Has anyone out there installed a clear bra themselves? Any regrets? I'm considering getting one and having had past experience with applying vinyl (worked in the sign business), I figure I can save on the application. Just trying to get some imput on the matter. Also, any of you prefer one brand over the other? Thanks.

 

I did it. Somewhere in this board are numerous posts from me encouraging others to do it. I saved quite a lot of money and found it easy to do. It's kinda like wall papering. You have to have all your supplies ready and think through the steps thoroughly before starting. I spent about $210 for pre-cut bra pieces. I've covered the grill, all front lights, hood, sccop on S model, door handle cups, mirror bodies, complete front bumper, and top of rear bumper. Oh, and I put a 5 inches strip across the windshield where it meets the roof. Have extra spray bottles handy, too, because they break easy (at least for me). You can take a break if you need to. Just wet the automobile surface and top side of plastic heavily. You can stop over night, too. Say you can't get a piece on correctly and it is late. Wet the piece very heavily with soapy water. Place it in a zip lock bag. Place wet paper towels in the bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator. I also placed the plastic on the original backing when I did this. Have a hair dryer handy, too. YOu may have to heat some pieces to strecth them a little bit or to make them stick in place. Commonly the heat from your hand will form pieces over the headlamps. You just keep stroking it gently and sometimes just hold your hand still.

You can do it.
Billie

 

I did my Dad's headlights and turn signals on his jeep liberty, it wasn't to bad because the headlights were just circlular but the turn signals gave me a little trouble. I personally wouldn't feel that I could do a whole car. I would think that if you are good with window tinitng then maybe you could do this easliy.

 

The guy who has done all of my tint & graphics work for the last 12-15 years definitely recommends the 3M product. He shoots pretty straight with me, laying out pros & cons for any choices like that.

I wouldn't personally attempt a self-install on this, purely because the cost (product + labor) with my tint guy would be pretty fair. But having done some window tinting, I'd feel comfortable giving it a go, and I would say your vinyl experience probably warrants you tackling it yourself.

 

I once accidentally trapped a bee under the window tinting ov my Eurovan. I wouldn't even think of doing this myself.

 

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I think I will tackle it myself afterall. Maybe Ill order a kit for our Jeep Liberty and practice on that one first. It has compound curves on the hood and should give me a good feel for what I should expect on the mini. My experience when applying vinyl has been that when doing something on a new surface with new material, the first one gives a little trouble but next one is just a breeze. Thanks for the tips.

 

Now THAT's funny - I don't care who ya' are!!!