Anyone do their own clear bra install? I put my own Bonnet/Boot stripes on and I'm feeling lucky . Anyhow I was wondering how hard is it?

Thanks

 

I had a friend who is a qualified installer do my kits and after watching him, I'd slap myself for thinking I could do it myself. NO WAY! It took him hours and he worked quickly and did a flawless job. I've installed detailed vinyl graphics before (where lining up registration marks was key) and this is nothing like that, really. I wouldn't risk ruining your material, botching the job on your car, and risking your sanity by attempting it yourself. It takes skill and patience.

 

What makes the installation of the clear bra challenging is the curvature of the bonnet and the bumper, especially around the lights. I installed the stripes and roof flag myself without any complications. However, I didn't even attempt to install the clear bra, a little more than what my skill allows. :smile:

_________________

 

I was just wondering. It looks like the hardest part would be doing the bumper.

 

I did the front aerobumper (autoclearguard) myself. It was my first time.
It took me about 4hours and another 2hours drying time using a heat lamp.
It was about 65F so not warm enough to dry completely out in the sun.

It was a challenge, but it turned out real nice. :smile: Im glad I did it myself
and looking forward to redoing it when it comes time to redo it.

autoclearguard.com has instructions on how to do it. Just take your time
and you'll concour.

 

Something like the bonnet stripes I would have been ticked to see how easy it was to do, and actually paid someone to do it. I know the clear bra is more involved but if I can do it myself I would rather try.

$200 just for the install, I could save that money for a few more mods I have been looking at .

 

[font=Verdana]It is fairly simple. Just use a lot of soap water spray and you'll be fine. It took me 2 hours to do mine because I took my time. The hardest pieces to install was the bonnet, you have to stretch it to make it fit. That was a PAIN but I did it. Make sure you have a heat gun or a blow-dryer to assist you in stretching the pieces.[/font]

 

I have installed a x-pel clear bra about two months ago. I can tell you something that will help you with the install. Be patient!! I installed the bumper and the bonnet bra and a week later bonnet strips over the clear bra. I have never installed any graphics before on anything. It did take a while. The bonnet took me about 4 hours which I was very careful. Like I said before take your time. That is key if you are in a rush trying to push the water from under the clear bra you are asking for a problem. It took me an additional 2 and half hours to finish up on the bumper. The bumper bra had to be stretched quite a bit. It took me about 15 mins to do the bonnet strips. After all this I think I could do it all under 4 hours for the clear bra . But I think it is the best thing for your mini to keep it from rock chips in the paint. If you need any help or have any question feel free to ask me. Have fun !


tony

 

It's really not THAT hard to do...just time consuming.

 

JerseyGirl did hers... much swearing involved... Those bonnet curves on a MCS are indeed a *****...

 

I did myself to with no prior experience. I have since done two other cars. It’s not that hard, just take your time and use plenty of solution. The bonnet is the toughest part to do.

 

I think I might try it. I thought the stripes took a lot of patience, it should be interesting to see how the bra goes .

 

If I have to do it over again, I'll probably try it myself. The installer didn't do as good of a job as I anticipated. At least if I made a mistake, it's my mistake, not someone I paid for the installtion.

 

davecsumini,

That is my feeling. I would have to find someone to do it and how good are they? Like you said if I make a mistake it will be my mistake.

I guess it really comes down to I don't want anyone else touching my Mini .

 

So far, I've done all the mods myself and some with friends, except a few items.

1. Clear bra: for $550 installed, I think I could've done a better job.
2. Aero kit paint: I had to redo the wheel arches because they weren't sanded down and the finish was subpar. I also added additional coats of clear coat to obtain that show room shine.
3. Window tint from Classic MINI, which is great.
4. Unichip: the car was tunned on the dyno, but the Unichip module was mounted in a location that interferes with wiper mechanism. I had to relocate the module.

3 out of four were less than perfect! Hence, I can totally understand why you wouldn't want anyone touching your car.

For me, the best part of owning a MINI isn't just the fun of driving, but also the pleasure and satisfaction of working on it.

 

"For me, the best part of owning a MINI isn't just the fun of driving, but also the pleasure and satisfaction of working on it. "

Ha, you should have seen me shaking putting the first stripe on my bonnet . I did my own short shifter install, no problem. Does the glove box organizer count as a mod?

 

>Clear bra: for $550 installed, I think I could've done a better job.





I think I paid like $150 shipped overnight...and did it myself...I also
did the headlight, marker, fog lamp protectors too for an additional $35?

The biggest mistake I made was to rub the bra in some areas with my
fingers to massage the bubbles out. It swirls the clear. Well, the
polymer wax covered up the swirls quite nicely so no problem anymore,
but just a hint for future installers.

 

Ken, you always know where the best deals are! You gotta tell us where you bought them. I might redo the bonnet myself this summer. :smile:

 

dave- I bought it from Ryan over at www.autoclearguard.com


He has the aero kit bumper bra on sale for $130... I think I paid like $20 for
overnight shipping. he's suppose to have some pre-cut tints soon too...
not sure when though.

 

If you do plan on re-doing your front non-factory painted
bumper, you may want to consider getting it repainted as the
paint could peel off with the bra as you remove and paint is
usually chipped under the bra where a rock hit it.

I also made a side skirt bra out of excess I had from the front
bumper bra because mine was chipping in the marked area below
after each expressway run.

 

Can anyone see on their clear bra where a rock may have struck the bra
and damaged it but not the paint below?
Or where the paint was damaged from a rock or such and the bra appeared to take the brunt of the damage thus saving the paint some what?

Also, I've seen some clear bras "cut out" around the lights and trim and others that go behind the lights. I think the latter would be preferable. Any comments?

Also, where is everyone putting the stuff? I figured the top front of my roof, the bonnet, the bumper, the lights, the side view mirrors... Any other suggested places to uhhhh, stick it so to speak?

Perhaps a lateral stip across the door to minimize damage from the SOBS that like to open their doors like a batter taking a swing.

Thanks
REHutch

In a Mini S ( No bugs )
On a harley - mouth held open too long. Too many bugs eaten
What was that funny little car that just blew past me?
Mini S owner after being told how much nicer a PT Crusier is than a MCS
PT owner staring at the PT Remains after attempting to hang with a MCS
on a little curve.
Gee Mr.PT guy, looked like you had the curve to me.

And least but not least, I don't need to know the PT's 1/4 mile, I need to know the number of PTs in a quarter mile. (A very large number no doubt!)

 

I have a few spots where a stone has "indented" the clear bra. I can't tell whether the paint underneath it was saved or not. I'll find out someday when the film is taken off I guess.

My bra was installed using the "wrap method" where it disappears under the headlights, grill, and arches instead of stopping short of them. Leaves far fewer film edges to be noticed. I have pics on my site - click the link in my sig.

In addition to the locations you mentioned, I also have film on my A-pillar covers, door hande recesses, the rear bumper, and the bottom 4 inches of the hatch door. I wouldn't put a strip on the doors. It wouldn't look good and many vehicles doors will hit your car at a different height anyway. Better to find a lonely parking space.