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Owners of Clear Bra - Fit Question

2K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  Dougcjohn 
#1 ·
Had a Xpel installer shop install a ft bra, bumper, door sills & splash guards today.

How does the Hood & Bumper FIT for all You with Bras?
I wasn't satisfied with fit, gap between edge & bra varied between an 1/8" and 3/8" inch in an uneven line along the hood's Ft leading edge and side edges of both hood & fenders.

Ft Bumper wrapped over the top edge by 1/4" and leaving a 1.5" gap on top bumper between Bra & Grill's bottom edge.

Fenders had 1/8" to 3/8" gap and similar gap at bumper/fender seams.

He stated that was the design of the template the computer printed out.
I stated that I understood material could be stretched a little to reach the edges.

My Comment to Him: if there is so much gap creating a 1/4' to 1/2' total between the two mating seams, why install a clear bar, so much area to still get nicked. He made the comment that if you're concerned about nicking a daily driver... then Don't Drive it!

I expressed a dissatisfaction, and Installer agreed to re-do the Hood; but didn't understand my dissatisfaction and was sort of stunned that I expressed any dissatisfaction.

I'm supposed to take it back tomorrow for a Hood Re-do. I'm now considering to tell them to remove the whole thing and refund my payment of $600.

I don't know Clear Bras, am I out of line? I assumed they fit better than what I'm seeing on mine. HOW do they Fit on your WK2's ???
 
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#2 ·
Re: Owners of Clear Bar - Fit Question



I just saw fireron's installation and it looked great. Damn thing was close to invisible. I've already called and made an appointment with the same installer. (Pics coming later from our "Summit Meeting", once I can get home and get them off the camera)
 
#3 ·
Re: Owners of Clear Bar - Fit Question

When I met with Netcoolery today, there happened to be another Summit in the parking lot. It was Mineral Grey with a clear bra similar to mine. I did notice the bumper gap of about 1 1/5 inch like you stated above. When I saw that, I thought WTF. It looked stupid and couldn't figure out why they would do that. Mine comes much closer to the grill that that. About 1/4" or less. Plus, the film had a slight yellow tint to it and you could tell by the temp license plate it was a recent install, like a couple of weeks.

The install is key with clear bras IMHO. The material is important of course but I want protection and looks with protection higher on ranking. The CAD program at least with Xpel has multiple options for design (as in straight or bikini cut) along with different arc configurations on the bikini cut. You then have to match the different sections (ie hood,bumper and fenders) to align. Not as easy as it sounds, plus when you heat and stretch you have to take that into account.

Did you get to watch any of the install? It sounds like they may have ( I repeat may have) used a razor or knife on the install causing the shortage of material and the uneven lines. When the razor comes out, beware. Now, there are times when a razor needs to be used to trim but in very limited areas and never across the hood or upper areas where it is visible. Look at some of the Corvette forums and read about all of the razor cuts some of them have had in their paint jobs. Enough to make you cry. The hood film should come almost to the rounded edge of the hood in the front, at least on almost all of the installs I have seen. Mine is within about 1/16" from the very leading edge. Most importantly, are you happy with the install? If not, then do what you have to do.
 
#4 ·
Re: Owners of Clear Bar - Fit Question

When I met with Netcoolery today, there happened to be another Summit in the parking lot. It was Mineral Grey with a clear bra similar to mine. I did notice the bumper gap of about 1 1/5 inch like you stated above. When I saw that, I thought WTF. It looked stupid and couldn't figure out why they would do that. Mine comes much closer to the grill that that. About 1/4" or less. Plus, the film had a slight yellow tint to it and you could tell by the temp license plate it was a recent install, like a couple of weeks.

The install is key with clear bras IMHO. The material is important of course but I want protection and looks with protection higher on ranking. The CAD program at least with Xpel has multiple options for design (as in straight or bikini cut) along with different arc configurations on the bikini cut. You then have to match the different sections (ie hood,bumper and fenders) to align. Not as easy as it sounds, plus when you heat and stretch you have to take that into account.

Did you get to watch any of the install? It sounds like they may have ( I repeat may have) used a razor or knife on the install causing the shortage of material and the uneven lines. When the razor comes out, beware. Now, there are times when a razor needs to be used to trim but in very limited areas and never across the hood or upper areas where it is visible. Look at some of the Corvette forums and read about all of the razor cuts some of them have had in their paint jobs. Enough to make you cry. The hood film should come almost to the rounded edge of the hood in the front, at least on almost all of the installs I have seen. Mine is within about 1/16" from the very leading edge. Most importantly, are you happy with the install? If not, then do what you have to do.
Fireron, Your info is basically what I was assuming... not what I received.
He didn't use razor, I asked prior to install & several times after the install... in which he assured me no razor. IMO, uneven line is not being pulled the same along the edge.

The more thought on the matter, the less willing I feel the need to give the shop a 2nd attempt... mainly since they only want to address the hood.

Personally, with a Lamin-X precut kit... I feel I can do a better job!
 
#5 ·
Re: Owners of Clear Bar - Fit Question

My hood comes almost to the front lip, pretty much right there, the left and right of the hood however does have a small space I'd have to measure tomorrow, it doesn't go all the way to the left and right edge of the hood. Bumper... mines good, looks like it goes almost under the grille and this is a plotted kit not razor cut.
 
#8 ·
Re: Owners of Clear Bar - Fit Question

My installer hand cut the Nano material, and pulled and stretched it out so that there is very little gap. THere should be little or no gap anywhere. Bruce
THIS!

I had precut and hand cut.
the shop that i typically use can hand cut from 3M ( or whatever material) and it is cheaper vs buying precut and have him install. but in NO way if i get 1.5" areas and uneven gaps i would accept it... installer should demonstrate how easy the film to remove w/o paint damage and TRY AGAIN ON HIS $$$.
 
#7 ·
Re: Owners of Clear Bar - Fit Question

I have had several cars with clear protection. 3M and XPel. My XPel is a plotted fit. XPel mil thickness is one of the thicker materials on the market. My hood protection ends at the edge of the sides of hood. The protection rolls under the front lip of hood. The fender coverage is not exactly even where the material ends near top of both fenders. There has been some edges lifting a bit. They fixed those area's easily. Overall, good installation.
 
#9 ·
Thanks to All for your Input & Info.
I discussed options with Installer today and it was decided the Best Course of action was to remove & refund my payment. No Knife marks in paint too... Phew!!

I'll wait on Clear Bra, I'm doubtful where to find a "close to home" Installer.
 
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