I bought a pre-cut 3M 8mil chip guard kit off ebay for $200 and was wondering how hard it is to install. I'm very mechanically inclined but not sure If I want to take on this job. Any advise would be appreciated.

 

well it's doable but need practice and patience, that's all i can say

 

If you have never installed the 3M film before, I would definitely recommend you have a professional install it.

I had my the nose of my Corvette done a few years ago. The installer came to my home and it took him about six hours to do the job. I watched as he had to constantly keep the paint surface wet, so he could squeegee out all the air bubbles and to be able to move the pieces around in order to get the placement as exact as possible.

The front of the Lexus may have fewer curves than my Corvette, so it might be a little easier. My guess is that it will still take 4-5 hours for an experienced installer to a proper job on the Lexus.

If you do not do the install properly, you will get very frustrated, be disappointed with the results and will have wasted the $200 you paid for the kit.

 

I took the advice from several people who suggested I should have a professional install the film. So I hired this guy that was recommended to me from the guy who sold me the kit. What a mistake that was.

First off I was told it should take at least 4 hours, he finished in 2 and it showed. The film comes precut for the parking sensors and head light washers. He installed the film so crooked and off line he had to use an exact o knife to expose the items, also trim the film around the head light, etc.. He used a steamer with apparently high heat which caused the film to distort and wrinkle (I watch a how-2 video and they say do not use heat for more then a second or 2 if needed to remove fingers). He must not have cleaned the area first because there were bugs on the bumper under the film. Needless to say I had to remove the film and start over

 

omg..... that's horrible... seems like i can do a better job than him. he doesn't seem to be all that professional, doesn't know what the steps are and what the do's and don't do's...

 

Check Youtube, there are many viedo clips providing useful information about it.

 

I've done it. The hood is pretty easy, but the fender tips and the bumper were hard because you need to get the stuff to stretch. I think the only way to get the bumper right is to have two guys pulling at both ends whille one guy squeegies from he middle.

But if you screw it up (and I did), you can always peel it off.

Remember to wash your hands twice before you start.

 

Here is a pic of where he cut the pre-cut film to fit over the parking sensors. Also, its hard to see but there are old bugs under the film that he did not clean before installation. Maybe I'm being to picky?

 

holy crap, that's one bad install. the misalignment in the 2nd pic is horrible...

 

Thanks romil for agreeing the installation job was sub par.