Hi everyone,

I purchased a new '08 xB several weeks ago, and was offered the clear Vinyl protection
for the front end. I notice they already have small patches of the stuff on my far in strategic areas to protect from dings, scratches , etc..

Now, while cleaning /polishing my new baby (wifes term not mine LOL) I've noticed that I've already gotten a couple small Rock chips on the front end.
MY question is I guess, what do people THINK of the clear vinyl protection offered?
Any problems with it? Any problems taking care of it?

Last question, does it end up looking weird/odd?

Looking forward to any answers, I want do do something soon, before I get any more chips etc...

I recently purchased a clear bra for only $30 from http://stores.ebay.com/Xtremecity. The kit fit the box very well with the exception of the front tow hooks. One was cut out and one was not, however he is sending me a replacement. other than that the kit worked great. I can already see some marks in the clear bra where rocks wanted to chip my baby and instead was introduced to the clear film. Not to mention love bugs are fierce here in central Florida and instead of cringing when they hit my baby, I say BRING IT ON!! So far it was a good purchase.

As far as the install, I recommend buying the installation kit that he sells as buying the needed tools costs about the same if not more, and its tough finding a squigee like the one he has. You will need to pretty much clear an entire day to get the install done. It took me about 8 total hours for the install. Its really slow going at first till you get the hang of it. Make sure you keep dust off the film and your car. That is the only imperfections in the kit I have, dust below the film in about 10 spots.

The best thing about this guys film is, if you don't like it pull it off and your out only $30 vs the $400 if you have it installed!!

The added bonus is, the owner drives a Scion.......not a box but an 08 tC.

Hmmm
Store not found spring.
I have to say I know you cannot get 3M film for that price. Even if you are only talking about a partial coverage install. The concern most here have about non-3M product is the resistance to yellowing etc. Plus it is generally thicker than others. There are a couple other good brand names, but I don't recall what they are off the top of my head. Someone else can probably chime in with that.
Good luck with yours though. I hope it continues to be a good buy for you.

The full coverage, which is what I have and suggest, is going to cost you $400-600 installed using high quality film. There seems to be a wide variety of prices in different locations. Lots of people here have this.

Mine included headlight protection as well which got tested last week. Driving on the freeway and a car in front of me kicked up a 3" or so diameter chunk of asphalt that hit the left headlight. Damaged the film a little, but not a mark on the lens itself. :clap:

Hmmm
Store not found spring.
I have to say I know you cannot get 3M film for that price. Even if you are only talking about a partial coverage install. The concern most here have about non-3M product is the resistance to yellowing etc. Plus it is generally thicker than others. There are a couple other good brand names, but I don't recall what they are off the top of my head. Someone else can probably chime in with that.
Good luck with yours though. I hope it continues to be a good buy for you.

The full coverage, which is what I have and suggest, is going to cost you $400-600 installed using high quality film. There seems to be a wide variety of prices in different locations. Lots of people here have this.

Mine included headlight protection as well which got tested last week. Driving on the freeway and a car in front of me kicked up a 3" or so diameter chunk of asphalt that hit the left headlight. Damaged the film a little, but not a mark on the lens itself. :clap:

Thank you. Good Info.

http://stores.ebay.com/Xtremecity

Try that.

This is a complete coverage film that includes about 8 pieces. Nearly every millimeter of the car is protected from the front half of the hood to the tip of the lip. Package even includes some pieces to protect the side mirrors. It does not include that headlight protection, but seriously, I would much rather make sure my paint was protected rather than the headlight which are easily replaced. Not to mention you can get the headlight kit elsewhere.

The film is thinner than the 3m stuff, but I read somewhere that makes the 3m material nearly impossible to install yourself. My main concern for getting the kit is to protect my BSP from bug damage which shows sooo easily on that black car.

As far as yellowing, at this price I don't know why that would matter. If the kit stats to yellow after 1-2 years I'll just replace it with another $30 kit which is still $400-$500 less than the 3M installed. In fact I'd image any of the kits would start to show damage in a year or two from the bugs and rocks out there. This way you have a fresh kit on there, looking new and shiny!

Can't go wrong with the 3M I'd image, and I'm sure its a better product. But damn $500 dollars more?!?!?!

Around here in Oregon, you're looking at $750+ to get a clear bra installed with the 3M Paint Protectant Film. It's a lot of money, but it also comes with a 5 year warranty and the assurance that you got a 3M quality product. I will purchase it whenever I get my xB

Thanks for the new link spring.
They are interesting. They do have 3M as well. Not as cheap as the other brand, but probably as cheap as anyplace I have seen.

Yeah I forgot the mirrors. Mine had that too as well as the door handle areas.

I do have to disagree on the headlight thing. I think my headlight assembly would have been ruined if not for the film on it. The headlight protection is much thicker than the hood and bumper stuff by the way. A headlight assembly for the xB is pretty expensive I bet. Two tail light assemblies for about $300. Headlight assembly with projector must be like $400-$500 a pair.

Either way there are definitely some good options out there for this stuff. Absolutely recommend using something of this type.

Well, I might look into getting a headlight kit. I have seen them on the net before.

I think another one of the brands I have seen is Laminx.

Agree with the usefulness of the clear bra. I already see little scuffs in the bra from where rocks have hit it. I'd imagine the paint would have been damaged. The great thing about this stuff is if ya don't like it, just rip it off.

If anyone is thinking about getting the kit and DIY, check out the link below as far as installation. It is a very involved process and until you get the hang of it very frustrating. I nearly gave up on the very curvy side section, but then all of a sudden it all came together.

BTW, this guy also sells the film uncut for various other jobs. I am going to be buying some of it and making a custom rear bumper protector. I think this is a better option than the black rubber stuff that makes the car look like a soccer mom owns it. Maybe make a custom headlight kit too.

http://www.thexcity.com/cool_and_clear_007.htm

BTW, this guy also sells the film uncut for various other jobs. I am going to be buying some of it and making a custom rear bumper protector. I think this is a better option than the black rubber stuff that makes the car look like a soccer mom owns it.
I was thinking the same thing. I have looked for a precut (yeah I'm lazy) piece that goes a 1/2 inch or so over the edge without much luck. Time to make my own maybe.

In case you are interested here is a close up look at the damage to the film on my headlight mentioned above.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/roXor_boXor/Left-headlight.jpg
I think it may have broken the lens if I had not had the film. The top (smaller) spot is clear through the film. The film used for the headlights was thicker too. I think the paint protection is 8mil and the headlights 14mil.