[QUOTE]Originally posted by NYMATT74
I consider my self VERY patient when it comes to caring for my car.

 

anyone else have any experience installing this on the S?

 

I have applied the 3M stuff myself (Xpel version). All but the main front piece was quite easy to do. That front piece took a bit more time and patience but it went on finally - HUGE sphincter pucker factor. On large curved surfaces, you must realize that not only will the film stretch but it will also contract (or "pooch" as my daughter calls it) where needed. You just have to be patient and keep working at it. Eventually, it will conform to the shape.
I've had the film on for over 3 years now and it has stood up extremely well and has taken quite a few good rock hits. I even put on some 40 mil film over the headlites. There is a BIG difference in installation between a "wet" install and a "dry" install. A DRY install increases your chances astronomically of paint and headlight damage. A real pro will only use a WET install.
I Zaino my car and I usually skip the film except maybe once a year. It really isn't necessary to "wax" the film. Yes, the wax (even Zaino to a certain extent) will built up along the film edges but you can spend a bit of time to get rid of this if it really bothers you.
I've installed this film on the last several cars I've owned. I will never have a new car without it.

 

I know there is a differece between xpel and invincashield (probably spelled wrong). I used the latter. I believe it has way more pieces than Xpel.

 

How much does the 3m stuff cost?

 

Installed cost ranges from $300.00 to a whopping $1300.00 U.S.
My cost of the laser cut pieces alone was about $200.00 for all the frontal pieces, including the mirrors. You have to do your legwork to get a reasonable installed priced. There is tremendous mark up on this product and the guy who pays a thousand bucks more does NOT get a thousand buck better product.

Just realize that there are two basic films - a thicker one and a thinner one. The thinner one is more costly and will conform better to contours. The thicker one tends to yellow with time and is cheaper and may not be made by 3M.

 

I had the 3M product installed last week by a dealer in South Florida. $600 for full front end kit plus door sills, cups and mirrors. I am happy with the product just not so thrilled with the installation. Be sure you can trust the installer!!!

 

thanks, good info

 

I've had it on my S2000 for almost 2 years. I purchased the Invincishield product and "helped" the installer (a good friend of mne) put the film on the car. I agree with what others have said, flat surfaces are easy but complex curves become far more difficult. There is a technique that you need to use that combines Isopropyl Alcohol, water, and a mix of the two each in a seperate bottle.

The water allows you to "float" the film in place and the alcohol causes the film to stick in position. I'd have to give it a high degree of difficulty rating since you need bou cou patients. It's not something I would attempt having never seen it done before but some people (like Xviper) may be very good with their hands and pick up the techniques on thier own.

Having said all that, I do like the product and my install went pretty well. My biggest complaint is with the seam lines. The "old" invincishield kit for the MY2002 broke the front bumper cover into three pieces. Multiple pieces made it easier to install than say the Stongard kit but the seams trap dirt. I'm working with the owner of www.speedfilm.net to cut a new piece without the two seams that the Invincishield kit has.

I believe Invincishield has a kit that includes a few tools and a video on how to do the install if you feel you are up to the task.

Otherwise, like everyone else has said, find yourself a good installer and be prepared to pay at least $400 for the whole deal as the install takes the good part of 4-5 hours even for a pro.

If you'd like to see, I've got some detailed pics of the install here.

 

I had the Invincishield put on last March on my new 03. I took it to an installer that the company recommended. They did a great job for a couple hundred dollars. No problems here and as others have stated, you should put wax or Zaino (what I use) right on top of it.