3M and clear bra for Vipers...

[TexasSnake]

A few quick questions:

1) What are your guys opinions that have had this stuff put on your Viper?

2) Is it something that is extremely obvious causing an eyesore?

3) Is it recommended to have this done by a professional?

4) What is the average total cost of having this applied including labor charges? - covering the front and behind all tires.

5) What is the best brand to go with?

6) It it easy to remove this stuff after applying it, later in time?

Thanks guys...

 

[Flash1034]

Ive got it on my Porsche GT3 and love it. Barely noticeable. When I get me new Viper, Im going to clear Bra it as well.

Flash

 

[wallbanger]

There are lost of posts on this even recently,,do a search... some people swear by it, some hate it,, i'm very much a believer myself

 

[TexasSnake]

There are lost of posts on this even recently,,do a search... some people swear by it, some hate it,, i'm very much a believer myself

I've read a few and like you said get mixed reviews. That's why I asked the specific questions. I guess I need to see a car with it to make a judgement myself.

 

[wallbanger]

1.i love it
2.not obvious not an eye sore
3.i would go with a professional
4.$850 with installation was my cost
5.i have no idea

specific answers

 

[TexasSnake]

1.i love it
2.not obvious not an eye sore
3.i would go with a professional
4.$850 with installation was my cost
5.i have no idea

specific answers

Thank you for the feedback. I added a #6 since your post...just wondering if the stuff came off easy when it needed replacing, without damaging your paint...which would obviously defeat the purpose.

 

[wallbanger]

i'm not sure how easy they come off,, However when i did my initial install the installer actually touched up a few rock chips(mostly on side sills) before applying the bra,,,,i do remember one member here who had the bra installed and then changed his mind and had it removed ... he didn't mention any problems with the paint...Also they usually come with a warranty of at least 12 months

 

[agentf1]

i'm not sure how easy they come off,, However when i did my initial install the installer actually touched up a few rock chips(mostly on side sills) before applying the bra,,,,i do remember one member here who had the bra installed and then changed his mind and had it removed ... he didn't mention any problems with the paint...Also they usually come with a warranty of at least 12 months

3M's warranty is 5 years. Front Guard is replacing the film on my L very soon since the gen II film is starting to fail after 4 years. They are on Gen III film now.

Definitely go with a professional especially for a Viper. You also want to make sure they are NOT cutting it on your car and using a pre cut kit.

 

[Nowayforya]

I both sell and install a product called ClearMask. You can see the product at ClearMask.com. You can also see what kits are available for your Viper and decide what areas you wish to protect.
I recommend the ClearMask AR material.
I have done dozens of installs on all types of vehicles including 20 or so Vipers.
If you would like to send me a PM, I will provide you with my phone number. You can call and I will answer any questions you have concerning the product.

Thanks,

Hal

 

[85 of 200]

I install both 3M and Ventureshield. For a viper I would apply Ventureshield, the orange peel in 100 times better than 3Ms 8 mil material. 3M is great but not for a high end car just because of the orange peel. Get a pro to do it, if anyone tells you otherwise they are full of poo. The 3M has a five year warranty, and the Ventureshield has a lifetime warranty. A lot of installers will try to get you to go with 3M because a good installer will have a lifetime warranty on labor and 3M does credit the installer for labor on warranty work. Venture does not. If it was your everyday car, I would say either 3M or Venture, but for your viper stick with Venture, and if your car is black it will be a hugh differance. As for doing a kit or bulk, I have mixed feelings. I love kits but bulk can have its advantages, I try to stick with kits but sometimes bulking it is better. The only problem is cutting the film on the car. As for that a good installer will never touch the paint, you only cut about 5 mil into the 8 mil film and then basically tear it, it tears perfect if done right. That being said, I would never let anyone cut on my car except ME. PM me if you have any questions or would like more info over the phone.

 

[rcl4668]

I install both 3M and Ventureshield. For a viper I would apply Ventureshield, the orange peel in 100 times better than 3Ms 8 mil material. 3M is great but not for a high end car just because of the orange peel. Get a pro to do it, if anyone tells you otherwise they are full of poo. The 3M has a five year warranty, and the Ventureshield has a lifetime warranty. A lot of installers will try to get you to go with 3M because a good installer will have a lifetime warranty on labor and 3M does credit the installer for labor on warranty work. Venture does not. If it was your everyday car, I would say either 3M or Venture, but for your viper stick with Venture, and if your car is black it will be a hugh differance. As for doing a kit or bulk, I have mixed feelings. I love kits but bulk can have its advantages, I try to stick with kits but sometimes bulking it is better. The only problem is cutting the film on the car. As for that a good installer will never touch the paint, you only cut about 5 mil into the 8 mil film and then basically tear it, it tears perfect if done right. That being said, I would never let anyone cut on my car except ME. PM me if you have any questions or would like more info over the phone.

Ditto on the Ventureshield. Had it applied to the front fascia, entire hood, side sills, door handles, mirror housings, behind the wheels and the rear bumper of my 2006 with absolutely no issues. Finding a good pro installer is key:

As you can see even from this huge picture, the film is almost invisible, even on a fairly dark color like blue.

I will have the same treatment done to my 2008 along with a new windshield treatment recommended by my installer called Proline Protective Windshield Skin.

/Rich

 

[wallbanger]

OKAY ,, they sell way more vettes than vipers so here is a thread on the vette forum comparing the 3m to the ventureshield.... the very last post has excellent pics which show how the bra is a bit more visible when u look at the front piece from the back of the car...

personally i haven't made up my mind yet

Clear Bra? - VentureShield vs 3M - Corvette Forum

 

[wallbanger]

The venture shield website says there is no pattern available yet for the 08 viper..also there are not a lot of installers
VentureShield

 

[85 of 200]

I read the post if kinda funny. I agree with what was said by everyone almost. Without getting into the specifics about the film, 3M film does weather better than ventureshield. That is why for your everyday car, go with 3M. As for the pictures, Installers make a HUGE difference, and BLACK cars are the worst. I tell anyone with a black car, THERE WILL BE SOME IMPERFECTIONS. You cant get away from it. Both films are great but again, with a car that never sees rain, Im sure you keep it clean always, I like Venture, but I sell both and they are both great. You cant go wrong with either. Look at the 06 viper pattern same thing.

 

[85 of 200]

And as for trying to see any clear bra in a picture, IMPOSSIBLE, you have to see it in person, call some local tint places.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

3M is very durable and does exactly what it is supposed to do. I have it on my tracker.

However I don't have it on my street Viper. I prefer to repaint the fascia every 50K or so.

 

[Kenneth Krieger]

I have the 3M clear bra on my 05 Commemorative Edition. It was on the care when I purchased it, and so far it's saved the front fascia. Absolutely no rock chips and I have 5300 miles on the car now.

 

[alpha85]

where did you get it done for 850.00?

 

[wallbanger]

i spoke with the little rock ventureshield installer this am.. he claims that the little rock bmw dealer installs it on every , yes every , new bmw sold..His prices were cheaper than 3m 2

alpha85 i had my 3m done at dentguy in dallas

 

[CitySnake]

Excellent info here! Thanks to everyone who took the time to post.

About to take delivery on a black Viper, so this is now on my radar. I was a bit shocked to read that some have effectively applied film to their entire car! I was just thinking of the facia and the front third of the hood. I know you can see the line where the film ends, but I never thought of covering the entire hood.

 

[goldcup]

I have a Sapphire Blue car with the 3M bra, the edge of the film is not noticed by most people and is not as obvious as you would think.Definately worth the money and is not obvious unless you get wax on the edges.

 

[TexasSnake]

I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond to my original post. I will be looking to get this done really soon in the Houston area if anyone knows of a good installer.

Thanks again...

 

[ssnaked]

I highly recommend it. I used 3M. Its not noticeable and will save your paint. I run my car on the track and it really protects against chips and scratches. Put it on the front, lights, back of mirrors, sills and front of rear quarters. I turned to my local Ferrari dealer to find out who he used. His guy was the best with the most experience. Do not cheap out of who you let do this. It cost me $1500. Well worth it.

__________________
2006 FE Coupe

 

[Black Moon]

Wow! $800, $1500? I bought a 3m kit online and a friend who own a tint shop did it for me. Less than $200 total including 2 12 packs of Corona and no he didn't drink during the installation. I highly reccomend it on any car you want to keep chip free.

 

[DPViper]

I have 3M on my hood, sills and nose. Be careful if you put it on areas that have been repainted. I removed the clear coat once when I pulled the material off the repainted side sill.

A local high line dealer has a spotless 911 GT3RS and the ENTIRE care is covered in clear bra. A real work of art. See Ooley & Blackburn in Indianapolis, IN Dealer Used Cars - Details

 

[texas_venom]

I had a ClearMask kit put on my car the day I got it. After almost 20k miles, not a single rock chip on it. I had the front bumper, hood, healights, mirrors, and rocker panels done and the kit was outstanding. Prices will vary by region the brand you go with. But beware, there are some very poor installers out there... and it is not something you want to try yourself.

Check ClearMask.com Its a quality kit at a great price... and has a lifetime warranty for the kit for as long as you own it.

Where are you located? I do know some people that have been doing installs for a while. Maybe your close by...

 

[Rolstar]

I have it on both cars now. The VOI coupe has the race wrap (eventhough I won't track it). Larger hood, front facia, side sills and rear qtr panels, and side panels. He even did inside the wheel well lip to help with the sandblasting of the small stones. Paid $1200 for the 3M. Well worth the investment.

 

[Flexx91]

Wow! $800, $1500? I bought a 3m kit online and a friend who own a tint shop did it for me. Less than $200 total including 2 12 packs of Corona and no he didn't drink during the installation. I highly reccomend it on any car you want to keep chip free.

I was quoted $450 by a place here in Houston.

 

[TexasSnake]

I was quoted $450 by a place here in Houston.

Be sure and leave and update post or send me a PM if you decide to have this done. I am in the Houston area and would like to know of a place that does good work. I would like to get the best deal, but that doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[Sellshomesdrivesviper]

3M bra covers my ****** on my beast.