Any experience with 3M clear bra on CX9?

[ruthless013]

i'm about to pull the trigger on some 3M pre-cut clear-bra and tackle the install myself. we just purchased an 09 Touring last week, first new car in over 10 years, and i'd like to keep it looking good as long as i can.

i've seen a few kits online, and i'm leaning towards the kit that just covers the bumper portion - depending on price, i may not bother with the kit that covers the front 1/3 of the hood, mirrors, etc.

anyone installed one of these themselves? looks fairly straight forward - i've done some window tinting in the past and don't expect too much drama putting it on myself. maybe i'll do a 'how-to' if i don't mess it up.

 

[GoFast]

just get ready to do a lot of stretching! keep a hairdryer on tap and lots of lube!

 

[ruthless013]

see here:
http://www.invisiblemask.com/cgi-bin/products_ip/browser.cgi?prevtype=Automobiles+and+light+trucks&prevyear=2009&prevmake=MAZDA&prevmodel=CX-9&prevsubmodel=&prevseries=&type=Automobiles+and+light+trucks&year=2009&make=MAZDA&model=CX-9&submodel=TOURING

or on this site, which strangely more expensive:
www.clearmask.com

lamin-x has a really expensive kit, but doesn't appear to use 3M, so i'm avoiding those.

 

[danz75]

I had them installed on my CX-9 after seeing how well they prevented paint chips and damage on my accord. Makes removing bug splats, stains a lot easier
The guys that installed them for me uses a solution with water, a little johnson's baby shampoo and a little alcohol. He said the alcohol helps activate the 3M glue better. Do this in warm weather 75F but not in direct sunlight as it'll dry it out faster than you can position it. Use a squeegee to press the water out after you've positioned it. Pretty similar to window tinting.

 

[jgmass]

I had VentureShield film installed on my white CX-9. I think it looks great, other than the noticeable line across the hood.

Here is a link with some great shots of a CX-9 (not mine) getting film installed http://www.clearbraphotos.com/gallery/7402783_dXzcq#476932449_7fkpr

I would recommend hood coverage though, as I got two small chips on the hood just a few days before I had the film installed (sad1).

 

[benben01]

The install is NOT as easy as they make it out to be. The hood piece is relatively simple. What will kill you is the bumper. A local shop here in MD does it for $499 installed (hood, fender, bumper, and mirrors). Had mine done back in March and no regrets other than the $200 I wasted on trying to do it myself earlier.

 

[sbmrinaldi]

I have this on my wifes CX9 and had it put on there when new 2.5 years ago. It has held up great and no dings or chips to date. It is not perfect in a couple spots and that is with a professional installing. I would not even attempt the install personally. I agree the hood would be somewhat simple.

 

[chiurw]

I would not tackle this myself, and I have installed window tint before. The bumper has too many curves. I had a professional install it on our CX9 and she struggled in a few areas. I think that the 3M kit for the CX9 costs about $130 or so but for $250 more, I had the peace of mind that it was done correctly.

 

[danz75]

I agree with the recommendations of having someone do it for you. It looks easy but for the price I got the kit installed, I'd rather have it done professionally and have a warranty in case it fails and needs to be redone.

 

[KRM9]

Once you put this up you don't need to wax those areas anymore?

 

[Force-1]

http://www.buyroadwrap.com/

 

[ruthless013]

thanks to all for the input.

i may have to do some more research on a local installer, but i didn't see any listed on the few sites i checked. and i will definitely reconsider the hood, although on the black cherry paint i KNOW i will be staring at that line (no more so than a huge rock chip).

may still have at it on my own, but will post the results either way so you all can get your 'told-you-so's in.

edit: quickly found a local installer that is used by a bunch of porshe guys...