I'm thinking about adding clear protection (clear bra) for "Topper's" nose, possibly from Auto Paint Guard, a NAM vendor. Has anyone used their kits and self-installed them? I imagine that's a challenge for a beginner or an old dog like me.
How about Auto Paint Guard professionally installed? Anyone from Houston, who has used one of their approved installers? How is the appearance and how is it holding up? I have similar protection on my current vehicle and it is not really noticeable except close up and it has really done its job.
C4, if you read this, I am also considering Ventureshield as you suggested, if I find they have experienced installers in my area.
I'll shut up and listen.:smile:
Topper should be disembarking tomorrow...woooo heeee!
-john
______
enroute: 05MCS all Jet Black ("Topper")

 

I have a clear bra on my '96 993 and it's great. I had someone install it and it took him about 3 hours (hood, front bumpers, head lights, side mirrors, etc). I highly recommend it.

 

--Hey 993 how many years have you had the clear bra? Did it turn yellow, or accumulate a lotta old wax on the edges? My MA advised against getting one because he said it would turn yellow and catch wax. Is this true? My other car enthusiast friends told me they've never seen that happen? Anybody else have experience on this? Thanks y'all!

--pyratio

 

I had the 3M clear protection on the Porsche for 2-years with no signs of yellowing or cloudiness.

As for “catching polish”............simply using a soft toothbrush along the edges (basic Detailing 101) will eliminate that.

3M

Mini-S kits.

 

Thanks, All, for your input. I know there are two sides to the use of clear bras, but it sound like those who have em like em!
- john
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enroute (still !): 05MCS all Jet Black ("Topper")

 

The MCS hood has a lot of curves and quite tricky to get it right. Take it to a professional installer who has experience with mini coopers.

 

I've had the ClearBra on the bonnet and bumpers of my Cooper for 2 yrs. now with no discoloration at all. I've gotten lots of compliments on it, especially its almost invisible look...even with bonnet stripes installed over it. The ONLY complaint I have is the ClearBra application on my mirrors...they pucker at the bottom due to the curved surface and I wouldn't invest in them again if given a choice. DO think about protecting your lights with some of those light shields, too, as stones seem to really love attacking the lens covers.

 

I had my dealer install it prior to delivery two months ago. So far, the only disadvantage is getting the extra wax along the edges. But I'd rather take a few mintues with a Q Tip to deal with it than to repair stone chips with touch-up paint.

 

I've heard similar things about older clearbras discoloring, but not with the later versions. I had the latest 3M (Xpel) applied last December and it still looks great. At certain angles, you can't even see it.

Regarding the wax, no I can't see any wax buildup on the edges.

 

I've had mine for about 5 months now and am very happy with it. I would suggest a pro to install. I watched him, and he's installed many different cars but this was his first Mini. SEVEN hours later he was done. He was a perfectionist and wanted everything right. In his truck was a CAD system that he input the type of car, and a machine (much like a plotter) cut the film for him right there. He also did the mirrors and under the door handles. Very much worth the price ($450 for film and to install), as I would of gone screaming into the night if I had tried and had ruined the film.
Only complaint is the film on the white mirrors shows the dirt, bugs more I think, but it's a small worry.

 

I've had these systems on past cars... had it on a '96 993 and it was four or five years old when I sold it, no yellowing. I bought the kit and applied it myself to my C5 Corvette, but I ended up removing it from the bumper because it looked so bad (bubbles, creases, folds, etc.) due to poor installation. It did not damage the paint at all when I removed it.

Absolutely, without a doubt, have it professionally installed. It is not a DIY job by any means.

And it is worth the money. I'm having it done on my '06 MCS whenever it comes in (looking like a week 43 build).

Michael