custom "full-front" clear bra question

[new2bmw]

My clear bra installer (very experienced shop) is telling me that the film they use only comes in a max size of 48". This would mean that a couple of inches of my hood might not be covered by a single sheet.

I searched the forum and didnt see any issues like this mentioned, so I am looking for suggestions.

Is this statement a load of B.S. from the shop? Should I just go with it and deal with the missing bit near the windshield? Would it be feasible to have them "patch" the remaining space with a small strip? Should I just say screw it and look for a different installer/film?

All suggestions are appreciated!

[IND-Distribution]

I would suggest calling a few other places, or having your installer research the issue further. I worked with a clear bra professional to clear bra our Atlantis car's full front bumper, full hood, and full roof, and he was able to use single sheets on all of those pieces with no problem.

I believe different brands of clear bra offer different sizes of sheet.

[AlpWtE92]

That doesn't sound right. My installer was able to cover my entire hood with one piece of film. I don't know if different brands of film come in different sizes, but the installer I went to used Ventureshield. Personally, I'd go to a different installer or not do a custom wrap. One of the reasons to pay for a full wrap is to make the film less noticeable and if there is a seam where the installer had to join two pieces of film, you will notice it especially if dirt/wax/whatever gets in the seam over time.

[new2bmw]

Originally Posted by Ilia@IND

I would suggest calling a few other places, or having your installer research the issue further. I worked with a clear bra professional to clear bra our Atlantis car's full front bumper, full hood, and full roof, and he was able to use single sheets on all of those pieces with no problem.

I believe different brands of clear bra offer different sizes of sheet.

What brand of film did you use on the Atlantis car?

[rzm3]

films come in all sizes, it's just that the wider ones are more expensive and used less, so many installers don't keep them in stock.

A 'custom' job done properly is excellent, but it requires a lot of skill, experience, and patience since you have to cut the film on your car. Also look into pre-cut kits. They are much easier to install and your paint won't be scratched by improper installs.

[IND-Distribution]

Originally Posted by new2bmw

What brand of film did you use on the Atlantis car?

VentureShield is the brand my installer uses. After seeing the work required to install the kit correctly, I can only say that you should choose your installer carefully. To install a custom kit without scratching the car, and keeping the clear bra completely invisible is truly difficult!

[MyKmYk]

Originally Posted by Ilia@IND

VentureShield is the brand my installer uses. After seeing the work required to install the kit correctly, I can only say that you should choose your installer carefully. To install a custom kit without scratching the car, and keeping the clear bra completely invisible is truly difficult!

The clearbra on the car was utterly insane. Great job by your installer. Much better than the hack that did the first one.

[bills742]

new2bmw, your installer is most likely using 3M which comes in a maximum width of 48". Ventureshield is available in a wider width that covers the entire hood.

[MMMorish]

Originally Posted by bills742

new2bmw, your installer is most likely using 3M which comes in a maximum width of 48". Ventureshield is available in a wider width that covers the entire hood.

+1

Mine is done in 3M and the hood is completely covered except for the very ends of the hood near the hood hinges. The reason for this is because the film has a maximum stretch allowance of about 10%. Any more than that and you will see the stretch marks. Funny enough, if you're wearing polarized sun glasses, you can see the stretches, if not, you can't see them if there are any.

The reason why I went with 3M and not Ventureshield is because 3M has a clearcoat in the actual film which allows it to act more like your factory finish and can be treated with any wax or bug/tar cleaner you want to throw at it. Whereas Ventureshield, so I was told by many, needed special care to keep it looking good. As well, I read of a lot more stories of Ventureshield showing streak marks and swirls because of the lack of clearcoat in it.

I've had my 3M on the car since October 08' and it doesn't show a single flaw to it. I would do it again.

[GOLFFRR]

3M FTW

[ocgasman]

Originally Posted by MMMorish

+1

Mine is done in 3M and the hood is completely covered except for the very ends of the hood near the hood hinges. The reason for this is because the film has a maximum stretch allowance of about 10%. Any more than that and you will see the stretch marks. Funny enough, if you're wearing polarized sun glasses, you can see the stretches, if not, you can't see them if there are any.

The reason why I went with 3M and not Ventureshield is because 3M has a clearcoat in the actual film which allows it to act more like your factory finish and can be treated with any wax or bug/tar cleaner you want to throw at it. Whereas Ventureshield, so I was told by many, needed special care to keep it looking good. As well, I read of a lot more stories of Ventureshield showing streak marks and swirls because of the lack of clearcoat in it.

I've had my 3M on the car since October 08' and it doesn't show a single flaw to it. I would do it again.

3M bought out Ventureshield awhile ago so both are under the 3M umbrella. I believe Ventureshield has a new product called "ventureshield ultra" that has a clear coat on it. You can wax, seal and lightly polish. IMHO, I would go ventureshield for the simple fact that you can one piece the hood, fenders and bumper without seeing the seam. I hate the seam. I would rather not get a clear bra than see the seam. I got a custom full hood, fenders, bumper, headlights, and side mirror and couldn't be happier. I would have to show you where the clear bra is for you to see it, it's that transparent. Well worth the money. Whatever film you choose, it's the installation that's key. Find a good experienced installer with years of experience and great customer service to back up their install and you should be very satisfied. HTH and GL.

[mgifford6]

Mine was installed as a full sheet. Premier did mine while I was out in Cali, great customer service and awesome workmanship. I would make a vacation out of it and head to Cali to get this done. All my future cars will have their workmanship and product.

[1badtantrum]

I would get references from the installer. Specifically M3 installations they have done with the specific brand and installation you want. I had a standard Llumar (1/4 hood + bumper + front of front fender) installed. I ripped it off within a few days. Long story but the installer who has done 5 excellent window tint jobs for me over that past few years, mis-represented his paint protection film experience. The job was amateurish at best with reliefs from edges that were too big. Reliefs from complex corners that were stretched and torn slightly. I found another installer that I got references from and personally met and checked out the installation on M3's. There is an art to putting this stuff on, the installation quality was night and day. The venture shield can cover the entire hood, I have seen it on e9x M3's. The have kits for whole hood, fender, rocker panel, door handle, behind wheel/tire, trunk deck lid....Total Vehicle Protection (Pete) http://www.tvpauto.com/ppf.html (NC/California) did my second installation. It was awesome what a difference. Based on the first attempt I would never have thought the installation quality was possible.

[Premier Protective Films]

Below are pictures of what a precut kit would look like (NOT INSTALLED BY US). Granted there are some precut installations that would fit a little better, there would still be gaps.

[Premier Protective Films]

The installer is very important. Below are photos of a M3 we did. Everything is custom with edges wrapped to show the difference between a precut and custom.

[major_kusanagi]

incredible craftsmanship

Originally Posted by Premier Protective Films

The installer is very important. Below are photos of a M3 we did. Everything is custom with edges wrapped to show the difference between a precut and custom.

[ocgasman]

Hey, I recognize that car If you're lucky enough to be in the bay area or socal, I can't recommend Premier enough.

Originally Posted by Premier Protective Films

The installer is very important. Below are photos of a M3 we did. Everything is custom with edges wrapped to show the difference between a precut and custom.

[IND-Distribution]

Originally Posted by ocgasman

Hey, I recognize that car If you're lucky enough to be in the bay area or socal, I can't recommend Premier enough.

+1

Can't really do much better than Premier.

[inmotion]

Originally Posted by Ilia@IND

+1

Can't really do much better than Premier.

Agree. Great guys that care about their customers. And they do some very good work. I've been approached by another clear shield guy a while ago and gave me his business card. Didn't want to embarrass him, so I just told him I'll call him if I decide I needed it. Funny thing is the car is already wrapped.

[Mark3358]

I am in need of a clear bra installer in the Richmond Virginia area? I'd rather not go up to NOVA to get it done.