Pellet gun proof paint protector

[FJman]

From experiencing nicks on my hood on my black Infiniti G35 coupe from road debris, I don't want the same to happen on my FJ Cruiser. I heard about this clear film product by 3M called Scotchgard Paint Protector from a local body shop. It is a clear adhesive film to protect leading hood edges, side mirrors, fender end caps and rocker panels. Apparently, this film is pretty tough - someone did tests with a serated knife and a pellet gun to it:

http://www.automotivearticles.com/Clear_Bra_3M.shtml

It is clear so you really don't see it unless you are really looking for it. You can go thru car washes without having it ripped off. It is lower maintenance and better looking that a bra or bug deflector. The only negative I can see is that you have to have a certified installer to put it on so it may not be cheap.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...gard-PPF/Home/

I think this product would be really good for FJs since they may see a lot of debris from off roading. I am thinking of getting it unless I hear some negatives from other users. Anyone tried it yet?

[616269799]

I don't have and FJ, but have this product on both my wife's Camry and our new Rav 4. Wouldn't drive a new vehicle without it. I'm a big fan of the chrome bumpers and grills from the past, but almost all new vehicles come with their entire front ends painted. It's almost like the manufacturers want the consumers to have to pay to have the front ends repainted.

It is a little on the expensive side, but is still cheaper than painting the front end of your vehicle down the road.

Here is a link to the pics of our Rav 4.

http://rav4world.com/forums/album_pe...p?user_id=1881

I'll be happy to answer any questions.

James

[FJman]

Thanks for the pics James. It looks so good, I can't see it! You got it all over your vehicle. May I ask how much for that job like that would cost? Maybe I'll get it only for the front hood area if it costs too much. Even though I don't have this yet, I'm starting to feel the same way you do - I wouldn't drive a brand new car without it. Once you got the nicks, your car isn't so new anymore. Thanks for the quick reply.

[FJman]

I called 3M and inquired about the Scotchgard Paint Protector for the FJ Cruiser. They told me that 3M doesn't make the pre-cut kits for automobiles, they just make the film. The pre-cut kits are created by certain companies who have the equipment and certification. He mentioned a company called "Clear Armor "(Tel. 650-625-1882, http://www.cleararmorinc.com/) is working on a pattern for the FJ Cruiser which should be available in about 10 days. The patterns are cut by a computer controlled cutter. The FJ has a lot of exposed paint on its front end so this paint protector will be a welcome addition.

[616269799]

Originally Posted by FJman

Thanks for the pics James. It looks so good, I can't see it! You got it all over your vehicle. May I ask how much for that job like that would cost? Maybe I'll get it only for the front hood area if it costs too much. Even though I don't have this yet, I'm starting to feel the same way you do - I wouldn't drive a brand new car without it. Once you got the nicks, your car isn't so new anymore. Thanks for the quick reply.

FJman

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. DO NOT get a pre-cut kit, find someone locally that cuts the pieces to fit. My wife's Camry is a pre-cut kit and it is not quite large enough. There are gaps of about 1/8" anywhere there is a body panel edge. The guy that installed it on the Rav 4 cut the pieces as he went and wrapped all of the body panel edges. It's a much cleaner look and leaves nothing unprotected. The local Lexus dealership here offers the Clear Bra as a dealer installed option. They actually use a local tint shop to do the work, because they are a licensed installer which gives you a lifetime warranty on the film and on the installation.

For the Rav 4, I got the entire front bumper, facsia, grill, 18 inches up the hood and front fenders, 12" on the leading edge of the roof and the top of the spare tire cover done for $700 installed and guaranteed.

On my wife's Camry, the pre-cut kit covered the front bumper, facsia, grill, 15" of the hood and front fenders, and the mirrors. The kit was little over $400 and I paid a local tint shop to do the install for $150.

The install that was done on the Rav looks so much better than the Camry's. Having the pieces wrapped around the edges is a lot cleaner look and leaves a lot less area unprotected.

Good Luck in your search.

James

[F5Foley]

What about removing it when it needs to be replaced or you want to sell the vehicle. I'm sure it will start looking rough over time????????



Foley

[616269799]

Originally Posted by F5Foley

What about removing it when it needs to be replaced or you want to sell the vehicle. I'm sure it will start looking rough over time????????



Foley

The film is not supposed to deteriorate over time, but I'm sure that it will some. The installer said they can remove the pieces by using a hair dryer to apply a little heat to one corner and then slowly pulling and it will not remove the paint. The day that I had mine installed on the Rav 4, their was a big Lincoln that had been hit by a piece of metal off a truck on the highway. The owner said they were doing 70+ at the time of impact. The film on the hood of their car was torn, but the hood had no damage to the paint. I watched the installer remove the torn piece of film from the car and you could not tell that it had ever been there. I would think that dark colors would show worse if there was any damage from removing the film. The car was Navy Blue and neither I nor its owner could see any signs of the film having been removed.

James

[FJman]

Originally Posted by 616269799

DO NOT get a pre-cut kit, find someone locally that cuts the pieces to fit. My wife's Camry is a pre-cut kit and it is not quite large enough. There are gaps of about 1/8" anywhere there is a body panel edge. The guy that installed it on the Rav 4 cut the pieces as he went and wrapped all of the body panel edges. It's a much cleaner look and leaves nothing unprotected.

Thanks "616269799" for the scoops. I was originally thinking of getting the pre-cut kit but I'm glad I didn't. The 3M guy referred me to a local company here that does these types of installations. I'll see if they do the custom fit method like they did with your Rav 4. I'm still waiting for the dealer to finish prepping my FJ so I can take it home. The first thing I want to do is get the paint protector film installed. Thanks again!

[Michael2000]

The 3M film does cost some money, but I think you would get some of it back in resale value. I certainly would pay more for a car with it, than without it.

Michael