Rwal

I'm looking for the pros and cons of the 3m type clear hood protection for my like new 2004 Lexus SC430. I live in Michigan and our roads are not in the best of condition especially in the Spring when the frost is coming out.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Ron

30API

I purchased an excellent 2007 SC last October with 30,000 miles. The car was located in Scottsdale Arizonia its entire life. The SC had a 3m bra on the front bumper, part of the hood, and rear view mirrors. The 3m bra was installed on the car by Lexus when purchased in 2007. I was concerned that it would not come off since it had been on for 9 years so took it to a 3M installer and had the portion on the hood removed. It came off easily and I left the other pieces on the car. The 3m provided excellent protection and the front end of the car has zero dings or scratches. I would recommed the protection based on my experience.

Rwal

30API

Thank you for the information. I found this car in Richmond Va, and it is in great condition. Better then I expected, one owner, no accidents, maintained at the same Lexus dealership since 2004 and the leather looks like new as the rest of the car.

Harold57

I had a clear bra installed on the nose of my car after having to replace the nose. It was a good investment. I haven't had any more chips since I did that.

ned1

I agree with the previous posts that the plastic stick on front bras are the way to go. I would do a little research in regards to which product to use. I think " 3M" is sort of like "The jaws of life" it's simply a brand name! There are multiple suppliers out there and I know a few years back 3M in my neck of the woods was yellowing!! I used another brand.
Also, I have the habit of not only covering the front bumper and at least a quarter of the hood but also the headlights, mirrors, "A" posts and an 8 inch strip above the windshield along the roof. This seems to be the most common area for rock chips. After five years of having the protective film on the headlights of my daily commuting truck (Alberta winters) (think Montana) lots of salt, gravel, another ice melting chemicals put on roads and highways. I returned to the same shop and they simply peeled off the plastic coating which was starting to look scratched and slightly dull and underneath was a brand-new non chipped looking plastic headlight cover. We apply the new clear coating on the headlights and off I go. When I go to sell the vehicle I'll simply remove the plastic and the headlights look brand-new. Also I've had zero chipping on my plastic headlight covers whereas on my 07 truck, I've replaced three windshields due to the rock chips which is typicall in Alberta winters & Gravel put on the highways.

Harold57

They used to make a clear plastic product (similar to the bra) that would line the outside of the windshield (1 or 2") to prevent breakage, since that is where windshields are the most vulnerable. I had similar problems as ned1 with replacing windshields on my previous pickup and never had a problem after I had the liner installed.

mohrd

iTrader: (3)

PO installed the 3M everywhere (hood, bumper, mirrors, wheel wells, a pillars, headlights, etc) when new. Its held up really well over the 12 years with only minor yellowing. I'm about to take it all off as there are places it has peeled and i want to get a complete power polish. It will be interesting to see if the paint fade is significantly different before the polish and if it will be noticeable after.

jonas's RX

Gang

Don't use 3M clear bra on your SC
Use Expel . I have a friend who does
The clear bra and although it protects
The front , there is " No guarantee "
After a few years , there is no fade in the
Clear bra protected panels with the rest
Of the hood . 3 M is especially thick and very
hard to remove . Because of the thickness
They tend to leave a heavy fade line ....

I have the Expel clear bra on my headlights only to protect
from Sun damage

Poqman

If you're interested, I asked the guy at the Lexus dealership what they used to get the adhesive off the car and not damage the paint. Here's what he said they used.

mohrd

iTrader: (3)

Thanks. I may seek professional help...

StillLine

Here are some pics of my clear bra. It's been on there since the car was new. It's a 2006 model.

Rwal

That looks really good! Was this the 3M product?

StillLine

Yes, it's the Scotchgard Paint Protection Film from 3M. It was installed 08/07/2006. Still looks great.





StillLine

lexkan

when I repaint the front of my car , that's for me as the orig paint is pretty soft and I have lots of nicks and scratches on the right side. Thanks for all the info.

tromly

That bra looks like new, 3m is a terrific product!