First Time Installing 3M Clear Bra

[viper1cobra]

This was my first experience with the installation of a Clear Bra. I had some tips that I recieved from the person that sold me the film, and also from Thom with HTP Autoworks. I think that their information helped the install go better. I was working only working with my wife and my son. It took about 10 hours to complete but we did it all on our own. The job is not perfect, there are a few flaws but nothing major. At least the front is now protected. Please see pics for an idea about how it went.

[sherifdude]

look good for your first time Installing 3M Clear Bra

[2032Ceta]

Looks pretty good. What kit did you use and was it already pre-cut? I ordered a kit but might pay a professional to do it. I ordered the kit from clearmask. It it clear mask AR and I should get it in a couple of days. Care to share any of the tips that were given to you?

[vdevine]

Looks good...

[viper1cobra]

I don't know if your material is the same as the material that I used, but the biggest piece of advice is to keep the material wet, and keep working it to get it to strech to where you need it. For small fingers that will not go away, use a heat gun or hair dryer on low setting to help shrink the plastic to fit.

It was definetly an experience that will not soon be forgotten. Do you have a stripe kit on your car? If so I had problems with air pockets all around the edges of the stripes. After 2 days, I called the person that sold me the kit, that was pre-cut, and he advised to used the squigee to go back over those areas to help smooth out the air pockets. This did work, as I just tried it today.

Also, it is highly recommended that you have at least one other person help you, I had my Wife help out as some of the pieces are quite large. I would also recommend that you watch videos of the install process prior to attempting, as this will give you a much clearer picture of what will be required.

[Hanzo]

Nice Job! I think you found a job you can fall back on!

[viper1cobra]

Thanks for the kind thoughts, but there is very much a science to the install, if I had not recieved some helpful pointers, It would have been much worse.

[ABM 2SS]

Wow, nice job. I may have to rethink getting this done.

[viper1cobra]

I would recommend it. I have already minor damage to the front bumper and passenger mirror before having this done, and all I have done is driven it back and forth to work. If you are interested I can provide the name of the person that sold me the pre-cut kit.

[2032Ceta]

Originally Posted by viper1cobra

I don't know if your material is the same as the material that I used, but the biggest piece of advice is to keep the material wet, and keep working it to get it to strech to where you need it. For small fingers that will not go away, use a heat gun or hair dryer on low setting to help shrink the plastic to fit.

It was definetly an experience that will not soon be forgotten. Do you have a stripe kit on your car? If so I had problems with air pockets all around the edges of the stripes. After 2 days, I called the person that sold me the kit, that was pre-cut, and he advised to used the squigee to go back over those areas to help smooth out the air pockets. This did work, as I just tried it today.

Also, it is highly recommended that you have at least one other person help you, I had my Wife help out as some of the pieces are quite large. I would also recommend that you watch videos of the install process prior to attempting, as this will give you a much clearer picture of what will be required.

Thanks for the info...I have the hockey stripes and the solid piece on the hood. The kit I purchased is pre-cut for the camaro SS. This should be an adventure. I'll post pics when I finish. Car is currenly in the shop getting the painted GFX installed. I don't know what I will do to protect the painted GFX. I guess I will have to order some material and cut it to fit...

[viper1cobra]

All I can say is good luck, Have FUN, and I look forward to seeing the pictures.

[MR. FBDY]

Can you tell me what pointers and tips they told you? I am about the install mine and could use the tips.

Also, when you lay the clear bra over the flat black stripes, does it make them look glossy where it covers the stripes? I am concerned that the end of the stripe will be shiny and the rest of the stripes are satin black. I have the hockey and hood stripes, so I know the clear bra covers the front ends of them.

[viper1cobra]

On mine, I have gloss black stripes, so yes under the clear bra it does appear to be a little more shiny than the rest, but not much. The best way to tell is to cut a piece from your plastic if you have extra, and place it over your stripes and see if it makes them shiny or not.

[viper1cobra]

Originally Posted by viper1cobra

I don't know if your material is the same as the material that I used, but the biggest piece of advice is to keep the material wet, and keep working it to get it to strech to where you need it. For small fingers that will not go away, use a heat gun or hair dryer on low setting to help shrink the plastic to fit.

It was definetly an experience that will not soon be forgotten. Do you have a stripe kit on your car? If so I had problems with air pockets all around the edges of the stripes. After 2 days, I called the person that sold me the kit, that was pre-cut, and he advised to used the squigee to go back over those areas to help smooth out the air pockets. This did work, as I just tried it today.

Also, it is highly recommended that you have at least one other person help you, I had my Wife help out as some of the pieces are quite large. I would also recommend that you watch videos of the install process prior to attempting, as this will give you a much clearer picture of what will be required.

It is also recommended that you start at the top and work your way down. If you have the roof, a-pillars, hood, fenders, mirror backs, top of front bumper, and the bottom of the front bumper. Make sure that there is no dust or particles on the paint before install. Use a lint free cloth or towel to clean and wipe the surface prior to the install.

I hope the information provided helps. I also a have a 36 min video on CD of how to install the film on the different body panels. Most of this can be found on youtube. The video I have is from Beckaert the manufacturer of 3M Paint Protection Film. Good Luck..........