Clear bras

[upsbroke]

Ok- I haven't seen much talk about this stuff on this forum. I can't believe that with all the frontal space on the Genesis that clear bras haven't been a big topic.
I visiting my local dealer/ installer today to get the story and his quote. The shop name is Auto Candy Store in Stuart, Florida. He spoke highly of 3M product and Nanofusion that carry 5 year and lifetime warranties respectively. I'd heard some people speaking of 3M Ventureshield. He said that Ventureshield had been bought out by 3M but had a more orange-peeled look and wasn't quite as good a product.
The quote I got for my '12 Genesis was $699 for 3M-plus $123 for the headlights. Nanofushion would be 18% more than 3M price. If I wanted edges tucked under- add $58. Total- almost $900- ouch!

 

[Mark_888]

Do cars in FL (where it never snows or ices and they don't throw sand on the streets) really need a bra?

 

[KCross]

I just got a quote today from two stores in Tucson. The store carrying the 3M product as $689. The second store carried "Paint Protection Film by X-PEL" and they wanted $695. That included bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors, and the door edges and door handle cups. I didn't check on headlights but they would be additional. Yep... it is a lot of cash to keep off rock chips and bugs, which is what we have down here in place of the snow. Everything I've read and seen says that these products do a great job of protecting the paint.

I just did a $450 window tint job last week. Haven't talked myself in to another $700 yet.

 

[Gurkha]

I got the clear bra done at the end of April. Rather pricey but went ahead anyway as I usually keep cars more than 7 years.
Had it done at the same time as the tint. 3M is what they used.
Whole front bumper, partial hood, mirrors, headlights and fog lights and trunk lip. I think it was around $750. Would like to go back and do the door edges eventually!

 

[upsbroke]

If you've ever been to Florida/Georgia in the summer-you know what love bugs are. They are like acid to your paint. They dry like cement and are almost impossible to get off if you leave them unattended. When you turn on your washer/wiper to clean the windshield-all they do is smear. In fact-they get so thick that all the turnpike service areas actually have an area that you drive through that sprays your car to help clear your windshield. Other than that-Florida still has it's share of rocks and flying debris on the road.

KCross- what did you have done to warrant a $450 tint. I'm having my '12 done tomorrow with Llumar lifetime for $189.

 

[NYCGPS]

I have Ventureshield on my Mazda3. and my bro has 3M on his Infiniti FX

They're both about the same. great quality products.

Bird poop is your paint's biggest enemy. This is also why I have a bottle of bugs off spray in my trunk and I will use it to wipe them off ASAP.

 

[Mark_888]

If you've ever been to Florida/Georgia in the summer-you know what love bugs are. They are like acid to your paint. They dry like cement and are almost impossible to get off if you leave them unattended. When you turn on your washer/wiper to clean the windshield-all they do is smear. In fact-they get so thick that all the turnpike service areas actually have an area that you drive through that sprays your car to help clear your windshield. Other than that-Florida still has it's share of rocks and flying debris on the road.

KCross- what did you have done to warrant a $450 tint. I'm having my '12 done tomorrow with Llumar lifetime for $189.

Yes, I am very familiar with Georgia/Florida. If you wax your car, that will go a long way to protecting the paint from bugs.

Regarding your Llumar "lifetime" tint for $189. Doesn't sound like you are getting a ceramic tint film (unless you are getting a great deal), which is much better at reducing heat in hot and sunny climates than most other films (except metalics, which can block radio signals). I would ask your installer for a quote with Llumar CTX series film. Warranty is not the only thing to consider.

 

[KCross]

UPSBROKE ---- I had the 3M Crysalline installed all around. 40 on the side windows, rear window, and sunroof; and 70 on the front windshield. I LOVE it. I'm not into the privacy stuff, the main reason for doing was for heat reduction for which it does a great job. With the summers hovering around 105 you couldn't even touch the inside of the windshield. Now you can hold you hand against it and it is just warm. Makes a huge difference inside the car. If you want heat reduction the best two products are 3M Crystalline and Huper Optik, both have been discussed extensively on this site. I went with 3M because of the installer (Affordable Window Tinting) and the price. They did a very professional installation which has a lifetime guarantee.

 

[upsbroke]

I had mine done today too. The best my guy has in ceramic was carbon series by Suntek. We'll see how it does. Llumar metallic film is what I've gone with in the past. Price was $20 more at $210 for 5 areas.