Clear bra installation gone wrong
#16
I'll accept the original paint with a few minor scratches vs. a repaint. EASY. Leave well enough alone.
Thanks to the OP for the reminder on what can go wrong when due diligence takes a back seat to trusting the work of others.
#17
Rennlist Member
I'd take it to a really good detailer and see if they can buff the scratches out. It will depend, of course, on how deep they are. But I've seen some detailers work miracles.
If that doesn't work, I personally would do the repaint. I understand the rationale of others for saying "don't repaint the car". But, for me personally, the scratches would drive me nuts. Fortunately I've found some exceptional painters in the classic car world that can usually blend in a repair that will be unnoticeable (and much less noticeable than the scratches). Bottom line, the roof probably won't be a 10 out of 10 any more. But it will be a 9.9 out of 10 versus considerably worse (IMO) if the scratches are left intact.
But that's just my $0.02. I think ultimately it will depend on which bothers you more. Slightly less than perfect factory paint or scratches. If you do decide to paint, make sure to do a lot of DD on the paint shops before choosing one. Like clear bra installers, some are much better than others.
If that doesn't work, I personally would do the repaint. I understand the rationale of others for saying "don't repaint the car". But, for me personally, the scratches would drive me nuts. Fortunately I've found some exceptional painters in the classic car world that can usually blend in a repair that will be unnoticeable (and much less noticeable than the scratches). Bottom line, the roof probably won't be a 10 out of 10 any more. But it will be a 9.9 out of 10 versus considerably worse (IMO) if the scratches are left intact.
But that's just my $0.02. I think ultimately it will depend on which bothers you more. Slightly less than perfect factory paint or scratches. If you do decide to paint, make sure to do a lot of DD on the paint shops before choosing one. Like clear bra installers, some are much better than others.
#20
The installer is everything. I had some removed because it was bad but no paint damage on anther car. Years ago I found Premier. There prices are not cheap but you pay once and have an install that can not be detected and will last for years.
#22
Rennlist Member
who was the installer of the OP?
i try not to ever have a dealer do installs, they rarely ever turn out well. i had to on my GT3 a couple of weeks ago when i picked up mine only because i had to drive 300 miles back home. i may have my installer redo the front end. its amazing when you look at the car the noticeable quality difference between the front and the rest of the car. its night and day.
jeff
i try not to ever have a dealer do installs, they rarely ever turn out well. i had to on my GT3 a couple of weeks ago when i picked up mine only because i had to drive 300 miles back home. i may have my installer redo the front end. its amazing when you look at the car the noticeable quality difference between the front and the rest of the car. its night and day.
jeff
#23
Thanks for your feedback guys.
Here is the update:
The car will require around $6k to be fixed. The bulk goes to replacing the headlights which were damaged by the razor blades while installing the stickers on them
I haven't made up my mind about painting yet but the scratches are a lot less visible after the detailing. You can barely notice them unless you know the car or know what it went through.
The dealer will only install new stickers on the back fenders. I decided not to install a clear bra on this car.
The quotation went to the shop that did this damage. Im waiting for their reply.
Here is the update:
The car will require around $6k to be fixed. The bulk goes to replacing the headlights which were damaged by the razor blades while installing the stickers on them
I haven't made up my mind about painting yet but the scratches are a lot less visible after the detailing. You can barely notice them unless you know the car or know what it went through.
The dealer will only install new stickers on the back fenders. I decided not to install a clear bra on this car.
The quotation went to the shop that did this damage. Im waiting for their reply.
#24
If this was an Xpel job, then likely Xpel headquarters would appreciate knowing who the installer is, even if you don't want to tell us (even though the community here I'm sure would like to avoid this establishment).
Adam Millsap would be the one to contact... email amillsap@xpel.com , phone number 1800-447-9928.
Glad you're working towards a hopefully satisfying conclusion.
Adam Millsap would be the one to contact... email amillsap@xpel.com , phone number 1800-447-9928.
Glad you're working towards a hopefully satisfying conclusion.
#26
[QUOTE=1pvr;11901163]If this was an Xpel job, then likely Xpel headquarters would appreciate knowing who the installer is, even if you don't want to tell us (even though the community here I'm sure would like to avoid this establishment).
My guess is that he used Xpel film but didn't use their patterns. I have installed numerous kits on Porsches and I can tell you that the kits for Porsches fit perfectly every time. There is never a need to use a razor unless you are not very good at installing film and overstretch the film.
My guess is that he used Xpel film but didn't use their patterns. I have installed numerous kits on Porsches and I can tell you that the kits for Porsches fit perfectly every time. There is never a need to use a razor unless you are not very good at installing film and overstretch the film.
#27
Hi
It is not Xpel. It's an Asian brand (I think). Very popular in Asia, ME, Europe and South America. they do operate in US according to their website.
I am not planning on shaming them, especially if they work to rectify what they did to my car. Mistakes happen.
Thanks again for your messages guys.
Appreciate it.
It is not Xpel. It's an Asian brand (I think). Very popular in Asia, ME, Europe and South America. they do operate in US according to their website.
I am not planning on shaming them, especially if they work to rectify what they did to my car. Mistakes happen.
Thanks again for your messages guys.
Appreciate it.
#28
I would be very surprised if the installer was willing to pay for replacement headlights.
Thanks for your feedback guys.
Here is the update:
The car will require around $6k to be fixed. The bulk goes to replacing the headlights which were damaged by the razor blades while installing the stickers on them
I haven't made up my mind about painting yet but the scratches are a lot less visible after the detailing. You can barely notice them unless you know the car or know what it went through.
The dealer will only install new stickers on the back fenders. I decided not to install a clear bra on this car.
The quotation went to the shop that did this damage. Im waiting for their reply.
Here is the update:
The car will require around $6k to be fixed. The bulk goes to replacing the headlights which were damaged by the razor blades while installing the stickers on them
I haven't made up my mind about painting yet but the scratches are a lot less visible after the detailing. You can barely notice them unless you know the car or know what it went through.
The dealer will only install new stickers on the back fenders. I decided not to install a clear bra on this car.
The quotation went to the shop that did this damage. Im waiting for their reply.
#29
Rennlist Member
Hamad,
The high ground is a good place to start. You know what you want.
The high ground is a good place to start. You know what you want.