I need a professional to install "3M Clear Bra" on my car. Any recommendations?

[Go_Raptors]

Hey guys,

I just got my white honda civic '07. I frequently drive on the highway so I need a clear bra product to protect the front hood, front bumper, and front fender part of my car.

Does anyone know a reputable installer in the GTA area? I wouldn't mind driving beyond the outskirts of the GTA if the installer is really worth to do business with.

Keep in mind, I also plan to get my windows tinted. So I don't mind a shop that can do both jobs (tint and clear bra installations). I hope there is a place that can give me a deal if I pay to do both the tint and clear bra installation.

So any recommendations? If so, what are there prices and reputation like?

Thanks everyone!

[3weddings]

I can tell you where NOT to go!

Ziebart on Winston Churchill in Mississauga made a mess of my hubby's e320!
Then they couldn't even complete the job, because the press that cut the template broke or some excuse.

[kid_icarus]

I used Audioheaven to have a clearbra installed.

It's not 3M but it's by another company.

www.audioheaven.ca

they bring in some really talented guys to install the clearbra

i had the fenders around the lights

almost 2/5 of the front of the hood
and the side mirrors installed with a clearshield for $279 + tax.

Check it out
they're out in richmond hill around leslie and 16th

takes about 1-2 hours to complete

PS. u won't see a description of their "clearshield" product on the site. but it's installed by the same ppl that do their tint job, who are also very good at tinting!

Here is the product: http://www.clearshield.com/
audioheaven offers a 5 year warranty as well.

[Go_Raptors]

I used Audioheaven to have a clearbra installed.

It's not 3M but it's by another company.

www.audioheaven.ca

they bring in some really talented guys to install the clearbra

i had the fenders around the lights

almost 2/5 of the front of the hood
and the side mirrors installed with a clearshield for $279 + tax.

Check it out
they're out in richmond hill around leslie and 16th

takes about 1-2 hours to complete

Do you know what clear bra film they use and if the durability/quality is good? How long have you had it? Does it withstand all of Toronto's ugly weather conditions especially winter?

[chickenbones]

Never used the product, but Jeff from AudioHeaven is a great guy. I know his tinting service has good reviews.

[oscar_dog]

http://www.3mtrimline.ca

In Mississauga.

I paid about $265 for hood and fenders (tax incl.). Took about 45 minutes.

[daftfunk]

skip the bumper if you drive on the highway. cover the hood, fender, mirror and lights.

just repaint the front bumper every few years to clean up the chips and scuffs.

[baymoe]

I also recommend going to Audio Heaven. Had my car tinted by them and they did a great job. Also saw another guy with his BMW clearbra'ed and it looked amazing. The clean install on the door mirrors was really something. Cuts were clean, no ripples and no bubbles.

[accord]

I am wondering how much is the product (without labour), I may try DIY.

[urban1]

I did some research about the clear bra and white cars.

I decided against it and went with a deflector for the hood instread.

Even the new stuff thats guaranteed not to yellow will get discolored and with a white car it will show it off. Supposedly it doesnt take it very long to become noticable.

Hey guys,

I just got my white honda civic '07. I frequently drive on the highway so I need a clear bra product to protect the front hood, front bumper, and front fender part of my car.

Does anyone know a reputable installer in the GTA area? I wouldn't mind driving beyond the outskirts of the GTA if the installer is really worth to do business with.

Keep in mind, I also plan to get my windows tinted. So I don't mind a shop that can do both jobs (tint and clear bra installations). I hope there is a place that can give me a deal if I pay to do both the tint and clear bra installation.

So any recommendations? If so, what are there prices and reputation like?

Thanks everyone!

[Narci]

Keep in mind you'll have to take off and re-apply the 3m clearbra every few years. What happens is the clear bra yellows under the sun and become noticible, especially for a white car. If you ever decide to take it off and leave it off, you'll get 2 shades of paint on your car. Also, with age, the edges start to peel back a bit.

I have seen clear bras on older cars and it ain't pretty.

[Pete_Coach]

skip the bumper if you drive on the highway. cover the hood, fender, mirror and lights.

just repaint the front bumper every few years to clean up the chips and scuffs.

So why not re-paint the hood too? The bumper is the same paint and the same amount of effort.

[kid_icarus]

Do you know what clear bra film they use and if the durability/quality is good? How long have you had it? Does it withstand all of Toronto's ugly weather conditions especially winter?

http://www.clearshield.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/Product.Home

that's the brand I believe. but you can give them a call and ask them what brand it is just to be sure.

i've actually only had it for less than a week, but i had it done there based on lots of good reviews.

the team that does their tinting has been doing it for ages so i trust their reptuation. they are very immaculate and don't skimp out and try to get the job done as soon as possible.

sorry can't give you more than that though. my car is red so not a big worry.
it's a 5 year guaruntee though so if it starts to peel or do anything crazy it's covered. besides 5 years is when you'll want to replace the clear bra anyways

as for the person who wants to DIY, you do NOT want do DIY unless you have the cleaning and steaming/heat equipment they do. even so, i'd be worried about air bubbles and then having to re-apply to the point where it doesn't stick properly anymore. you also want to ensure everything is snug and not crooked.....

you might as well get a sheet of textbook laminate and try it first

[rfdrfd]

How about get a real "leather" car bra ? Black one may look quite nice on your car. Accents it.

I had one put on my car and it protected it recently from a slow hit on my bumper. The bumper was pushed in, but no paint damage, no cracks. So it only cost $80 to pop it back out.

Of course, after many years of UV under the sunlight, the fading of the rest of the car compared to the bra covered part may be slightly off, but since your car is white, it shouldn't be that bad.

These leather bras you can take off whenever you want, apply back, etc.

[Narci]

How about get a real "leather" car bra ? Black one may look quite nice on your car. Accents it.

I had one put on my car and it protected it recently from a slow hit on my bumper. The bumper was pushed in, but no paint damage, no cracks. So it only cost $80 to pop it back out.

Of course, after many years of UV under the sunlight, the fading of the rest of the car compared to the bra covered part may be slightly off, but since your car is white, it shouldn't be that bad.

These leather bras you can take off whenever you want, apply back, etc.

Bad thing about leather bras is that if dirst and stuff gets under the leather bra, it can cause scratches. Especially in the winter when your hood gets covered in road salt and washes underneath the laether bra.

[JetLi]

I actually ordered a clear bra from XtremeCity on Ebay for $45 shipped. I haven't installed it (it came on Monday), and it looks fairly easy, but I bet that to install it accurately, it will be difficult and time consuming. I have no idea how difficult it is, but I figured for $45, I can try it and if I screw it up, well, I learned something. I'll consider it tuition, I've messed around with more expensive things (to my regret) and pegged it up as something I needed to learn, I've also been very successful on somethings (much to my surprise) and saved a lot of money. So I guess, you win some, you lose some. I'm not sure of the quality difference of XtremeCity versus 3M or the clear bra, but I'll let everyone know how it goes.

[Abstract]

I actually ordered a clear bra from XtremeCity on Ebay for $45 shipped. I haven't installed it (it came on Monday), and it looks fairly easy, but I bet that to install it accurately, it will be difficult and time consuming. I have no idea how difficult it is, but I figured for $45, I can try it and if I screw it up, well, I learned something. I'll consider it tuition, I've messed around with more expensive things (to my regret) and pegged it up as something I needed to learn, I've also been very successful on somethings (much to my surprise) and saved a lot of money. So I guess, you win some, you lose some. I'm not sure of the quality difference of XtremeCity versus 3M or the clear bra, but I'll let everyone know how it goes.

I heard it's extremely hard to install yourself. You need special tools or heating equipment to apply or something. I read it somewhere. Good luck neway! :)

[Atomic Chip]

I was about to volunteer my services as an enthusiastic bra fitter (especially leather bras! ;) ) ... but realized that you were talking about cars. >:(

[daftfunk]

I did some research about the clear bra and white cars.

I decided against it and went with a deflector for the hood instread.

Even the new stuff thats guaranteed not to yellow will get discolored and with a white car it will show it off. Supposedly it doesnt take it very long to become noticable.

good idea. factory paint job on a civic's plastic bumpers and body kits is horrible anyway and you will need to repaint.

[Go_Raptors]

I've been researching and reading other forums and so far many people have positive feedback for the following shops:

1) Auto FX (in markham)
2) Audio Heaven (in Richmondhill)

Both shops have 1) clear bra installation and 2) window tint installation services which are the main services I need for my car.

Anyone deal with these shops? If so, give me some feedback.

[m4gician]

Lazer Tint in Woodbridge

The guys who do some of the best tint do also some of the best Stone Guarding (an equivalent but stronger clear bra, also a brand of clear bra to use).

He did my glass headlights as well as a stellar tint.

PM me if you want their details and possibly a referal discount.

[EH100501AC]

Only place I know that does clear bra would be Audio Heaven but it's expensive. Some detailing technicians may also know how to do this. Realistically the materials for this is like a $50-$100 depending on how much coverage/complicated the template is but the installation is where they make the money.

[Abstract]

I've been researching and reading other forums and so far many people have positive feedback for the following shops:

1) Auto FX (in markham)
2) Audio Heaven (in Richmondhill)

Both shops have 1) clear bra installation and 2) window tint installation services which are the main services I need for my car.

Anyone deal with these shops? If so, give me some feedback.

To people that dealt with either Auto FX or Audio Heaven, how much were you guys quoted for tinting or clear bra?

[kid_icarus]

279 is what I paid for my clear bra

That was HOOD, FENDERS (around lights), and Side Mirrors.

[Go_Raptors]

I called Audio Heaven today. And I think it was Jeff (the owner) that answered the phone. I asked him how much for Tint and Clear Bra installation and this is the pricing he offered:

Tint (Solargard HP True Grey Metalized Window Film) = $200+tax
Clear Bra (for front hood, side fenders, & side mirrors) = $280+tax

And if i want to install clear bra on the front bumper, he said it would be $350. Not sure if it's worth it? I'm still contemplating on this.

The clear Bra brand they are using is Clear Shield.

So what you guys think? Is this a good deal?

My car is WHITE. So if I get the tint, I'm not sure if I should get Solargard HP True Grey Metalized Window Film vs. Solargard Supreme Window Film (A Dyed Window Base Film )?? What the difference anyway? Is the metalized look very noticeable?

Will Grey Metalized look better on white or the regular one is better?

[Beradon]

How do these clear films prevent moisture from getting trapped in between the film and the car's metal surface?

[Go_Raptors]

279 is what I paid for my clear bra

That was HOOD, FENDERS (around lights), and Side Mirrors.

WHy didn't you get the bumper too?

[EH100501AC]

I called Audio Heaven today. And I think it was Jeff (the owner) that answered the phone. I asked him how much for Tint and Clear Bra installation and this is the pricing he offered:

Tint (Solargard HP True Grey Metalized Window Film) = $200+tax
Clear Bra (for front hood, side fenders, & side mirrors) = $280+tax

And if i want to install clear bra on the front bumper, he said it would be $350. Not sure if it's worth it? I'm still contemplating on this.

The clear Bra brand they are using is Clear Shield.

So what you guys think? Is this a good deal?

My car is WHITE. So if I get the tint, I'm not sure if I should get Solargard HP True Grey Metalized Window Film vs. Solargard Supreme Window Film (A Dyed Window Base Film )?? What the difference anyway? Is the metalized look very noticeable?

Will Grey Metalized look better on white or the regular one is better?

That's pretty pricey. For your tints, go to Auto-Links on Birchmount and Ellesmere. It will be like 170 plus tax, IIRC

[DSTU]

I did it myself, used the 3M product. Its fairly easy to do, read the instructions and practice with a small piece.

The key is to have lots of the solution.

It worked great, didn't notice any discoloring since I had a red car.

You can buy pre-cut pieces, check on Ebay.

[cereal83]

I wouldn't waste my money. It looks like crap and doesn't do all that much. It's also very expensive for no good reason. It's more expensive then getting a tint job geez.

I would rather have marks on my hood and bumper then have the clear bra

[JetLi]

Update for everyone: I installed it this weekend just fine. Just as I thought, it was more time consuming than anything. I spent a good 4 hours cleaning and installing it "properly", several times, I had to peel off large chunks and reposition it to get it right, but in the end, I got it without too many issues.

Tips: The instructions recommended a water with a few drops of clear shampoo for the mix, I used an old febreeze bottle and probably used about 30% of the bottle, I didn't actually need that much.

Use a hair dryer! Around the curves, the hair dryer will help you iron it our much faster.

It stretches a little! So pull it to the edge as best as you can!

Get some help from someone for the larger pieces.

Start in the middle and squeegee out in all directions, go towards the edges first, then the middle sections (ie your hood, go in all 3 directions to the edges then work the middle, else you might find yourself a little short on one side.)

Too much solution is hard to get the bra to stick, if you spray too much on, lightly apply the sticker, so it gets a little wet, then peel it off and use a micro cloth and wipe off all the excess.

Use the hair dryer for the curves, and spend extra time, too much heat causes it to rise off the curves and you end up with huge bubbles.

Tools: I bought one of those plastic scrapers/Spatulas that come in a 3 pack from Canadian Tire to push your compound around when preparing to fill dents, etc... it was only about $3.

Micro cloth
Clay bar (optional)

I happened to wash my car, then clay bar the sections that I was going to apply the bra onto. Made sure the body was perfect. This made the car super smooth and easy to work with when applying with a little of the solution.

Hopefully this helps you all out.

[Neb]

Hi , I am debating to do a stone guard myself. Has anyone ordered from www.auto-clear-bra.com on ebay before? They sell precut 3m stoneguard for my car. But it's so mcuh cheaper to get a xtremecity one. Which one is easier to install? anyone installed a 3m one themselves?

[m4gician]

By following, these instructions (it's exactly what the professional does) you can do it too.

Update for everyone: I installed it this weekend just fine. Just as I thought, it was more time consuming than anything. I spent a good 4 hours cleaning and installing it "properly", several times, I had to peel off large chunks and reposition it to get it right, but in the end, I got it without too many issues.

Tips: The instructions recommended a water with a few drops of clear shampoo for the mix, I used an old febreeze bottle and probably used about 30% of the bottle, I didn't actually need that much.

Use a hair dryer! Around the curves, the hair dryer will help you iron it our much faster.

It stretches a little! So pull it to the edge as best as you can!

Get some help from someone for the larger pieces.

Start in the middle and squeegee out in all directions, go towards the edges first, then the middle sections (ie your hood, go in all 3 directions to the edges then work the middle, else you might find yourself a little short on one side.)

Too much solution is hard to get the bra to stick, if you spray too much on, lightly apply the sticker, so it gets a little wet, then peel it off and use a micro cloth and wipe off all the excess.

Use the hair dryer for the curves, and spend extra time, too much heat causes it to rise off the curves and you end up with huge bubbles.

Tools: I bought one of those plastic scrapers/Spatulas that come in a 3 pack from Canadian Tire to push your compound around when preparing to fill dents, etc... it was only about $3.

Micro cloth
Clay bar (optional)

I happened to wash my car, then clay bar the sections that I was going to apply the bra onto. Made sure the body was perfect. This made the car super smooth and easy to work with when applying with a little of the solution.

Hopefully this helps you all out.

[stock_junkie]

If anybody has installed the 3M bra and wants to make some cash to do mine, PM me. I have a 2008 Prius and the kit is for the hood, mirrors and some of the front fender.

Here's the eBay listing I ordered from:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/2008-TOYOTA-PRIUS-GENUINE-3M-CLEAR-BRA_W0QQitemZ110208856837QQihZ001QQcategoryZ50457Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp163 8Q2em118Q2el1247

[HP_John]

I know this is a forum to save $ but I don't recommend DIY. There are lots who DIY that ends up not looking good. There are far fewer who DIY well.

[Avenger]

http://www.3mtrimline.ca

In Mississauga.

I paid about $265 for hood and fenders (tax incl.). Took about 45 minutes.

They quoted $650 + Tax for me, anyone know somewhere more reasonable in Oakville or Mississauga?

[auto-links]

Recently the paint protection films have been changed. A few years ago the film would yellow, fade, etc... Newer films now come with lifetime gaurantees against yellowing, peeling, bubbles.. etc..

3M makes a new Clearcoat film that is one of the best available on the market now. Once applied it is gauranteed to last as long as the car.

Hope that helps.

[p912043]

Just wonder are they still good now?
http://www.3mtrimline.ca

Or the AudioHeaven from Markham/Richmond Hill?

Any new update from anyone who did their clear bar recently? Like how much they charge & how long they need to work on?
Thanks.

[p912043]

Anyone?

[nielboy]

3M Trimline in Mississauga did the front bumper,hood and fenders on a 2003 Nissan Maxima for me back when it was new. A relative of mine has the car now and it still looks good, hasn't yellowed either.

3M Trimline does great work, but they are pricey.

Another good company that the BMW guys love and who will come to your house for the install is:

http://www.advancedmobilegroup.net/

He is a bit pricey too but it seems that the cars who do the best work with this film are pricey.

Joe

[nielboy]

Just wonder are they still good now?
http://www.3mtrimline.ca

Or the AudioHeaven from Markham/Richmond Hill?

Any new update from anyone who did their clear bar recently? Like how much they charge & how long they need to work on?
Thanks.

Ya 3M Trimline is still top notch. They are did a couple of cars for guys on a Pontiac G8 forum that I'm on, and those guys were very happy and highly recommended them.

Joe

[DBOi]

I did some research about the clear bra and white cars.

I decided against it and went with a deflector for the hood instread.

Even the new stuff thats guaranteed not to yellow will get discolored and with a white car it will show it off. Supposedly it doesnt take it very long to become noticable.

Anyone have pics of it turning yellow or fading?
Is it because of cheap material?

[eltonrebello]

I've had the 3M clear bra on my car for close to 6 years now. The color change is hardly noticeable. One of the edges has lifted a little. It works great. When I compare the bumper that doesn't have the coverage, and the hood which does, it's a day and night difference with regard to stone chips. I highly recommend the product.

[p912043]

I got it done @ AudioHeaven from Markham month ago. Excellent job & all of them are very helpful. I will definitely go back to them for my next car.

[boredstudent3]

has anyone experienced any problems with the bra when washing the car?...do the edges lift easily?

[eltonrebello]

No the edges do not lift easily, although I've purposely taken extra care when using a power washer near the edges.