anybody install the clear bra themself?
#1
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Location: NJ
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I'm having my hood/fender repainted in a couple weeks and don't want to go for the extra $700 fee for installation of the clear bra. Anybody out there do the install themself? I could buy the actual 3M product online for $100-200 but the additional $700 or so for install seems kind of excessive, in my opinion. given the fact it clearly won't last forever. Anybody have some advice? I've already priced it out, to do a custom job done would cost about $1000, not in the budget.
#2
Lexus Test Driver
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Basically, it's better w/ two people cause you have one person w/ the 60/40 water/rubbing alcohol solution spray bottle and the other w/ the heat gun/hair blow dryer.
The clear bra is very elastic and expandable upon heat.
I've installed the headlight covers myself and it took a bit of time.
But for the front facial bumper/hood will take a bit of work, patience and hand-eye coordination.
The instructions that came w/ the purchase of any clear bra material will have step-by-step instructions.
For first timers, on a scale of 1-10 difficulty, it's about a 7-8 because of the curvature of the headlights and bumper.
But for those who have handled plastic film (such as clear bra), on a scale of 1-10 easy install, it's a 8.5-9.
Here's a link to a site that I've used for clear-cut instructions and photos.
http://xpel.com/support/installation/instructions.asp
Here's a link to someone here on CL that recently installed a clear by himself.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=240991
teeman3
The clear bra is very elastic and expandable upon heat.
I've installed the headlight covers myself and it took a bit of time.
But for the front facial bumper/hood will take a bit of work, patience and hand-eye coordination.
The instructions that came w/ the purchase of any clear bra material will have step-by-step instructions.
For first timers, on a scale of 1-10 difficulty, it's about a 7-8 because of the curvature of the headlights and bumper.
But for those who have handled plastic film (such as clear bra), on a scale of 1-10 easy install, it's a 8.5-9.
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Here's a link to a site that I've used for clear-cut instructions and photos.
http://xpel.com/support/installation/instructions.asp
Here's a link to someone here on CL that recently installed a clear by himself.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=240991
teeman3
Last edited by martini3; 11-29-06 at 03:15 PM.
#4
Lexus Champion
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I had mine done professionally for $650 including the custom job on the body kit. Thought that was not bad.
My suggestion is shop around and let the professional do it. The approved installers have the necessary tools, education and experiences to mitigate the issues including the installation difficulties. After all, you possess an one beautiful art piece and don't let a potential installation flaw of clear bra ruin it. Just my .02 tho.
My suggestion is shop around and let the professional do it. The approved installers have the necessary tools, education and experiences to mitigate the issues including the installation difficulties. After all, you possess an one beautiful art piece and don't let a potential installation flaw of clear bra ruin it. Just my .02 tho.
#5
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i did it on my GS. in theory it's doable, but there are a lot of tricks and skills involved, i wouldn't recommend it at all. get a professional to do it and you will find it's worth the money.
the sc430 is not easy to do, i wouldn't do it especially if this is your first time.
the sc430 is not easy to do, i wouldn't do it especially if this is your first time.
#6
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$700 for labor alone? That is a rip off.
Contact www.******************** and ask them to refer you to a dealer in your area. Normal price should be no more than $600-800 total. (I paid substantially less of course.)
Contact www.******************** and ask them to refer you to a dealer in your area. Normal price should be no more than $600-800 total. (I paid substantially less of course.)
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#7
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I personally would not try to do it yourself. (your car is too nice to have a goofed up clear bra on it)
Unless you have experience with the application.
If it isn't done right it will look like hell.
Also, after it properly adheres its not that easy to remove.
I think that is why the labor it so high.
I have is on my LS.. They do work.. No chips on the paint etc.
Make sure its done correctly.
Unless you have experience with the application.
If it isn't done right it will look like hell.
Also, after it properly adheres its not that easy to remove.
I think that is why the labor it so high.
I have is on my LS.. They do work.. No chips on the paint etc.
Make sure its done correctly.
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