light. That compound curve is a bear. For the skilled DIY this project is not to hard and if you mess up on a section or two IS will send you the replacement parts individually w/o having to buy the entire kit.

Check out their website to find an installer in your area. We will begin offering their products on our site in the near future.

Matt@cooperflags.com

 

I did the invina-shield myself, It was the very first time I attempted to do such a thing. Matt is right the curves are a bear to get right, but I am very please with my effort. Since this I have done 2 other invinca-shield installs. It gets easier with every intall.

Dennis

 

I have had a good experience with the xpel product and it covers more of the bonnet. However I would not install the bonnet myself as it is very challenging to do. The rest of the pieces are easy. You might want to check into having just the bonnet installed professionally and you can do the rest. Just an idea. The invinca shield is more user friendly for DIY as the cuts are made to be easier to install.

Just make sure that the film you end up purchasing is a 3M made product. I have heard horror stories regarding some of the other materials that are not 3M. Beyond that it comes down to price and which cut pattern you like best.


It does matter what color car you have. The darker the color car the harder it is to install. Yellow would be the easiest color, I don't know why but that is what the installer said.

You can wax/polish/zaino right over the material, you just have to take a small brush along the edges to keep them clean.

And if all else fails chips make you car have character.

 

My Clear Bra Installation

Final Results

 

Scooterboy -

Awesome job documenting the install and final results. I have to say I'm very impressed. And I have to say I love the colors you picked for your MINI!

Unfortunately the NE is a bit of a trek from Charlotte, NC. Can anyone recommend an installer a bit closer?

Thanks,
eMINI
Proud future owner of IB/B MCS

 

>>
>>>> Or I can go to the MINI dealer where they can fix it for free.
>>>>
>>>>All that said... If you were to get a clear type protection, the light protectors are still a good idea.
>>>>
>>>>My 2 pennies
>>>>MINIACK
>>
>>Your MINI dealer fixes chips for free?
>>
>>Andy
>>

Northwest MINI ROCKS! (South Seattle, WA)
No pun intended. They have fixed my chips.

 

>>Scooterboy -
>>
>>Awesome job documenting the install and final results. I have to say I'm very impressed. And I have to say I love the colors you picked for your MINI!
>>
>>Unfortunately the NE is a bit of a trek from Charlotte, NC. Can anyone recommend an installer a bit closer?

Aw c'mon - it's just a nice sunday drive! :smile: