[jmardy]

The whole package, everything.
I'll take pics of the install and post next weekend...

Any install tips before I dive in?

[eltel]

Make sure that you thoroughly clean the whole area with appropriate cleanser. 3M recommend you use 25%isopropyl alcohol/75% water to clean the area, and to use liberally while applying.

Get some good squeegees to apply the film, and make sure that there are no bubbles. Use a small pin to release any air bubbles.

Do not touch the adhesive side with dry hands, use a spray bottle with 25/75 mix as described above to thoroughly wet the car surface and the adhesive side. You cannot use too much of the spray, and it also allows you to slide the film around to get it just right.

Be careful not to stretch the film, and make sure that the ambient temperature is at least 15C, make sure that there is no dust blowing around. Do it indoors with good lighting, and get a friend to help with the larger pieces. Make sure they do not touch the adhesive sive with dry hands. Do not use detergent at any stage.

Don't wash the film for 24-48 hours until the adhesive cures.

Let's know how it goes.

Regards, ElTel

[mia]

i'd like to know how it goes also. can you put it over rallye stripes?

[eltel]

Quote:

Originally posted by mia
i'd like to know how it goes also. can you put it over rallye stripes?

Probably best to install over the stripes, but do a very careful cut so that the film over the stripes is removed. Otherwise you will have a small channel where the film goes over the stripe, and this will allow the adhesive to fail, not to mention dust and grime getting in there.

So install the kit, and then quickly do a cut with a very sharp cutting blade, - taking great care not cut into the paintwork - and then remove those sections that were on top of the stripes. Ensure that the edges of the film are not stretched where they meet the stripes, and that they butt up to the edges of the stripes. Of course make sure that you use the best striping material that doesn't shrink, else you'll end up with small gaps where the two films used to meet.

Regards, ElTel

[olddad]

Can it be installed over a really good wax job, or over bare paint and then wax?

[chiph]

I would probably strip the wax off first to ensure you get good adhesion. I've used ordinary dishwashing soap (Dawn, Palmolive, etc) to ensure a clean paint surface.

Chip H.

[jmardy]

Thanks for the excellent info ElTel!

What do you think about the wax question?
I was going to claybar the areas first but not sure if I should wax before application.

Cheers

[eltel]

I'd definitely attempt to remove the wax. You want good adhesion to the paint surface, 'cos once it's down, you want it to stay put.

I'm not familiar with claybars, but other members have had good results in removing those fine tar spots that seem to appear out of nowhere.

Regards, ElTel

[MINIAC]

I just had a clear bra installed by a professional in the Bay Area today. Having watched the whole process, I would never attempt to do it myself.

The installer I used recommended doing it on bare paint, which wasn't a problem as I only picked up my 'S yesterday.

I'll post more on my experience soon. In the meantime, if someone is looking for an installer recommendation in the Bay Area, please send me a PM.

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by MINIAC
I just had a clear bra installed by a professional in the Bay Area today. Having watched the whole process, I would never attempt to do it myself.

The installer I used recommended doing it on bare paint, which wasn't a problem as I only picked up my 'S yesterday.

I'll post more on my experience soon. In the meantime, if someone is looking for an installer recommendation in the Bay Area, please send me a PM.

Which brand? What thickness? How noticeable is it? Any pictures?

[MINIAC]

The company that installed my clear bra is called Clear Armor and is located in the SF Bay Area. They make their own kits. Although they have done Coopers for a local MINI dealer, mine was the first 'S' they had gotten their hands on. They had my car the whole day to R&D and install the kit. Their R&D wizard promised to send me some JPGs of the kit, so it can be compared to what Invinca-Shield offers and what Stongard should have sometime this month.

They use 3M urethane which is 6 mil thick and backed by 2-3 mil of adhesive. They use 40 mil thickness for the headlights, running lights and fogs.

You can see a line where a kit ends, but you have to be very close to the car especially in bright sunlight. The co-owner of the shop said the kits are more discernable on dark color cars, although I think it works well with Dark Silver.

I intend to do a more in-depth write-up later on, but for now you can view the slideshow of my Ofoto Album.

[space_cadet]

Hey MINIAC, where are you in the Bay area?

I was over there last week working in Milpitas,
where my employer, LSI Logic is based.

Boy is the Grand Am a horrible car!!

I popped in to MINI Mountain View, next to Allison
BMW. Very freindly, and they were happy to talk to
a Brit with some MINI experience. I asked about
what problems they have seen yet. Basically the main ones were windscreens and jammed seat mechs from incorrect use.


Anyway, I purchased a set of plastic covers for my driving lights - they are not available in the UK, although the lights themselves are the same.

[jmardy]

The Invinca-Shield kit arrived today. It's an impressive amount of stuff. They roll everything up pretty tightly to ship so I'm going to let if flatten out for a couple of days. I'll start with the easy flat pieces first to get the hang of it.
It looks like it will take a long time to install everything. I'll keep you all posted and take pictures of my progress.


BTW, space-cadet, Mini of Mtn. View is where i bought my S just 2 weeks ago.
Small world

Cheers
-John

[pcl9097]

MINIAC,
If you don't mind me asking, how much was it to have a pro do it? Living in upstate NY, I really need it.
Thanks.

[gromit]

Quote:

Originally posted by pcl9097
MINIAC,
If you don't mind me asking, how much was it to have a pro do it? Living in upstate NY, I really need it.
Thanks.

PCL-

I let you know a local price as soon as the Tint Shop gets back to me. Tinting is going to run $159. They couldn't give me a price right away on the clear bra.

gromit

[MINIAC]

Quote:

Originally posted by pcl9097
MINIAC,
If you don't mind me asking, how much was it to have a pro do it? Living in upstate NY, I really need it.
Thanks.

Labor rates will vary depending on where you live.

I just updated the FAQ on "clear bras". Check out the links to find installers in your area:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...&threadid=6021

[lugnutz]

Follow Invinca Shield instructions completely. Use only the solutions provided.

The water/alcohol solution will cause the adhesive to "bite" quickly so don't use it except for problem areas or edges. Read instructions thoroughly. Use the recommended solution instead.

My best recommendation is pay a professional to do it. It is not easy even for a pro. Just the hood piece took a pro a good 1 1/2 hours to get set correctly on the hood. If you're the impatient type - fugedaboudit! BTDT!

[gromit]

for installation is estimated at $200 to $300. This is only an estimate that was given to me after I sent a copy of the pattern to "The Tint Shop". The guy there figured 4 to 6 hours at $50 per. On top of $300+ for the clear bra it seems a bit expensive.

[pcl9097]

Thanks gromit,
How was the service at The Tint Shop? Pretty professional or did they seem a little sketchy. I think I might get a slight tint.

Anyone know if $300 is a rip off?

[MINIAC]

Stongard installer in SF Bay Area charges $375.