3M clear rock protection

[Machiavelli]

I'm thinking of putting the rock chip protecting film on my car. Can anyone talk me out of it? or, failing that, recommend a good place in Edmonton to get it applied?

[Dagz]

I have seen it on cars before and you can kinda notice it more than they advertise. However I'm sure it would keep the paint in better shape if you plan on driving it where there would be lots of rocks on the road or winter. (I don't imagine this is the case)

I did notice on some cars than when it starts to peel it gets foggy and really looks like shit, so i would recommend finding a good installer if you plan on making it happen.

Just my .02

[ronburgundy]

just don't drive in alberta. that stuff will make your car look worse than a few rock chips. it'll make it look like your hiding something.

[Geezer]

I live in Calgary and if you travel Deerfoot Trail, you need something to protect your paint. I've put the 3M Urethane film on 3 BMW 7-Series, 1 BMW Z3 (all black) and a BMW 5-Series (dark grey). I also put it on my black '06 GT Convertible. Too bad they don't have something similar for windshields.

In fact, I do as high up the hood as possible (about 18") as well as the front bumper, the front flare of the wheel wells, the windshield pillars, mirrors and rocker panels. Anywhere stones can hit and chip the paint.

You'll be able to find a number of companies in Edmonton who will install it for you. Look under Auto Detailing. I highly recommend 3M brand but that's likely what you'll find anyway.

It looks just fine - and a whole lot better than cars that are all chipped up.

20" Niche GT w/Falken FK452
10" Stripes 1/2" Pins & Custom Rocker St
3D Carbon Tonneau Cover
Steeda Ultra Light lowering springs
Steeda Under Drive Pullies
Steeda Strut Tower Brace
Steeda G-Trac Brace
Tokico D-Spec Shocks & Struts
C&L CAI
X-Cal2 w/ 92 Bama Tunes
and more.....................

[MadMatt]

I am somewhat partial to it just because you can see it and I am very picky but I do know of a good place to have it installed. Malcolm's Tinting, (780) 487-3030, 10749 - 181 Street. From the work that I have seen them do they do a fantastic job.

[reddog2006]

My new 06 GT came with a Scotchguard paint protector on the front bumper and part of the hood. The application was excellent. I had a branch hit the bumper in a high wind storm, and put a mark the size of a quarter on it. The film blistered and I had to cut it out as it was quite noticeable. A few rocks nicked the hood and it showed a slight imperfection against the black paint. The plus point with the paint protector is you save your paint from chipping, the negative piont is the film when nicked shows against the paint. I don't think I would go to the expense of applying the paint protector, but would put the money aside for repainting the damaged areas.

[05canuck]

I'll 2nd Malcolm's Tinting for a good place in Edm.

[Machiavelli]

Thanks guys. I've been very hesitant about the idea of applying this stuff. I have seen it on my friends m3 and it didnt look too bad, i thought. I have a pretty expensive pearl paint job, and i really hate the idea of rock chips. It would be virtually impossible to match up paint repairs. I guess the reason i've been hesitant is the idea of pealing off the damaged 3m guard and putting new stuff on ..... but I am told that is not that much of an issue.

I already have one rock chip on the hood (black area thankfully) that needs to be fixed before I apply anything. Can someone recommend a good place to do that as well? (in edmonton)

[reddog2006]

I just found out another problem with the clear bra. Tree sap from a fir tree hit the clear bra in a couple of places. I cleaned it off with a soft cloth and some solvent. The sap came off but it left a slightly raised marking on the clear bra. Any suggestions on how to remove the clear bra?

[Blainer]

The clear plastic with yellow over time and will look like crap.

[John6T6]

Does anyone actually use the car bras on their mustangs rather than than the clear stuff??

['00blackGT]

The 3M stuff is used extensively on the assembly line, and when installed correctly is virtually undetectable.

[Blainer]

I used a bra on my old 1993 mustang for driving to car shows and such. Served its pupose well. I would never put one on my 83 though.

[musTTang]

I'm thinking about doing this also. I picked up my new svt cobra from Ottawa and drove it all the way to Calgary without one rock chip. Then was on the Deerfoot and a hardened piece of mud the size of a quarter shot off a garbage truck and landed right in the middle of my hood and made 2 big chips. The worse thing is this is a MYSTICHROME with 10,000km on it! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[GT4MT]

Originally Posted by musTTang

I'm thinking about doing this also. I picked up my new svt cobra from Ottawa and drove it all the way to Calgary without one rock chip. Then was on the Deerfoot and a hardened piece of mud the size of a quarter shot off a garbage truck and landed right in the middle of my hood and made 2 big chips. The worse thing is this is a MYSTICHROME with 10,000km on it! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Not my ride....but man-that hurts.....a lot......