I want to have clear bra paint protection film installed on my 2006 LS430. My choice is the 30" hood cover vs the standard 24". Just wondering what others think, especially if you've done the same.

Also, what price did you pay for the complete install job: hood, fender, mirror kit; Bumper kit; and headlamp/fog lamp kit?

I like the Xpel Technologies (3M) product. Used it before on my BMW and it worked well.

Thanks,

JayBernard

 

I had it done on all of my cars. Highly recommended. My philosophy is always more is better If you are protecting the hood, why shorten the 6". Imagine when you get a chip at the area if you had the shorter one installed. Labor is the same, the cost of the film may differ, but shouldn't be that much.

I've had Xpel on my previous black GS, worked out good. I went to another film by 3M also(can't rmember the name), which is even better, thinner, and with no build in orange peel.

 

imho i would probably just stay with the 24" one unless they have the huge piece that allow you to do the whole hood

 

24"? Where would the seam be for that? I believe the clear bra on our 06 extends to about 8" beyond the top of the grill, and I feel that's far enough, as did the professional who installed it.

My installer did not use a precut kit for installation, rather he cut and fit each piece perfectly. Total cost for the clearbra (3M), 50% (huber) tint and full detail (zaino bros) was $1500 + case of beer and pizza

 

For the record: Clear Bra Paint Protection completed as initially posted. Installer came to my home, installed the 3M kits for hood/front bumper, fender and sideview mirrors, and headlamp/fog lights. He supplied all materials and labor. Total cost: $600. I'm most pleased with results, and the protective film is not at all obvious against the Mercury Metallic exterior of my LS. Highly recommend this product and application by a certified installer. Most happy to answer any questions from ClubLexus colleagues.
--JayBernard

 

congrats on the clear bra jay! glad you are happy with the results, and hopefully it's going to protect you against most chips and bugs!

 

500 sounds like a more reasonable price but 1500? Although he did custom cut everything it is very uneccesary. Pre cut kits are a lot cleaner and down time is very minimal. Im guessing if you spent 1500 you must of got the whole hood done. 3m is clear bra is awsome and works great for bumpers i cant get over the line you get across the front of your hood but i guess it beats rock chips

 

$500 wouldn't be out of the question, but a little cheap.

Here is who I've used to do all of our cars: www.starshieldarmor.com

The really don't do installs anymore, their main focus is reselling their software to their dealers who make and install the kits. The enter all of their designs into a CAD program. So they should be able to refer you to an installer in your area.

 

Ref my 10-12-06 post to wit:

For the record: Clear Bra Paint Protection completed as initially posted. Installer came to my home, installed the 3M kits for hood/front bumper, fender and sideview mirrors, and headlamp/fog lights. He supplied all materials and labor. Total cost: $600. I'm most pleased with results, and the protective film is not at all obvious against the Mercury Metallic exterior of my LS. Highly recommend this product and application by a certified installer. Most happy to answer any questions from ClubLexus colleagues.
--JayBernard

That's $600 (not $500) -- but the installer did throw in a free detail job which clinched the deal. I opted for the 30" hood coverage which is not at all excessive when you measure from the bottom of grill upward and over. I previously used XPEL/3M products on my BMW and was most satisfied. Here's the XPEL website for further details on products and dealer/installer locations: http://www.xpel.com.

--JayBernard