| Undepelo | 05-28-2003 11:28 AM |
Paint protection question.
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Ok I have searche around for a while but I need specific info on a couple of things. I want to put a clear bra on my WRX but I want the hood bumper, lights, fogs and mirrors protected. I called a place recommended here and got $hitty service and they don't carry the bumper part. I want to know how much would it cost for the kit and install, and where in the DC,VA,MD will give me a good install at a fair price. Also which kit comes complete with what I want how does it compair to other kits. I am willing to pay a few exta bucks if the pricier kit is way better than a cheaper one. Sorry for all the questions but I haven't waxed my car since I bought it because I have the hope I can get a clear bra for it soon. Thanks in advance.
| satrya | 05-28-2003 11:57 AM |
For the source, you might want to compare several online stores:
x-pel ([url]www.xpel.com[/url]) (sells pre-cut paint and light protection, plus the raw material)
stongard (sells pre-cut paint and light protection)
invisigard (not sure if this is still around)
macneil.com (sells the light protection kits)
and many more. You may find more in google using the keywords: 3M Scotchcal paint protection
There are also some Nasioc vendors that sell these kits.
I've bought pre-cut headlight kits from macneil, and the raw material from xpel. If you're familiar with window tinting, it's probably not difficult. The different vendors usually describe their kits to give you an idea of the parts it covers. You can usually determine the comprehensiveness of each kit from the pictures they have.
Aside from the comprehensiveness, here are several other important factors:
(1) Sheet thickness
Headlight/fog lens protection sheets are typically the thicker 40 mil (I've heard of a vendor mentioning 80 mils, but from my personal experience, that may be difficult to install, and may not provide good heat dissipation). Paint protection sheets go from 8 mils to 12 mils, maybe even thicker. Different vendors have different preferences. For the 8 mil paint and 40 mil lens protection, self installation with reasonably good results is possible imho. Anything more, then I'd recommend a professional installer.
(2) Shape of the pre-cut kits
Some vendors differentiate themselves in how they designed their pre-cut kits. Since the 3M material is very stretchable, some prefer to make pre-cut kits that do not have too many tabs. The result is potentially better looking. However, the install is trickier. Afaik, stongard advertises their kits to have this feature, hence professional install is highly recommended. (In my case, I get the raw material and cut my own template, so it doesn't matter).
(3) Type of material
Until recently, I thought that all paint and headlight protection kits are sourced from the same manufacturer: 3M. The material is under 3M's Scotchcal line. A vendor here pointed out that Avery also makes a similar product. Imho, unless I see Avery's (or other competitor's) spec sheet, I won't be so inclined to try if the price is about the same.
(4) Installer
Once you decided to go with a particular kit and not DIY, most vendors have a list of recommended installer locations. If you feel like giving the DIY a try, you might want to check here: [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=283179]3M DIY writeup[/URL]
x-pel ([url]www.xpel.com[/url]) (sells pre-cut paint and light protection, plus the raw material)
stongard (sells pre-cut paint and light protection)
invisigard (not sure if this is still around)
macneil.com (sells the light protection kits)
and many more. You may find more in google using the keywords: 3M Scotchcal paint protection
There are also some Nasioc vendors that sell these kits.
I've bought pre-cut headlight kits from macneil, and the raw material from xpel. If you're familiar with window tinting, it's probably not difficult. The different vendors usually describe their kits to give you an idea of the parts it covers. You can usually determine the comprehensiveness of each kit from the pictures they have.
Aside from the comprehensiveness, here are several other important factors:
(1) Sheet thickness
Headlight/fog lens protection sheets are typically the thicker 40 mil (I've heard of a vendor mentioning 80 mils, but from my personal experience, that may be difficult to install, and may not provide good heat dissipation). Paint protection sheets go from 8 mils to 12 mils, maybe even thicker. Different vendors have different preferences. For the 8 mil paint and 40 mil lens protection, self installation with reasonably good results is possible imho. Anything more, then I'd recommend a professional installer.
(2) Shape of the pre-cut kits
Some vendors differentiate themselves in how they designed their pre-cut kits. Since the 3M material is very stretchable, some prefer to make pre-cut kits that do not have too many tabs. The result is potentially better looking. However, the install is trickier. Afaik, stongard advertises their kits to have this feature, hence professional install is highly recommended. (In my case, I get the raw material and cut my own template, so it doesn't matter).
(3) Type of material
Until recently, I thought that all paint and headlight protection kits are sourced from the same manufacturer: 3M. The material is under 3M's Scotchcal line. A vendor here pointed out that Avery also makes a similar product. Imho, unless I see Avery's (or other competitor's) spec sheet, I won't be so inclined to try if the price is about the same.
(4) Installer
Once you decided to go with a particular kit and not DIY, most vendors have a list of recommended installer locations. If you feel like giving the DIY a try, you might want to check here: [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=283179]3M DIY writeup[/URL]
| Subie Gal | 05-28-2003 12:15 PM |
[quote]got $hitty service [/quote]
ummm... avoiding the swear filter will only get you in trouble around here... please... no cursing... as per the rules you agreed to...
thanks.
Jamie
ummm... avoiding the swear filter will only get you in trouble around here... please... no cursing... as per the rules you agreed to...
thanks.
Jamie
| Undepelo | 05-28-2003 01:10 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Subie Gal [/i]
[B]
ummm... avoiding the swear filter will only get you in trouble around here... please... no cursing... as per the rules you agreed to...
thanks.
Jamie [/B][/QUOTE]
Whow! My bad.. Very sorry.
:(
[B]
ummm... avoiding the swear filter will only get you in trouble around here... please... no cursing... as per the rules you agreed to...
thanks.
Jamie [/B][/QUOTE]
Whow! My bad.. Very sorry.
:(
| Undepelo | 05-28-2003 01:16 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by satrya [/i]
[B]
Installer
Once you decided to go with a particular kit and not DIY, most vendors have a list of recommended installer locations. If you feel like giving the DIY a try, you might want to check here: [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=283179]3M DIY writeup[/URL] [/B][/QUOTE]
Humm, even though I have never installed tint's, I would dare going DIY if it weren't so expensive. Do you have any ideas on prices of these kits and install price range I am looking at? If the kit + Install is too much I may consider DIY:mad: . BTW thanks for your write-up!:)
[B]
Installer
Once you decided to go with a particular kit and not DIY, most vendors have a list of recommended installer locations. If you feel like giving the DIY a try, you might want to check here: [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=283179]3M DIY writeup[/URL] [/B][/QUOTE]
Humm, even though I have never installed tint's, I would dare going DIY if it weren't so expensive. Do you have any ideas on prices of these kits and install price range I am looking at? If the kit + Install is too much I may consider DIY:mad: . BTW thanks for your write-up!:)
| satrya | 05-28-2003 05:12 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Undepelo [/i]
[B]Humm, even though I have never installed tint's, I would dare going DIY if it weren't so expensive. Do you have any ideas on prices of these kits and install price range I am looking at? If the kit + Install is too much I may consider DIY:mad: . BTW thanks for your write-up!:) [/B][/QUOTE]
Price [B]was[/B] the main reason I decided to go the DIY route.
I haven't looked at 3M Scotchcal vendor sites for a while, but last time I checked (in 2001), a kit that contains pieces for the hood (just a small front portion of course), side fenders (just up to the area behind the sidemarkers), grille side pieces, and front bumper, plus minus some parts like the side mirrors, cost at least US$400.00. The front bumper alone probably cost about US$200.
In addition, a set of pre cut headlight & foglight (4 pieces total) costs between US$40-70, depending on where you buy. I'm not sure how much installation costs, but I'm guessing US$150 would be the lower end.
Because of that, I decided to first try buying the raw material from xpel. Iirc, a 16inch sheet of 8 mil thickness costs about US$12 by the foot. For the parts I mentioned above, minus the bumper, iirc 7 feet was sufficient. Even with shipping, 2 spray bottles, isopropyl alcohol, and lint-free cloth, the total cost was less than US$100, add US$40 for the pre-cut headlight/foglight kit. Cutting the templates from the raw material took some patience, but it can be done. I also tried on a simple surface like the grille side piece for practice. The rest is a matter of carefully reading the instructions & tips, and make sure the conditions are right (not too sunny, not too windy, not too cold, etc.). Since then I've used the raw material on 2 GD imprezas and 1 SG forester. Labor aside, the total material cost is at least half of the pre-cut kits, so I wouldn't feel too bad if I did a bad install and had to throw it away.
If you're unsure about whether to DIY or let the pros do it, I'd recommend getting an 8 mil 1 foot long sheet and try installing the 3M on the grille side piece (that part between the top grille with the subaru emblem and the headlights). Prices aside, it's actually easier than trying to install the thicker headlight protection sheets.
[SIZE=1]Note: I had no experience installing tint piror to the 3M installations. The reason I recommend DIY if you have tinting experience is because the technique is probably very similar.[/SIZE]
[B]Humm, even though I have never installed tint's, I would dare going DIY if it weren't so expensive. Do you have any ideas on prices of these kits and install price range I am looking at? If the kit + Install is too much I may consider DIY:mad: . BTW thanks for your write-up!:) [/B][/QUOTE]
Price [B]was[/B] the main reason I decided to go the DIY route.
I haven't looked at 3M Scotchcal vendor sites for a while, but last time I checked (in 2001), a kit that contains pieces for the hood (just a small front portion of course), side fenders (just up to the area behind the sidemarkers), grille side pieces, and front bumper, plus minus some parts like the side mirrors, cost at least US$400.00. The front bumper alone probably cost about US$200.
In addition, a set of pre cut headlight & foglight (4 pieces total) costs between US$40-70, depending on where you buy. I'm not sure how much installation costs, but I'm guessing US$150 would be the lower end.
Because of that, I decided to first try buying the raw material from xpel. Iirc, a 16inch sheet of 8 mil thickness costs about US$12 by the foot. For the parts I mentioned above, minus the bumper, iirc 7 feet was sufficient. Even with shipping, 2 spray bottles, isopropyl alcohol, and lint-free cloth, the total cost was less than US$100, add US$40 for the pre-cut headlight/foglight kit. Cutting the templates from the raw material took some patience, but it can be done. I also tried on a simple surface like the grille side piece for practice. The rest is a matter of carefully reading the instructions & tips, and make sure the conditions are right (not too sunny, not too windy, not too cold, etc.). Since then I've used the raw material on 2 GD imprezas and 1 SG forester. Labor aside, the total material cost is at least half of the pre-cut kits, so I wouldn't feel too bad if I did a bad install and had to throw it away.
If you're unsure about whether to DIY or let the pros do it, I'd recommend getting an 8 mil 1 foot long sheet and try installing the 3M on the grille side piece (that part between the top grille with the subaru emblem and the headlights). Prices aside, it's actually easier than trying to install the thicker headlight protection sheets.
[SIZE=1]Note: I had no experience installing tint piror to the 3M installations. The reason I recommend DIY if you have tinting experience is because the technique is probably very similar.[/SIZE]
| kenchan | 05-28-2003 05:58 PM |
is it really that tough to install?
i though it was just a matter of wetting down the panel with
lightly soapy water and with a heat gun (if necessary) contour
the edges to match the contour of the panel you are adhering to
while you squeegiee out the air bubbles and soapy water.
no? :confused:
i though it was just a matter of wetting down the panel with
lightly soapy water and with a heat gun (if necessary) contour
the edges to match the contour of the panel you are adhering to
while you squeegiee out the air bubbles and soapy water.
no? :confused:
| pj_cab | 05-28-2003 06:56 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by kenchan [/i]
[B]is it really that tough to install?
[/B][/QUOTE]
well...not really. i got a kit from x-pel.com, that covers the hood, the side mirrors, grill side piece and front small side of the fenders.
i was expecting a pain of an install, specially with the hood piece as the thing was big. turns out to be the easiest! and the one i screwed up just a little bit was the side mirror pieces. just followed the instructions and i got it on just like that.
the front grill and the fender pieces installed quite easy too.
it's harder on the contoured part of the side mirror, kinda tough to keep it from going up. i guess the technique is patience and lotsa soap/water and alcohol water solution at hand :D
[B]is it really that tough to install?
[/B][/QUOTE]
well...not really. i got a kit from x-pel.com, that covers the hood, the side mirrors, grill side piece and front small side of the fenders.
i was expecting a pain of an install, specially with the hood piece as the thing was big. turns out to be the easiest! and the one i screwed up just a little bit was the side mirror pieces. just followed the instructions and i got it on just like that.
the front grill and the fender pieces installed quite easy too.
it's harder on the contoured part of the side mirror, kinda tough to keep it from going up. i guess the technique is patience and lotsa soap/water and alcohol water solution at hand :D
| satrya | 05-28-2003 07:08 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by kenchan [/i]
[B]is it really that tough to install?[/B][/QUOTE]
Not sure what you mean by tough. It's not as simple as applying decals/stickers, but it's not so impossible that a person with enough patience and practice can't do.
[QUOTE][B]i though it was just a matter of wetting down the panel with lightly soapy water and with a heat gun (if necessary) contour the edges to match the contour of the panel you are adhering to while you squeegiee out the air bubbles and soapy water.[/B][/QUOTE]
The [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=283179]3M DIY writeup[/URL] I posted applies for general 3M installation, although it's more for the headlight/foglight lens protection. The squeegeeing takes some strategy in order to get enough sections stuck on the surface, and enough sections to distort and follow the contour without wrinkling. Warming the sheet is useful, but I'd be cautious about using something like a heatgun, as it may distort the sheet too much. Heat from the sun is also bad because it makes the solutions vaporize too fast.
Generally, the liquid is a solution of clean water and isopropyl alcohol. Soap + water solution is only the secondary liquid, used only to prevent the 3M from sticking on the surface. So, for big surfaces, you'd want to spray the soap solution first so that the 3M glides on the surface, and remove the soap in gradual sections with the alcohol solution when you want to install that section.
In any case, the bottom line is that it's doable, with reasonable precaution and practice. Given the merits of the 3M Scotchcal, and given the price difference between the pre-cut, professionally installed vs. the cut yourself, DIY approach, I believe it's worth a try to get a small practice raw material and try it on a simple piece like the grille side piece. It can be easily removed within minutes of the install should it go wrong.
I should note that at least one of the vendors (it was xpel, iirc) used to provide an installation video. That video was very useful in giving you the idea of the proper speed and how to tackle a particular surface.
[B]is it really that tough to install?[/B][/QUOTE]
Not sure what you mean by tough. It's not as simple as applying decals/stickers, but it's not so impossible that a person with enough patience and practice can't do.
[QUOTE][B]i though it was just a matter of wetting down the panel with lightly soapy water and with a heat gun (if necessary) contour the edges to match the contour of the panel you are adhering to while you squeegiee out the air bubbles and soapy water.[/B][/QUOTE]
The [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=283179]3M DIY writeup[/URL] I posted applies for general 3M installation, although it's more for the headlight/foglight lens protection. The squeegeeing takes some strategy in order to get enough sections stuck on the surface, and enough sections to distort and follow the contour without wrinkling. Warming the sheet is useful, but I'd be cautious about using something like a heatgun, as it may distort the sheet too much. Heat from the sun is also bad because it makes the solutions vaporize too fast.
Generally, the liquid is a solution of clean water and isopropyl alcohol. Soap + water solution is only the secondary liquid, used only to prevent the 3M from sticking on the surface. So, for big surfaces, you'd want to spray the soap solution first so that the 3M glides on the surface, and remove the soap in gradual sections with the alcohol solution when you want to install that section.
In any case, the bottom line is that it's doable, with reasonable precaution and practice. Given the merits of the 3M Scotchcal, and given the price difference between the pre-cut, professionally installed vs. the cut yourself, DIY approach, I believe it's worth a try to get a small practice raw material and try it on a simple piece like the grille side piece. It can be easily removed within minutes of the install should it go wrong.
I should note that at least one of the vendors (it was xpel, iirc) used to provide an installation video. That video was very useful in giving you the idea of the proper speed and how to tackle a particular surface.
| satrya | 05-28-2003 07:14 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by pj_cab [/i]
[B]i was expecting a pain of an install, specially with the hood piece as the thing was big. turns out to be the easiest! and the one i screwed up just a little bit was the side mirror pieces. just followed the instructions and i got it on just like that.[/B][/QUOTE]
Curious, do you think the side mirrors are more difficult than the headlights? Imho, the headlights of the bug-eye imprezas are the trickiest (well, perhaps the lower front bumper, but I've never installed that part). The SG forester's headlights are also somewhat tricky because of the contoured parking lights. I suppose both headlights are tricky because they're not that flat, plus the 3M used for headlights are much thicker than the paint protection sheets.
Anyway, I can't remember how many times I've recommended getting the 3Ms and going for the DIY route. Nice to know others think that the DIY route is not impossible.
[B]i was expecting a pain of an install, specially with the hood piece as the thing was big. turns out to be the easiest! and the one i screwed up just a little bit was the side mirror pieces. just followed the instructions and i got it on just like that.[/B][/QUOTE]
Curious, do you think the side mirrors are more difficult than the headlights? Imho, the headlights of the bug-eye imprezas are the trickiest (well, perhaps the lower front bumper, but I've never installed that part). The SG forester's headlights are also somewhat tricky because of the contoured parking lights. I suppose both headlights are tricky because they're not that flat, plus the 3M used for headlights are much thicker than the paint protection sheets.
Anyway, I can't remember how many times I've recommended getting the 3Ms and going for the DIY route. Nice to know others think that the DIY route is not impossible.
| pj_cab | 05-28-2003 11:47 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by satrya [/i]
[B]
Curious, do you think the side mirrors are more difficult than the headlights? Imho, the headlights of the bug-eye imprezas are the trickiest (well, perhaps the lower front bumper, but I've never installed that part). [/B][/QUOTE]
oh i agree on this. i was referring the level of 'trickiness' with respect to the kit that i got from x-pel.com (w/o the light protection).
yes, the lights are a pain! specially the foglamps....that's why i had someone else do that for me :p
[B]
Curious, do you think the side mirrors are more difficult than the headlights? Imho, the headlights of the bug-eye imprezas are the trickiest (well, perhaps the lower front bumper, but I've never installed that part). [/B][/QUOTE]
oh i agree on this. i was referring the level of 'trickiness' with respect to the kit that i got from x-pel.com (w/o the light protection).
yes, the lights are a pain! specially the foglamps....that's why i had someone else do that for me :p
| Ibizan | 05-29-2003 04:49 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by satrya [/i]
[B]For the source, you might want to compare several online stores:
x-pel ([url]www.xpel.com[/url]) (sells pre-cut paint and light protection, plus the raw material)
stongard (sells pre-cut paint and light protection)
invisigard (not sure if this is still around)
macneil.com (sells the light protection kits)
[/B][/QUOTE]RockBlocker is another kit that's similar to StonGard, about half the cost though. There's a pretty extensive thread about the clear bras at: [URL=http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26813]http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26813[/URL]
[B]For the source, you might want to compare several online stores:
x-pel ([url]www.xpel.com[/url]) (sells pre-cut paint and light protection, plus the raw material)
stongard (sells pre-cut paint and light protection)
invisigard (not sure if this is still around)
macneil.com (sells the light protection kits)
[/B][/QUOTE]RockBlocker is another kit that's similar to StonGard, about half the cost though. There's a pretty extensive thread about the clear bras at: [URL=http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26813]http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26813[/URL]
| pj_cab | 05-29-2003 11:37 AM |
ibizan, you won't regret getting the paint protector. all worth the cost!
i was forewarned about it early when i bought the car and i stalled on buying/installing...and wa-lah...got three stone chips on my hood weeks after driving it. then w/o hesitation i ordered from x-pel.com, and took the DIY install route. never looked back then. and after a day-long road trip from Seattle last Sunday, not a single rock chip in sight (at least within the protected areas).
i was forewarned about it early when i bought the car and i stalled on buying/installing...and wa-lah...got three stone chips on my hood weeks after driving it. then w/o hesitation i ordered from x-pel.com, and took the DIY install route. never looked back then. and after a day-long road trip from Seattle last Sunday, not a single rock chip in sight (at least within the protected areas).
| Ibizan | 05-29-2003 11:44 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by pj_cab [/i]
[B]ibizan, you won't regret getting the paint protector. all worth the cost![/B][/QUOTE] Yeah, I'm definitely getting the clear bra, just need to find an installer in my area (WI). I don't have the stones to attempt a DIY (I was always the kid in school who could never manage to color inside the lines). With my luck I'd end up with a well protected license plate.
[B]ibizan, you won't regret getting the paint protector. all worth the cost![/B][/QUOTE] Yeah, I'm definitely getting the clear bra, just need to find an installer in my area (WI). I don't have the stones to attempt a DIY (I was always the kid in school who could never manage to color inside the lines). With my luck I'd end up with a well protected license plate.
| satrya | 05-29-2003 01:48 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by pj_cab [/i]
[B]yes, the lights are a pain! specially the foglamps....that's why i had someone else do that for me :p [/B][/QUOTE]
:lol:
Now I'm not sure if you're just kidding or being serious.
Imho, as far as DIYing the various parts for a GD/GG impreza, the order of difficulty, from the easiest to hardest/trickiest are:
fog lens cover (40 mil thickness)
grille side pieces (8 mil)
fender (8 mil, front part only, near the sidemarkers)
side mirrors (8 mil)
hood (8 mil, front part only)
headlight (40 mil is rather thick to conform to the bug eye shape)
and perhaps the front bumper, only because it's a very big sheet with many features on it
[B]yes, the lights are a pain! specially the foglamps....that's why i had someone else do that for me :p [/B][/QUOTE]
:lol:
Now I'm not sure if you're just kidding or being serious.
Imho, as far as DIYing the various parts for a GD/GG impreza, the order of difficulty, from the easiest to hardest/trickiest are:
fog lens cover (40 mil thickness)
grille side pieces (8 mil)
fender (8 mil, front part only, near the sidemarkers)
side mirrors (8 mil)
hood (8 mil, front part only)
headlight (40 mil is rather thick to conform to the bug eye shape)
and perhaps the front bumper, only because it's a very big sheet with many features on it
| draggy | 05-29-2003 02:35 PM |
Satrya,
Did you wrap the sheet over the edges of the hood as well?
I'm curious to see how well that would hold up.
Also, for the fog lights have you had any problems with discoloration?
thanks
Did you wrap the sheet over the edges of the hood as well?
I'm curious to see how well that would hold up.
Also, for the fog lights have you had any problems with discoloration?
thanks
| WRXRay | 05-29-2003 03:30 PM |
I had an X-Pel kit on my Audi A4 until a flying microwave oven on my local freeway took out the front of the car (for the record, the 3M material does not fare well against microwaves). Anyway, I was never happy with the X-Pel kit due to all of the cut lines in the material - they were very obvious. I replaced the kit (after having the Audi fixed) with a Stongard kit. No cut lines and a much better fit. Also, the material was clearer and more invisible than the X-Pel kit.
When I bought the WRX, I ordered a full Stongard kit and had the same guy that did my A4 install it. He is a service manager at a local Porsche/BMW dealer and does all of their installs and tinting. I actually helped him with the WRX install, and let me tell you, the front bumper is a royal pain. The difficulty lies in the cutout for our tow hook on the passenger side. The typical install procedure is to start from the middle and stretch the material to the ends. This is not possible with the bumper as you almost have to start around that cutout. It took about 3 hours just to do the bumper and it required quite a bit of trimming.
My advice; go for a good quality kit, have the bumper piece installed professionally (the hood, fenders, and lights are that that hard), and avoid any kitchen appliances on the freeway :)
When I bought the WRX, I ordered a full Stongard kit and had the same guy that did my A4 install it. He is a service manager at a local Porsche/BMW dealer and does all of their installs and tinting. I actually helped him with the WRX install, and let me tell you, the front bumper is a royal pain. The difficulty lies in the cutout for our tow hook on the passenger side. The typical install procedure is to start from the middle and stretch the material to the ends. This is not possible with the bumper as you almost have to start around that cutout. It took about 3 hours just to do the bumper and it required quite a bit of trimming.
My advice; go for a good quality kit, have the bumper piece installed professionally (the hood, fenders, and lights are that that hard), and avoid any kitchen appliances on the freeway :)
| pj_cab | 05-29-2003 03:44 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by satrya [/i]
[B]
:lol:
Now I'm not sure if you're just kidding or being serious.
[/B][/QUOTE]
hehe i'm serious. what happened was when i got my WRX last Feb 03, i was offered the Clear Bra paint protector, and they had an office in Hillsboro. so i visited them and asked for a quote on how much it would cost for the full front kit - i almost fainted when he said over $600 :eek:
but since the guy was very honest and attended to me very well, i said what the heck, let's do the headlights and the foglamps and i'll think about the rest. and i saw first hand how they did it. they had templates already (funny the foglamp's template was a plastic cover from a coffee can - exact fit!). they got the whole sheet there, and even offered me the yellow one for the fogs, but i declined.
then a few weeks after that i got my first rock chips and since i didn't want to spend over $400 for the rest, i decided to go to the install-it-yourself route, and got the x-pel kit. and there i found out how tricky side mirrors were. :D
[B]
:lol:
Now I'm not sure if you're just kidding or being serious.
[/B][/QUOTE]
hehe i'm serious. what happened was when i got my WRX last Feb 03, i was offered the Clear Bra paint protector, and they had an office in Hillsboro. so i visited them and asked for a quote on how much it would cost for the full front kit - i almost fainted when he said over $600 :eek:
but since the guy was very honest and attended to me very well, i said what the heck, let's do the headlights and the foglamps and i'll think about the rest. and i saw first hand how they did it. they had templates already (funny the foglamp's template was a plastic cover from a coffee can - exact fit!). they got the whole sheet there, and even offered me the yellow one for the fogs, but i declined.
then a few weeks after that i got my first rock chips and since i didn't want to spend over $400 for the rest, i decided to go to the install-it-yourself route, and got the x-pel kit. and there i found out how tricky side mirrors were. :D
| pj_cab | 05-29-2003 03:48 PM |
btw satyra, would you happen to have a template of the WRX sedan bumper? the top part only (the whole lenght of the area from the bottom of the headlamps just to the edge of bumper)
i wanted to get raw material from x-pel since i just want to cover the top part of the bumper (w/c appears to get a lot of rock chips).
i wanted to get raw material from x-pel since i just want to cover the top part of the bumper (w/c appears to get a lot of rock chips).
| satrya | 05-29-2003 03:55 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by draggy [/i]
[B]Satrya,
Did you wrap the sheet over the edges of the hood as well?
I'm curious to see how well that would hold up.
Also, for the fog lights have you had any problems with discoloration?
thanks [/B][/QUOTE]
The sheet wraps over the edges. It takes some extra time during the install to re inspect and push the sheet on the hood (with a lint-free towel) before the 3M really follows the edge through. Afterwards, it sticks quite well. Since mine was a DIY, not all sections actually wrap over the edges. I suppose I could've taken more time in making the template if I wanted to.
My fog light 3M ends up being tinted yellow, so I can't tell you if they have discolored or not. What I can tell you is that the 3M on the headlights (which gets used much more than the fogs in my case) seem to look just the same as it originally was. No discoloration.
[B]Satrya,
Did you wrap the sheet over the edges of the hood as well?
I'm curious to see how well that would hold up.
Also, for the fog lights have you had any problems with discoloration?
thanks [/B][/QUOTE]
The sheet wraps over the edges. It takes some extra time during the install to re inspect and push the sheet on the hood (with a lint-free towel) before the 3M really follows the edge through. Afterwards, it sticks quite well. Since mine was a DIY, not all sections actually wrap over the edges. I suppose I could've taken more time in making the template if I wanted to.
My fog light 3M ends up being tinted yellow, so I can't tell you if they have discolored or not. What I can tell you is that the 3M on the headlights (which gets used much more than the fogs in my case) seem to look just the same as it originally was. No discoloration.
| satrya | 05-29-2003 04:00 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by WRXRay [/i]
[B]Anyway, I was never happy with the X-Pel kit due to all of the cut lines in the material - they were very obvious. I replaced the kit (after having the Audi fixed) with a Stongard kit. No cut lines and a much better fit. Also, the material was clearer and more invisible than the X-Pel kit.[/B][/QUOTE]
I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but afaik, most paint&lens protection kits use the same material; 3M Scotchcal. The material comes in different thicknesses. So, aside from the thickness, different vendors design their templates differently. Xpel's kit may have more cut lines than Stongard's. More cuts means easier install (especially for non-professional DIYers), at the expense of looks (which, in any case, would still be less visible than say, a conventional hood bra). I'd be surprised if the clarity differs. But then again, I don't work for 3M nor any of the vendors.
[B]Anyway, I was never happy with the X-Pel kit due to all of the cut lines in the material - they were very obvious. I replaced the kit (after having the Audi fixed) with a Stongard kit. No cut lines and a much better fit. Also, the material was clearer and more invisible than the X-Pel kit.[/B][/QUOTE]
I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but afaik, most paint&lens protection kits use the same material; 3M Scotchcal. The material comes in different thicknesses. So, aside from the thickness, different vendors design their templates differently. Xpel's kit may have more cut lines than Stongard's. More cuts means easier install (especially for non-professional DIYers), at the expense of looks (which, in any case, would still be less visible than say, a conventional hood bra). I'd be surprised if the clarity differs. But then again, I don't work for 3M nor any of the vendors.
| satrya | 05-29-2003 04:06 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by pj_cab [/i]
[B]btw satyra, would you happen to have a template of the WRX sedan bumper? the top part only (the whole lenght of the area from the bottom of the headlamps just to the edge of bumper)
i wanted to get raw material from x-pel since i just want to cover the top part of the bumper (w/c appears to get a lot of rock chips). [/B][/QUOTE]
No, since the bumper is not metal, I didn't see a good motivation to put paint protection on it. The strange thing is, the front bumper of my GD impreza seems to have been spared from road debris assault, unlike the hood and fender. I have several chips in hood and fender areas not covered by the 3M, yet the front (plastic) bumper seems to be almost free of chips. Maybe bumper flexure helps absorb the impact of road debris in a favorable way somehow; enough to minimize chipping.
[B]btw satyra, would you happen to have a template of the WRX sedan bumper? the top part only (the whole lenght of the area from the bottom of the headlamps just to the edge of bumper)
i wanted to get raw material from x-pel since i just want to cover the top part of the bumper (w/c appears to get a lot of rock chips). [/B][/QUOTE]
No, since the bumper is not metal, I didn't see a good motivation to put paint protection on it. The strange thing is, the front bumper of my GD impreza seems to have been spared from road debris assault, unlike the hood and fender. I have several chips in hood and fender areas not covered by the 3M, yet the front (plastic) bumper seems to be almost free of chips. Maybe bumper flexure helps absorb the impact of road debris in a favorable way somehow; enough to minimize chipping.
| pj_cab | 05-29-2003 04:13 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by satrya [/i]
[B]
No, since the bumper is not metal, I didn't see a good motivation to put paint protection on it. The strange thing is, the front bumper of my GD impreza seems to have been spared from road debris assault, unlike the hood and fender. I have several chips in hood and fender areas not covered by the 3M, yet the front (plastic) bumper seems to be almost free of chips. Maybe bumper flexure helps absorb the impact of road debris in a favorable way somehow; enough to minimize chipping. [/B][/QUOTE]
ok, tnx anyways man.
that part of my bumper has taken 4 chips already :( i also have two lone chips that were out of reach of the paint protector, a few inches before the hood scoop line.
but it's true what you said about the fender. my neighbor who has a 02 2.5rs has lots of chips on the front side of the fender near the side markers, and yes on the front portion of the hood.
[B]
No, since the bumper is not metal, I didn't see a good motivation to put paint protection on it. The strange thing is, the front bumper of my GD impreza seems to have been spared from road debris assault, unlike the hood and fender. I have several chips in hood and fender areas not covered by the 3M, yet the front (plastic) bumper seems to be almost free of chips. Maybe bumper flexure helps absorb the impact of road debris in a favorable way somehow; enough to minimize chipping. [/B][/QUOTE]
ok, tnx anyways man.
that part of my bumper has taken 4 chips already :( i also have two lone chips that were out of reach of the paint protector, a few inches before the hood scoop line.
but it's true what you said about the fender. my neighbor who has a 02 2.5rs has lots of chips on the front side of the fender near the side markers, and yes on the front portion of the hood.
| Undepelo | 05-29-2003 04:59 PM |
Hum interesting idea. If someone had the back side of the whole kit, the paper the plastic comes attached to, we could buy raw material and cut out the pieces ourselfs. Anyone??? We could even modify the template to go higher on the hood etc... :eek:
| satrya | 05-29-2003 06:27 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Undepelo [/i]
[B]We could even modify the template to go higher on the hood etc... :eek: [/B][/QUOTE]
Afaik, there is a width limit on the raw material. Iirc, the widest 3M Scotchcal you can buy is 18inches (or is it 24) wide. Had it been available, I would've covered the entire hood, fenders, and doors.
[SIZE=1]If anyone knows a source where you can buy the raw material up to 3~4 feet wide, I'd be interested to know too. :)[/SIZE]
[B]We could even modify the template to go higher on the hood etc... :eek: [/B][/QUOTE]
Afaik, there is a width limit on the raw material. Iirc, the widest 3M Scotchcal you can buy is 18inches (or is it 24) wide. Had it been available, I would've covered the entire hood, fenders, and doors.
[SIZE=1]If anyone knows a source where you can buy the raw material up to 3~4 feet wide, I'd be interested to know too. :)[/SIZE]
| pj_cab | 05-29-2003 06:33 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by satrya [/i]
[B]
[SIZE=1]If anyone knows a source where you can buy the raw material up to 3~4 feet wide, I'd be interested to know too. :)[/SIZE] [/B][/QUOTE]
how about asking 3m direct? maybe they have wholesalers out there, even online.
i saw wider rolls in the Clear Bra shop when i went there, if i'm not mistaken...
[B]
[SIZE=1]If anyone knows a source where you can buy the raw material up to 3~4 feet wide, I'd be interested to know too. :)[/SIZE] [/B][/QUOTE]
how about asking 3m direct? maybe they have wholesalers out there, even online.
i saw wider rolls in the Clear Bra shop when i went there, if i'm not mistaken...
| RockBlocker | 06-01-2003 01:57 AM |
If you are looking for a pre-cut then I would have to say the RockBlocker kit is the best kit for you rmoney, right Ibizan?
If you want to buy bulk an cut it on your car you can do that too. You can get upto 48inches wide now. The sizes are 2,4,6,10,12,18,24,36 and 48 inches by whatever length up to 120 ft long. It also can be hard to make a one piece bumper piece from bulk.
While it is not highly recommended to install yourself it is possible as you have seen here. Just make sure that you know what you are getting for the money you are spending.
the prices can vary depending on what you want and the car you have. I have the 02-03 WRX full kit for $168.00 and the 04 WRX for $266 plus shipping. Install can depend on the guy.
Hope that helps some.
Satyr you can get the wide stuff from [URL=http://www.vehicleprotectionfilms.com]here[/URL]
If you want to buy bulk an cut it on your car you can do that too. You can get upto 48inches wide now. The sizes are 2,4,6,10,12,18,24,36 and 48 inches by whatever length up to 120 ft long. It also can be hard to make a one piece bumper piece from bulk.
While it is not highly recommended to install yourself it is possible as you have seen here. Just make sure that you know what you are getting for the money you are spending.
the prices can vary depending on what you want and the car you have. I have the 02-03 WRX full kit for $168.00 and the 04 WRX for $266 plus shipping. Install can depend on the guy.
Hope that helps some.
Satyr you can get the wide stuff from [URL=http://www.vehicleprotectionfilms.com]here[/URL]
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