Hello, I'm thinking about having a clear 3M Bra put on my Pantera to protect against rock chips. I'm wondering if anyone has done that to their Pantera? And if so, how is it working out for you?
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I used it on the rear quarters & just behind the front wheel well openings. Worked great. Un-noticeable.
I had it installed on the entire front end, headlamps, door latch openings, mirrors and the side vents for the rear brakes of a Corvette this summer. I am sold on it. I used 3M for both cars. The headlamp film is about three times thicker and still unnoticeable. Good luck.
I will tell you, the installer is an artist. You are paying as much for his ability or more than the cost of the film. Do your homework searching for a well respected installer/artist.
You do not want to do it twice.
I had it installed on the entire front end, headlamps, door latch openings, mirrors and the side vents for the rear brakes of a Corvette this summer. I am sold on it. I used 3M for both cars. The headlamp film is about three times thicker and still unnoticeable. Good luck.
I will tell you, the installer is an artist. You are paying as much for his ability or more than the cost of the film. Do your homework searching for a well respected installer/artist.
You do not want to do it twice.
IndyDave, thanks for your reply. How long ago did you have the 3M clear bra put on your Pantera and your Corvette? I read somewhere that the 3M bra only last for 2 or 3 yrs, then it begins to turn yellow and dry up. Then you need to remove it again. I've heard stories that when you remove the 3M bra often times the paint comes off too and becomes a disaster. But I don't know if those are credible allegations or not. Also, I am wondering about how much it costs to have it done?
The 3M material was on the Pantera for about 6-7 years. No issues. Did not remove it so I can't speak on that angle.
The Corvette film was this summer.
I suggest you contact 3M by phone, get to the automotive film department, then technical support or engineering dept. Ask them the questions. You already know the reputation of 3M. Much better way than asking someone who might have had a botched job because of the installer or used a different brand of material. No matter how good the product, you will ALWAYS find a dissatisfied customer.
re: cost, Pantera was about $400, as I remember, because it was minimal coverage. The Corvette was about $1400. In hindsight, I would do it again. If your paint has chips, contact Dr. Colorchip.
Hope this helped.
The Corvette film was this summer.
I suggest you contact 3M by phone, get to the automotive film department, then technical support or engineering dept. Ask them the questions. You already know the reputation of 3M. Much better way than asking someone who might have had a botched job because of the installer or used a different brand of material. No matter how good the product, you will ALWAYS find a dissatisfied customer.
re: cost, Pantera was about $400, as I remember, because it was minimal coverage. The Corvette was about $1400. In hindsight, I would do it again. If your paint has chips, contact Dr. Colorchip.
Hope this helped.
Take a look at their website: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/po...otchgard-Pro-Series/ It lists prices. Considering the costs and possible damage due to misapplication I would definitely agree with Dave that finding a reliable installer is crucial. I would ask for lots of references. Doing a quick search it appears that the kits are custom cut for a particular vehicle for areas with curved surfaces. Areas like rockers probably aren't much of an issue.
I had my Shelby done this summer and I am totally sold on the stuff. I am getting ready to have the Pantera done in the next month or so. I doubt they have any precut patterns of the Pantera but I am fortunate to have an installer in the are that is pretty good ( previous experience with him).My only concern is that the material has a tendency to yellow over time but I rationalize that if I can get 5 years out of it and then have it redone that would be ok. I would rather recover the nose of the Pantera than repaint it.
I used the same product on my Raptor in 2010. I did the install. No yellowing has occurred. I am very pleased how it has protected the finish and I off road with friends frequently. The guys are right about the installer. I would pay for it done right on one of my fancier vehicles.
You guys gave me some very helpful advice. Thank you.
Happy to help.
I installed the #M on my recently painted Pantera. It is difficult to do compound curves and more than once I thought I had destroyed the piece; but, fortunately recovered.
A professional installer is a good option as the install is much harder than one anticipates.
I covered the leading edge of the hood. the GT5 running boards, that passengers easily drag their heels over, leading edge of the hood, front side of rear fender flare and painted surface on rear panel behind back tires that is generally sandblasted from material flung off the wheel. So far so good.
A professional installer is a good option as the install is much harder than one anticipates.
I covered the leading edge of the hood. the GT5 running boards, that passengers easily drag their heels over, leading edge of the hood, front side of rear fender flare and painted surface on rear panel behind back tires that is generally sandblasted from material flung off the wheel. So far so good.