Clear plastic shield

[Dale S.]

Does anyone have any experience with the pre cut clear plastic front end shielding? It is advertised as easy to install, protects the painted front end and leaves no marks when removed. Dale

[Reg C.]

Re: Clear plastic shield

Hello Dale,
I had a 3m product installed on my 2003 Zo6 when I purchased it new and it still looks like the day I bought it thanks to the clear plastic sheilding. I had it installed on front bumper, both mirrors, and behind front and rear wheel openings. It cost about $500.00 installed back in 2003.
Regards,
REG

[Terry M.]

Re: Clear plastic shield

I had the whole front end, and lots of other areas covered on the 2008 Z06. It has only been on for almost a year, so I can't comment about the long-term details, but it has already saved at least one stone chip that I can see. These kinds of “clear bras” are pretty common for those folks driving or tracking their newer Corvettes.

I had it installed by a professional, and I wouldn't think about trying to do it myself. A new Corvette might be a more complicated install than what you are contemplating, but I would feel more comfortable having someone else do it. Mine was cut by computer from rolls of plastic -- probably just like the kit you saw advertised. The installer cut it with equipment he had though. That way the responsibility stays with him.

I am not sure how well this material works on paint systems other than base/clear. I imagine anything catalyzed might not be an issue, but there could be technical problems with lacquer. You might want to find someone who has used this on the same paint system that is on your car.

[Dennis C.]

Re: Clear plastic shield

Have you ever had a reason to remove a section? I was wondering if you can remove and then reinstall and if the paint aged the same as the portion of the car without the protection?

Regards,

Dennis

[Dale S.]

Re: Clear plastic shield

I am going to put it on the front of my wifes car, she like to follow dump trucks is the only thing I can figure. D/

[Terry M.]

Re: Clear plastic shield

Have you ever had a reason to remove a section? I was wondering if you can remove and then reinstall and if the paint aged the same as the portion of the car without the protection?

Regards,

Dennis

Obviously, with the limited time I have had it on my Corvette I have no experience with removal or fading. I am told that it can be removed, but the impression I have is that it is not reusable -- new product must be installed.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Clear plastic shield

As Terry knows I also had it installed on my 08 coupe.
I can tell you that it has saved me from far more than one stone. I've had wood, stones and roofing shingles hit the front of the car (yes, I know, a deer must be next) and not a bit of damage.

Also very much protects the lower surface of the far-too-low front bumper when you get brain fade while pulling up to a curb. Brought to you by the "don't ask how I know this" department.

Patrick

[Dale S.]

Re: Clear plastic shield

Thank you for the guidance. Dale

[Mark W.]

Re: Clear plastic shield

I had the clear 3M shield installed (professionally) on a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2006 Infiniti G35X when I bought them new. I still have both vehicles with the Jeep having almost 65k miles on it. I am sold on it as living in Colorado, they put sand on the roads when it snows, so you get a lot of sand and small pebbles kicked up in your vehicles. I even take the Jeep off road a few times a year in the Rockies and the clear film looks as good today as it did the day it was installed. You can see where the film has a few dings taken over the years, but it hasn't gone into the paint. There is no sign of fading in the paint of either vehicle (both are silver).