anyone know where i can purchase and intall 3m at in the socal san diego area?

 

Sort of on topic:

Has anyone ever heard of or used ArmorCoat? It's kinda like a spray-on clear bra. I saw an ad for it in a bodyshop trade magazine when I was at a local shop with a friend getting an estimate.

I'm curious if it's just an extra-thick clearcoat or if it does actually have any chip resistance.

http://armorcoat.armorauto.com/

 

This is much like "ChipGuard" clearcoat paint. It's just a very thick, bumping clearcoat. Take a look at some of the rocker panels on Toyotas and Nissans. They come like this from the factory. If you don't mind this "pebbly" look on your front bumper and hood, go ahead. Like paint, it is not easily removed should you wish to do so one day. It will have to be ground off and the car re-painted. At least the 3M film can be removed using heat from a hairdryer or the sun.

 

That's what I thought, but the FAQ on their site specifically says that it's not the textured gravel guard that some OEM manufacturers use. My buddy's Porsche had that on the rocker panels.... it was hideous.

Some of the install pics they have on their site look pretty promising:

 

Actually, that doesn't look bad, however, photographs might not show all. I suppose they can make that painted on product with less "texture" and really, all it becomes is a very thick clearcoat. Might be worth looking into more closely and see what the cost is.
If you get a good hit, it would be like fixing a paint chip, whereas on the 3M film, a nick would require the whole sheet to be replaced. It's a toss up.

 

Does anyone make a headlight fim kit?

 

www.griotsgarage.com

or try ebay.... they sell precut headlight kits

 

If your in the Vancouver Canada area you should check out www.VancouverClearBra.com and they use 3M Paint Protection Film.

 

I have actually risked in purchasing 3M film on Ebay and doing the install myself. I had my bumper repainted before I did the install. The bumper took me about 4-5 hours to install. Trust me this is a pain in the a$$. When it came to it though, I saves HUNDREDS of dollars. TO be honest, I would rate my install a 7 out of a 10. Just because it didnt come out perfect but if you stared at it you would notice the impefections. I have not had any comments on my clear bra install so I guess they dont even notice it is on there. Here are some pics when i first installed it.

You can notice the invisiable line from the clear bra in the pic.


Yes the clear bra is on believe it or not.

 

i use to install.. now I don't.. it's back breaking work..

cost for dealers for the kit is around 150-200 depending on film they use and what type of pattern they use.

I use to charge $550 for bumper, fenders hood mirror and headlight.

Having installed both and seen both age.. i recomend Venture film over 3M. easier to install=better result, Less orange peal.

both 3M and venture film will both hold up fine if taken care of.