IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Clear Bra Advice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 5, 2016 | 08:48 AM
  #1  
wallaceb's Avatar
wallaceb
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 9
From: IL
Default Clear Bra Advice

I need some advice here. The local Lexus dealer has the following options on a clear bra for my 2016 IS300 AWD.

$450---Partial Hood, Partial Fenders, Side View Mirrors (no front bumper)

$799--Partial Hood, Partial Fenders, Side View Mirrors, Full Bumper)

This is the high quality XPEL Ultimate which I know is the best out there.

Is it even worth getting it done if I don't get the bumper done?
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2016 | 08:56 AM
  #2  
doodlebug's Avatar
doodlebug
Instructor
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 931
Likes: 82
From: Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by wallaceb
I need some advice here. The local Lexus dealer has the following options on a clear bra for my 2016 IS300 AWD.

$450---Partial Hood, Partial Fenders, Side View Mirrors (no front bumper)

$799--Partial Hood, Partial Fenders, Side View Mirrors, Full Bumper)

This is the high quality XPEL Ultimate which I know is the best out there.

Is it even worth getting it done if I don't get the bumper done?
The bumper will suffer the most damage. Pay the extra money for it.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2016 | 08:58 AM
  #3  
Vivid101's Avatar
Vivid101
Pole Position
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 308
Likes: 5
From: IL
Default

FYI the dealers outsource this to other shops and then mark up the price. The shop comes in and applies it at the dealer. You are better off going straight to the places that install this and save some money.

any good Tint shop can do the clear bra.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2016 | 10:02 AM
  #4  
listairee's Avatar
listairee
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: IA
Default

Originally Posted by Vivid101
FYI the dealers outsource this to other shops and then mark up the price. The shop comes in and applies it at the dealer. You are better off going straight to the places that install this and save some money.

any good Tint shop can do the clear bra.

It's true what he said. Even if the dealers do it, they do a crappy job 95% of the time. Learned my lesson.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2016 | 10:15 AM
  #5  
Lex2133's Avatar
Lex2133
Rookie
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
From: AZ
Default

Never go to the dealers to get this kind of work done. I got Xpel Ultimate forPartial Hood, Partial Fenders, Side View Mirrors, Full Bumpers for $450 by an independent.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2016 | 04:17 PM
  #6  
Turismo's Avatar
Turismo
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 131
Likes: 14
From: TX
Default

I did mine myself. It was kind of a pain but definitely worth all the money I saved. 3M Scotchguard Pro, hood, bumper, mirrors, fenders, door cups, edge guards, etc...everything you'd want, under $300. The shop that does it for the local dealership quoted me $1799 for the same film, same areas.....






Not perfect, but considering the money saved I'm happy with my decision
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2016 | 04:48 PM
  #7  
doodlebug's Avatar
doodlebug
Instructor
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 931
Likes: 82
From: Tennessee
Default

Originally Posted by Turismo
I did mine myself. It was kind of a pain but definitely worth all the money I saved. 3M Scotchguard Pro, hood, bumper, mirrors, fenders, door cups, edge guards, etc...everything you'd want, under $300. The shop that does it for the local dealership quoted me $1799 for the same film, same areas.....






Not perfect, but considering the money saved I'm happy with my decision
Looks like you did a great job. How long did it take you?
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2016 | 10:22 PM
  #8  
AMNss's Avatar
AMNss
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 491
Likes: 6
From: Middle east
Default

Originally Posted by Turismo
I did mine myself. It was kind of a pain but definitely worth all the money I saved. 3M Scotchguard Pro, hood, bumper, mirrors, fenders, door cups, edge guards, etc...everything you'd want, under $300. The shop that does it for the local dealership quoted me $1799 for the same film, same areas.....






Not perfect, but considering the money saved I'm happy with my decision
Actually you did a good job installing it. Where did you get the film and what are the tools that you needed?
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)

 Brett Foote
story-4

2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 05:30 AM
  #9  
listairee's Avatar
listairee
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: IA
Default

Originally Posted by Turismo
I did mine myself. It was kind of a pain but definitely worth all the money I saved. 3M Scotchguard Pro, hood, bumper, mirrors, fenders, door cups, edge guards, etc...everything you'd want, under $300. The shop that does it for the local dealership quoted me $1799 for the same film, same areas.....






Not perfect, but considering the money saved I'm happy with my decision
Looks good!
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 06:11 AM
  #10  
lexi90's Avatar
lexi90
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 25
From: CT
Default

Originally Posted by wallaceb
I need some advice here. The local Lexus dealer has the following options on a clear bra for my 2016 IS300 AWD.

$450---Partial Hood, Partial Fenders, Side View Mirrors (no front bumper)

$799--Partial Hood, Partial Fenders, Side View Mirrors, Full Bumper)

This is the high quality XPEL Ultimate which I know is the best out there.

Is it even worth getting it done if I don't get the bumper done?
Do it as soon as you can! You'll have no regrets later! I had mine done with the partial kit (fenders & hood), full front bumper, & side mirrors. Xpel Ultimate. Also, like others have mentioned before, do not use the dealer to get this services. Go straight to a local certified installer. And yes, make sure it's a certified Xpel Installer (look it up on the Xpel site)!
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 06:15 AM
  #11  
lexi90's Avatar
lexi90
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 25
From: CT
Default

Here's a picture of mine when the car was delivered to me! The first couple of pictures are from when the shop first installed the Xpel kit. The last picture - I brought the car back to them to have it lowered and sealed with Ceramic Pro nano coating.
Attached Thumbnails Clear Bra Advice-xpel-2.jpg   Clear Bra Advice-xpel-1.jpg   Clear Bra Advice-img_1151.jpg  
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 07:48 AM
  #12  
Turismo's Avatar
Turismo
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 131
Likes: 14
From: TX
Default

It was probably about 4 hours worth of work, spread out over a week lol...I'm really **** though and tried to remove every little bubble.
Got it here.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/3M-PRO-Series-Paint-Protection-Film-Kit-Fits-2015-Lexus-IS-250-IS-350-F-Sport-/401066201868?nav=SEARCH

Good seller. Great customer service.
It comes with a basic squeegee. You'll need 2 empty spray bottles, some rubbing alcohol, baby shampoo (or similar...bubbles are bad) and a few clean towels. A helper for the larger sections is also recommended, just to get them off the sheet and on the car without folding over into itself.
Watch all the guide videos in the description on that link. You'll have a good idea what you're in for.

Last edited by Turismo; Apr 6, 2016 at 08:22 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 09:22 AM
  #13  
AMNss's Avatar
AMNss
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 491
Likes: 6
From: Middle east
Default

Originally Posted by Turismo
It was probably about 4 hours worth of work, spread out over a week lol...I'm really **** though and tried to remove every little bubble.
Got it here.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/3M-PRO-Series-...868?nav=SEARCH

Good seller. Great customer service.
It comes with a basic squeegee. You'll need 2 empty spray bottles, some rubbing alcohol, baby shampoo (or similar...bubbles are bad) and a few clean towels. A helper for the larger sections is also recommended, just to get them off the sheet and on the car without folding over into itself.
Watch all the guide videos in the description on that link. You'll have a good idea what you're in for.
Thanks.

BTW this a pre-cut film which is easier for install, but is it a little short ? Since I heard pre-cut PPF doesn't cover the sides properly.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 11:19 AM
  #14  
AMNss's Avatar
AMNss
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 491
Likes: 6
From: Middle east
Default

This is my car with Xbel ultimate. I had to pay 530$ for the installer since he was the only one giving a warranty for yellowing.


Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 02:26 PM
  #15  
Turismo's Avatar
Turismo
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 131
Likes: 14
From: TX
Default

Originally Posted by AMNss
Thanks.

BTW this a pre-cut film which is easier for install, but is it a little short ? Since I heard pre-cut PPF doesn't cover the sides properly.
It is smaller than the dimensions it covers, and it is supposed to be stretched during application. Hang on, I'll post a vid...
EDIT: here ya go..
https://youtu.be/1pFBLCsN3K0

Last edited by Turismo; Apr 6, 2016 at 02:39 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:22 AM.

story-0
Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time

Slideshow: A five-car lineup spanning more than five decades of Toyota performance and engineering will tackle one of Italy's most celebrated automotive routes.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-15 16:53:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???

Slideshow: a quick review of the 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport Handling

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-18 14:36:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Lexus daily drivers

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 11:14:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)

These five Lexus and Toyota models are the most sought-after on the market right now.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 10:47:52


VIEW MORE
story-4
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-6
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE