Quote:
Originally Posted by Got the Bug
Mike,
I agree. I decided to have it installed on my SPF when I bought it new 8 years ago. I've found that I have some chips right on the line of the clear bra, and it started to be a little noticeable in bright sunshine.
What is the process to remove it? Is it possible?
|
Sorry to give you bad news, but that's all I have. The product can be removed with a combination of steam and 3M adhesive remover, but that is where your problems will begin. Assuming you get it off without damaging the paint, and assuming they didn't cut into your clear coat installing it, you will now have near perfect paint sitting next to paint that has been exposed to the elements for 8 years degrading. This will leave an obvious difference in sheen. Since the car has been garage kept, you MAY be able to minimize the difference with a heavy compound buffing. If the car has spent too much time outside you will never make the difference go away. Any areas that took a hit from a heavy enough rock, the paint will come off with the bra.
Everything I am saying applies regardless of whether your bra material was manufactured by 3M, Lumar, CP, Venture, or any other maker of urethane automotive film, including whoever XPEL was using at the time you bought it. If you have one of the few bras made from clear vinyl plan on a repaint.
There are few examples of when a clear bra is a good idea. A Lambo can be devalued 30K for a front bumper repaint, and an Enzo even more. Cars like this tend to be flipped quickly, and have the bra replaced or removed after a fairly short period of time. I've had countless exotics in my shop getting a pre-delivery bra by an owner intending to keep the car no more than 90 days. For these guys it is just the price they pay to play with the new toy a few times. A 10K plus paint job on a show car that will see a few hours outside the garage a year can also be a good value. Race cars can take a serious beating from track debris and clag. A bra can make parts survive that would otherwise be destroyed with a few hours of racing.