Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

[Prairie360]

Hello everyone,

Just had a local detail shop install the 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection film on the nose, hood, rear view mirrors, wheel wells, lower rockers and rear deck where the hard top meets body. I also had him do a complete detail:

[Prairie360]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

More photos:
09-26-08 063.jpg

[EBird]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

Looks Great !!! Nice !!!

[carnut]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

Just one caution about these films.

I installed some across the nose of my black truck when it was new and within 5 years it had cracked in a few places. I should have removed it right then but I didn't and over the next 5 years it caused small lines in the paint below. I don't know if it was an inferior product (it wasn't the cheapo stuff though), improper installation or just the result of hot sun on a black vehicle. Note that the truck has been garaged since day one. I would check with the installer to make sure you are protected against damage. It is bad enough that it can't be polished out now.

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

It looks beautiful Sal. Boy that shop has some nice vehicles in there.

[Ray]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

Sal, as usual, your Bird looks absolutely gorgeous! I agree with Nicky, that's quite a garage full of nice cars, but yours looks great parked next to all of those exotics!

[Lonestar]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

Sal - from the pics it appears they cut the sail panel pieces… were the other pieces from one of the kits available or did they custom do those as well?

Like Ray mentioned, car looks right at home among the exotics.

[Prairie360]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

Lonestar,
All the pieces were custom cut from sheets of the 3M material. Ray, Nicky and EB, thanks for the flowers! But I must admit, DREEMBRD felt very much at home with all those exotics.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

Word of caution!!!!
If you ever use a clay bar to clean up the surface of old wax be very careful around the edges of your protection. If the clay gets even minutely under the edge, just ever so much....... it is very very difficult to get out if at all. Impossible would be a one word summary.

[Prairie360]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

Mike,
The detail shop, http://www.detailingdynamics.com/ gave me 1/4" masking tape with instructions on how to wax the car with the film installed. Basically, the tape is to be applied on the film's edges to prevent exactly the potential problem you've described.

[rexster314]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

I got the 3M stuff put on my new 09 Enclave last month. Only noticeable at certain angles, but well worth the price to keep the sticky "love" bugs from damaging the front end. The pieces were all custom cut for the Buick.

Rex

[Prairie360]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

Yes I can see it a certain angles and in bright sunshine as well. I know some of our friends here have the invisible bra already installed on their cars as well, so I'd like to know if it's real noticeable on their cars.

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

It's been on my car for over 3 years. Looks as clear as the day it was installed. Yes you can see the edge under certain conditions. Once in a while it is pointed out to me. I do not consider that a problem whatsoever. In fact I hate to think what it would have looked like without it on there. Wax will collect on the edge that's for sure. But the clear detailer is not a problem.

[Bruce]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

The darker the color the more noticable the parting line is.

[02LeeBird]

Re: Some pictures of 3M Scotchgard paint protection film

Looks good Sal but i have run into a problem with the new 3M clear bra I had installed in April. BUGS....The new 3M stuff has pores and the bug juice gets into it and looks like orange spots all over the front of my car. It's happened several times this summer. I am taking the car back in a week or so to see what they can do about that. I even put 3 coats of the special wax on the bra before I drove it the first time. Most of our guys have had theirs on for several years, but it's the older 3M clear bra. So I am thinking it must be the new breathable stuff. I would check with the people who installed yours to see which type they installed....