Hi Everyone, so I finally buckled and installed a clear bra on my 997.2. Very good job but noticed one thing. Noticed at some of the edges, the 3m doesn't reach the very end. In some parts, the cut appears a bit short on the bumper (in some of the edges). Is this normal? The installer told me that was the design of the pre-cut piece.

 

These never held any appeal to me! It's just a car.

 

There are two types of clear bra installs, one is precut which will typically not cover the entire panel and will have visible edges. A custom install is more expensive and requires the installer to use a razor to careful cut the pieces after application. A custom install allows for full coverage with edges placed behind the body panel out of sight.

What you see is normal for precut pieces.

 

My custom job shows zero lines. Headlamps, blinkers, side markers by wheel well all came out first.

Took installer about 3 hours. Cost was about $450 for bumper only, no hood or fenders. You would never know I had clear bra unless I told you or you had a trained eye.

Like previous poster stated mine was one sheet and the installer was an artist with a razor blade.

 

As said above, it is normal to have a small edge on the pre cut.

 

Minimal extra cost for custom made bumper.
Go with Premiere if you are in NCAL.

 

normal, but if you go custom, use an installer with a lift

 

 

best installer here says what he does isn't rocket science, but one of the reasons he is perfect is he puts his cars on a lift. Gives him better access and perspective... makes sense.

 

 

Agree. I finally buckled but you notice I only did it for the bumper. Won't do it anywhere else!

 

As other forumers mentioned, it depends on the installer. Good installers will 'tug' the film edge behind the end of the gaps, so the film will not be visible to naked eyes.

Regards,

 

It is farily common for kit installers to not wrap the edges. I have found over the yaers that 3M installers typically use 3M patterns. Just like films not all patterns are the same. The two best pattern companies out there are Pro-Form Designs and Xpel. Both companies will make kits providing maximum coverage while minimizing seam lines. Most of their kits will have wrapped edges too htus eliminating anyone from cutting on the paint. There are only a handful of installers out there that take their time and have the skill set to cut the film on the car without cutting the paint. If you go that route make sure you check his work out. You dont want to pull film off the car only to find the paint was cut everywhere.

 

Just picked up my GTS yesterday after appliaction of Xpel Ultimate, full hood, mirrors and replacement of stock rear fender stone guards. Self-healing with a 10 year warranty is an attractive offering. Here is a link http://www.xpel.com/products/xpel_ul...ction_film.asp

As has been mentioned previously, a quality installer is critical. I used Bill Yeager at ACAP in Manheim, PA. Bill is widely known among Porsche enthusiats in Central PA. Experienced, knowlegeable and proud of his work. In addition to the new Xpel application, he cleaned the Xpel I applied to my headlights and driving lights last year as well as correcting the bumper fitment (the dealer incorrectly fitted bumper after installing the mesh infront of the radiator vents). Bill comes highly recommended.

To the OPs question, the pre-cut Xpel only showed an edge at very rear of the hood, on either fender side for about 4 inches. The advantage to precut is the installer does not use a blade to trim/cut. The edge that shows is not objectionable to me.

Pics show reflective quality of the Xpel. I had considered a matte finish clear protection over a matte black vinyl, but glad I choose the clear Xpel instead.

Joe

 

Interestin product that I aint seen before Joe !

Just havin the 3M done to the front and partial hood in two weeks.