Robert Collins - 96 993TT

I already did a search and found several discussions regarding the 3M Invisi-shield or Invinca-shield. I could not really find a discussion about the different brands or types of clear bras.


I met with an independent installer at the local Infiniti dealer who does every new car they sell. He said the Digi-cut film is only 6 mils thick and is alot better and more durable than the 3M due to not yellowing over time and the fact that it has a higher gloss than the 3M. Any thoughts from anyone on this?? The only problem, they don't have pre cut patterns for any car before MY 2000.

WHAT ABOUT Xpel? Any other brands?

Another thought....what kind of film does the Premier tour group company use? I figured they would probably know their stuff.

Also, I would consider a DIY, but with the Turbo S lower lip and the TT front bumper, I would think it is a pretty hairy install.

Thanks for any insight guys. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Robert Collins

GreggT

Well I posted this a last yr when I was shopping ....the 4 yr old Scotchcal clear on the Turbo needed replacement.
Anyway....back then.......I did decide that the Llumar material was what I wanted to try this time around......clearer-smoother that Scotchcal, so many say. It has worked out very well.

..........here is a couple points:


**3M 8mil Scotchcal polyurathane film (uptated version 2004).......used by.....Ultrashield, Invinca-shield, Stongard, Xpel, Armourfend.

**Venture Tape/Shield/Film.........used by independents........can stretch more, toupher than 3M, more expensive than 3M

**Llumar.........clear, smooth finish....definately best for darker cars.......more flexible/formable than 3M, similer material window tinters use, more expensive than 3M or Venture.

All of the above have sites.....most show their patterns.....here are some, not all.

http://www.xpel.com/products/paint.asp
http://www.ultrashieldusa.com/
http://www.stongard.com/shop.asp
http://www.llumar.com/int-eng/auto.html
http://www.invinca-shield.com/main.htm
http://www.armourfend.com/
http://www.armourfendamerica.com/

BTW..........the pros only get the electronic file of the 'pattern'........and then have equipment in-house to cut the material from bulk that they buy much cheaper.........on-line sources for kits & pieces are actually "Retail".......pro installer should be less.

I still have 3M Scotchcal on the 993 and that's all custom cut and painted so not a kit (Strosek body there).

Good luck........hope something here helps.

Robert Collins - 96 993TT

BTW, I read the Admin piece by Premier and it gave me a better understanding of the general principles regarding the film.

I still want opinions from others as to choices due to the fact that it would probably take months to put together a tour for these guys to get enough people to come to Nashville for me.

Rob 97 993c2

I have the 3m film that was installed by Armourfend in greenwich,ct (not far from me). Im happy with it and it seems the quality of the installer is what counts. Im told in the end, the all the films are the same and what counts is the installer and the fit of the kit.

BlackCar

The skill of the installer is more important than just the product. Ask to see the person's previous work on a car.

I had the 3M material installed on my black 993 in the summer of 1999. The job was mediocre at best, with wrinkles and marks. I watched him do the work on on the bumper and he had so many problems. Even reordered one piece to redo it later. But I have to say that 7 years later it has not yellowed and taken a lot of stone hits instead of the paint.

Robert Collins - 96 993TT

Well I just spoke with the Xpel dealer who uses 3M and he wants me to come by tomorrow so we can talk about it and he can show me their process. I am still curious if they can actually custom cut pieces like Premier does.

I guess I'll head over there tomorrow out of curiousity and report back to you guys.

Thanks,
Robert

Premier

Robert, received your call today. Thank you for taking interest in our paint protection service. For the 993s, the bumper will be done in a true one pc that wraps entirely around the wheel wells.....fully custom. The precut kits on the market are sufficient as far as protecting the vehicle, but from an aesthetics position, it is not acceptable to us.

As far as setting up a Tour for your area, we are looking at April before we have anything open up.....sorry guys.

Coleman

How about no bra? How about earning some rock-chips?

Coleman.

chris walrod

Here is an interesting discussion with respect to brands.

Ray Calvo

I'll agree with BlackCar; these products are all pretty much the same (3M plastic). The skill of the installer is far more important. He should be able to cut damn neatly around all of the body seams. Precut pieces won't look the same.

In Pittsburgh, try Bruce Sutton at "The Driver's Edge". Did a beautiful job on my new Audi S4.

Robert Collins - 96 993TT

Thanks guys. I am going to try and get a group together for Nashville and see what kind of response I get.

Mark in Baltimore

Robert,

After three years, my Xpel bra has not shown any signs of yellowing. I'm very happy to have it on the car. There is a bit of that oft-mentioned orange peel look, but it's never bothered me in the slightest.

Ray Calvo

I'll agree with Mark, based largely on about 70K+ miles on my '98 silver Audi A4 Avant which was a daily driver and saw brutal Pittsburgh weather and road conditions. 993 application is on an Adventurine Green car (see pretty icon) so can't comment on yellowing, but has probably been on the car for 7 years and 60K miles.

SCMomentum

Robert,

I had Envisage of Torrance, CA (they install for the Ferrari Owner's Club as well) install my Xpel bra. I also had them do a bunch of custom work and they did an exquisite job. I really like the Aerospace product by 3M vs. their generic automotive tape. If you want to speak with the owners at Envisage I can put you in touch. They would be happy to answer your questions. Let me know if so.

Dave
p.s. I just got the Ruf wheels...not installed yet but, boy do they look good.