After reading this thread, and currently having my bumper repainted under warranty due to the "peeling paint" issue where bumper meets fender, I ran across the street to my local window tint place that has a ClearShield banner out front...

OK, I'm going to do it when the paint cures (told about a month!).

But! I learned something important. Although Invisishield, Stonguard, and everybody supposedly use the same 3M 8-mil thick polyurethane, you might want to look for a brand that uses Avery instead of 3M.

Although they both cost about the same, this shop only will use Avery as it is clearer and doesn't reveal orange peel and other surface imperfections as much.

He showed me both products, and although it's hard to tell w/flourescent lighting and w/just the backing, the 3M did look a little greenish and more tinted than the Avery product.

Randy

PS: He rough quoted around $250-300 for bumper only.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2K Newbie
[B]I talked to Armourfend, they don't have any authorized dealers/installers in southern California.

 

How much of an impact can these films take? Can the films be easily peeled off / reapplied when they get damaged? Do they come under warranty of some sort?

 

The film will take a pretty large rock without damaging the paint.

Go to www.xpel.com they use the Scothcal material and have an install finder area. Put in your zip code and a number of installers will come up.

Bill

 

I also have this product installed on my car. I don't have Armourfend also and have installed 3M Scotchcal instead and I love it. I did the work my self (just like putting on tint, if you have ever done it). Cost me only $150 for the Hood, Two fenders, Mirror and Mirror post. I got my precut set from Invinca-Shield.com. They had the lowest price that I found. Ordered and got it with in 3 business days. It includes an instructional video and WARRANTY papers. 5 yrs. Video with explain the warranty. Good Luck in what ever product you choose!!

Front View: **Note** Can't even see the film.



Side View: **Note** you have to look very very closely.



Side View: **Note** you have to look very very closely.



Standing from Driver Side at the steering wheel: **Note** you can see the film from this angle

 

I have connections with all of these companies and can help with any questions about the products.

The Avery film has only been out about 18 months and doesn't have the track record that the 3M film has. I have used both products and found the Avery film looks better on white cars.

 

My only question/concern here is:

When you do finally remove the "Clear" bra or film protection after a year or two or three, do you see a difference in paint color?? Ex: The paint under protection now doesn't COMPLETELY match the paint that was unprotected.

I see this being likely as the "Clear" film would reduce UV rays, etc. that fades paint.

Any comments?

 

I replaced the pieces on my mirrors recently, mainly because the my original install was not as good as I am now capable (my 1st install), and didn't notice any color difference from the areas covered vs. not covered. Probably the biggest difference would be in the amount of fine scratches in the clear coat on the areas not covered. The part protected with the film would not have these.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Speed 2000
[B]I replaced the pieces on my mirrors recently, mainly because the my original install was not as good as I am now capable (my 1st install), and didn't notice any color difference from the areas covered vs. not covered.

 

The film has been on the car about 2 years. I did the install myself and it was a total pain in the butt, especially the one piece bumper section.

The Invinca-Shield bumper section is a 4 piece kit and would be easier for the novice to install and provides more coverage than the other precut kits out there. S2000 Kit I can get the price down to probably $250 for a group buy on 10 or more. The kits include an installation video, a squirt bottle with install solution, a squeegee and instructions.