xpel
 

Anyone tried using xpel on their car? My current car has tons of rock chips and I really dont want that to happen on the 8 (especially when its black). Or any recommendations on similar products?

Thanx for any feedback

I've never heard of it, do you have a link?

http://www.xpel.com
http://www.invinca-sheild.com

Basically, they are like very thin plastic where you can stick to your hood and bumpers to protect the paint. Just wanted some feedback and see did anybody on the forum ever used similar products.

There is a Utah company that claims a better product than those listed. They use 12 mil product and the xpel company only uses 8 mil. Also everything Clearbra does is custom made for each vehicle (or whatever you want protected). They can also protect the front, rear or the entire car if your that paraniod :D

Take it for what it's worth, I'm just adding options keeping the thread on topic :) and NO I don't work for the company.

Clearbra

Thanx IGOZMZM for the info, but I live in CA, and I dont think they have a dealership in CA. And it seems the custom install cost alot more. I think xpel charges around $200 for the front + installation

In 5 years of owning my car, I've gotten a negligble amount of rock chips.

Thus, I'm not going to get any protection for my car in that regard. Since I'm leasing anyway, there is some understood wear-and-tear that will be accumulated when I return the car, and otherwise it will be in pristine condition, so...

No clearbra for me :)

The Xpel pattern for the RX-8 is available from any Xpel dealer for those interested, check their site for a dealer finder by Zip code, Xpel.com

As for the thickness of the material, Xpel kits can be cut out in any thickness, typically though, 8mil is the perfect compromise for protection versus visual obtrusivness. We will use 12 mil on some custom race applications but 8 mil is more than enough to stop the chips, scratches, and sandblasting that occurs on streets and highways, check the pic to see just how tough 8 mil is. Also, the company you are refering to "Clear Bra" still uses vinyl film. While vinly film is less expensive than 3M urethane films, vinyl has less stable plasticisers than urethane and therefore evaporates at a faster rate than urethane. If you have ever seen an old convertable top back window that is yellow, hardened and cracked, you know what it looks like when vinyl plasticisers evaporate. Most all other reputable kit manufacturers like Xpel, Stonegard, and Dynashield use only urethane films, make sure your installer does too.

Jeremy

Judging from that pic, the film looks rather opaque. The fingers behind the film are defitely not as clear as I would like. Perhaps that changes when applied?

Also curious, how would you repair the film if it becomes damaged? And does dirt, wax, etc. build up at the edge of the film if an entire panel is not covered?

Seems like it would prevent a lot of the everyday scratches and nicks, but how about the dreaded runaway shopping cart?

The urethane film has a presure sensitive adhesive backing, this is what apears opaque, once it is applied it is completely transparent, this film would not be of much use if it turned the entire area it covered foggy;) see the pic for an example off the clarity. The film is thin enough that any dirt/wax build-up along the edges is easily wiped away with a towel or brushed out, a medium bristle tooth brush works well. This film provides protection equal to or better than a traditional vinyl car bra, typically this means only impacts large cause a dent in your car may penetrate the film.

hey! how about that pic!:D

Is it Wax-able?......... what happens if it rippes or if you get tired of it and want it off will it ruin the paint finish?

I've read that it comes off if you heat it up at 158F and peel off without damaging your paint. What I want to know is will there be discolouration?

having it installed today, let you guys know how it turns out.

hey, colin... how does it look then ?

hood and fenders look great, the installer is redoing the bumper, he says it will be perfect when done. It is a 5 on 1-5 scale for dificulty and the installer says it takes putting one on to learn the tricks for the specific car. I am not to worried because I saw a 350z the installer did and it looked great.

Don't forget to post us all some pics when it's done! I'm not surprised it's difficult on the front - there's so many curves to it!

colin....any pics of this installed yet? anxiously waiting...thx

got the front bumper redone, looks great, will post up some pics tomorrow after I wash the car.

You can wax the film with anything you would normaly put on your car, we usually recommend Zaino or other polymer waxes since they dry clear and do not leave a noticeable build up along edges. Also, though meant to be a permanent installation, the film can be removed at any time with no damage to the paint, and since the film is clear, and it will allow the paints color to depricialte evenly.
Jeremy

How much does installation typically run for both the hood and bumper kit? I called an installer today in my area and he wanted about 450 just for the install!!! That brings the total to about 1000 dollars which takes it way out of my price range. I have other areas to put 1 G in...like suspension. Otherwise it looks like a great product. Looks like I'll have to break out the saran wrap. :D :D :D

You should be able to get it done for much less than that.

My yellow one was done for $600, including installation (all the xpel kits except the door edge guards). Pics, before and after, are at the link in my signature block.

I am VERY happy with how it looks and protects. Also, it now has two coats of Zaino (car already had three when applied), and it's as "slick" as the rest of the car.

Can the entire hood be done or does it have to be just the front 12" or so. I'm concerned about the line.

There is a line, and you can see it IF you are looking (and better in the shade). But to give you an idea of how hard it is to see, the dealer has had my car twice (wheels and removing the OEM oil filter), and until the tint guy walked by and noticed it (on the second trip), they had no idea it was on there.

Come by the Houston "get together" on the 21st, mine will be there and you can see for yourself.

It is WAY better than rock chips OR a "regular" bra, which would have BIG black lines AND damage the paint if not removed and reinstalled constantly......

AND, they can cut any size piece you want, but the hood would be very difficult to do with the rotor shaped indent.

Poor Installation?
 

I had cleartech pro install my clear bra yesterday and I'm concerned about the amount of areas where the texture appears to be affected by stretching or heating during the application. The simple areas like the hood and front part of the quarter panels look great, but it does not look good anywhere the body has a curve like around the grill and on transitions around the lights. Is this normal or should I have it removed and re-applied?