I had a clear bra installed on my former '06 Ford Mustang GT on just the hood portion and it certainly helped protect it from road debris,bugs and stone chips on the paint.I passed on the bumper protection since it is easy to just do a little touch up paint on it plus the obvious extra cost reasons.

Now I would like to have one installed on my '08 MCS on just the hood portion but it seems to cost a lot more for just the hood portion to do.Aside from a ridiculous quote of $800 for full protection (hood+ front bumper) from one installer to a more fairly reasonable $264.95 + tax for just the hood portion installed.Naturally full protection would cost more but much less then the first quote I received.

Keep in mind that I don't have the ability nor the place (apartment building) to do my own installation so I will need to have it professionally done.

Is the $264.95 + tax a good price for just the hood or should I continue to keep looking?
Thanks.

 

Seems good to me. You could investigate the product they use and then search around here to get some input, but frankly, it'll probably do the job fine. Who wants to spend $800 on this stuff??

 

I got my bonnet (18"), bumper, side mirrors, headlights, and door handle cups for $450 using 3M. I'd shop around some more. You can do better.

 

When we first bought our MCS, I investigated clear bras and was amazed at the prices. So I thought about a DIY kit install, but was very hesitant that the quality of my own never before installation would not be to my satisfaction. I found a kit on ebaymotors--www.thexarea.com, reviewed their installation tutorial on line and bought their bumper and hood kit. The price of the kit was a mere fraction of any installation quote in the area and figure if I bungled the install, I would be out very little. With the valued assistance from my wife, we first installed the bumper. Though challenging at first because of the numerous curves, it took about an hour or so for that and half that time for the hood. The quality of the install did pass her critical eye thus lending credence to the saying "if I can do it anybody can". Subsequently I have purchased the product in sheet form and have made a bumper guard and stone guards. Though the quality of this kit was an unkown to us compared to pricier name brands, a direct hit from a larger than we like to see rock last weekend rendered no damage--proof for me. Please excuse this lengthy saga, but if you have time, patience and a helper, you can save a bundle with a DIY.

 

I checked your link and it took me to an eBay store. The Mini kit is $24.95 + S&H. Is that what you got? If so, is there any chance of damaging the paint if there is trouble with installation? I mean compared to $500-$800 for a professional install I'd be willing to give it a shot myself if all I had to lose is the cost of the product. But I would be very upset if a failed installation hurt my baby!

 

That's what we got. We just followed the instructions to the letter, kept everything wet including our hands with the soap/water solution--kept the surface and product warm with a hair dryer and gently squeegied the water out with no drama. We did wash the area first with Dawn to remove the wax and examined the surface carefully for cleanliness before the installation. We saw no harm to our Mini's paint. Keep the surface and product wet and warm--that's the key. That allows you to move the film around into position and even stretch it in curved areas if necessary. It's been well over a year now and still pleased. I also installed a kit on my son's 04 F150 and as **** as he is, he was pleased with results. PS-- I was a little reluctant at first to purchase on ebay, but the ebay store shipped very promptly and kept us well informed on the progress of the shipment. Receipt of the order took about 4 days.

 

And after a year no peeling, bubbling, or discoloration? Also I'm wondering what, if any, effects are left when it is removed after years? Any residue, change in paint color? anyone know? Thanks for your help.

 

Nothing yet. Not sure about discoloration after the years, but I do expect no rock chips. If something does happen I can always replace it myself.

 

You think this stuff is any good against getting nicked from street parking? You know jerks that feel the need to bump ur car to make sure they fit?

 

I paid $580 for front bumper, bonnet including hood scoop, fog lights, head lights, and side mirrors. I've heard anywhere from $800 to $1200...but some of those quotes did not include the fogs or head lights.

 

If your really OCD, you will want a pro doing it and they range a lot. I have had quotes from $800 to $1200.

I'm going with the dealer for $1000. The installer makes all the difference....
The materials are cheap!!!

 

Funny you mention that...the guy who installed for me is the guy who does the installs for East Bay BMW/MINI...they charge $1200 He backs his work with life time guarantee...He was even nice enough to tint my car including sunroof for $260. He does really good work.

I say...if you can find out who the Dealer uses for install...chances are they'll be cheaper than going through the middleman dealer.

 

Did you get your done at Omega Tint works?

 

Yup...Huy is a cool dude

But dang...is he busy. I got to see the new 135i one day. He did the Tint, and then he was wrapping the whole car. That 135i is one nice ride man...if only I had 10K more

 

Cool

I'm getting the whole front end wrapped this wednesday on my MINI. The soonest weekend date was 5/30. I thought he said 4/30 and said that's not a weekend

 

He does good work...He tucks the Clear Bra under the hood ends, and under the chrom head light trims...He doesn't tuck around the emblem in front though...cause he says they are tough to get out, and tuck back in with the film...so he cut around mine. No biggie.

I'm really impressed with his tint work though...very clean.

 

I was wondering how he was going to tuck around the emblem. Now I know

 

Daughter's boyfriend bought a new Suburu-they live in downtown Seattle. His bumpers have substantial battle damaged from street parking. Can only guess that any layer of protection could protect your car from the mouth breathers. I would personally double layer (DIY) a coat on my bumpers if I lived in the Naked City.

 

First off thank you for all of your replies.

buzzsaw IIRC I think I read your thread not long ago regarding the DIY clear bra installation which was very informative. But like I mentioned originally I do not have the place to do it plus the ability since I injured my back in November and have a herniated disc.

Asking my MA is a very good idea as he originally recommended that I go to Minspeed for parts and accessories for my MCS when I bought it.

BTW today I found out that the clear bra is made by 3M.

 

Mini (no pun intended) update

Okay I have an appointment this Saturday at 8 AM with Auto SuperShield to have the clear bra installed on my MCS.I met with the installer yesterday at the shop and had a long talk with him and his assistant.They have done many exotic cars like Ferrari,Lamborghini,Corvettes and so on including Mini Coopers and the new Clubman.All of the 3M material is precut using a computer program for each car/truck/SUV directly from a machine.Since it is clear showing a before and after pic will be kind of pointless but hopefully I can get some pics during the installation to post.

I will post some pics after it is done.

 

Yesterday, I had a professional service perform "clear bra" paint protection. Let me tell you, this is not the same product as you see in ebay for $20.00 (you really do get what you pay for) . . . the product I had installed is much more durable, thicker, actually works by protecting your paint and from 1-2 ft away it cannot be seen (you pretty much have to be looking for it and about 6 inches away to see it), - thus it looks good. In addition to clear bra protection for the hood and entire bumper front end, the install came with protection for the headlights, turn, and fog.

In case anyone from the So Cal area is interested, here's the info

http://spalshield.com/home

I highly recommend this product, and if you're in the So Cal area, I suggest you give this guy a call or send him an email (his name is Ed) as his product and service was impeccable, pricing reasonable and this is something that will help retain not only the beauty of your ride, it will help keep its value..

I would post pics, however, you wont see anything since its invisible protection (thats the beauty of it - its like a good aftermarket paint job, if its done right, you cant tell its been done).

Next in line to get clear bra is my Harley.