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1,388 Posts
Clear bras are more noticeable on darker color cars. It's a trade off though, you run the risk of serious rock chips or you stay protected with a bra line. It's up to you on what your looking for
3M Clear Bra
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I made the mistake of not getting the clear bra installed upon purchasing the car and after only driving the car three times I noticed a rock chip on the front edge of the hood. I immediately called the dealer and made a same day appointment to have the clear bra installed. I spoke with the installer and he claimed to have done an average of about 1000 cars per year for various dealers over the past eight years. His work was flawless and I'm very happy with the end result. He also touched up the rock chip and it's barely noticable now. Like most people have stated, you can see a line (Matador Red) but it's much better than rock chips!
I had the 3M Bra put on "by an expert" at the dealership. It bubbled on the light:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2093/106/105/1578643234/n1578643234_92000_4484.jpg
And Peeled on the lower bumper:
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2093/106/105/1578643234/n1578643234_92001_4708.jpg
So they fixed both right. Nope. Lower was not touched even though he claimed to replace the entire lower portion and now the lens has a cloud on it:
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2093/106/105/1578643234/n1578643234_92002_2686.jpg
I'm told this is normal and can happen when the temperature changes. Anyone buy into that BS?
Before I asked them to fix the bumper, I did point out that not all of the bumper was covered with the bra:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2093/106/105/1578643234/n1578643234_92014_4281.jpg
Would you expect me to do anything else other than demand it to be removed and ask for a total refund?
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2093/106/105/1578643234/n1578643234_92000_4484.jpg
And Peeled on the lower bumper:
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2093/106/105/1578643234/n1578643234_92001_4708.jpg
So they fixed both right. Nope. Lower was not touched even though he claimed to replace the entire lower portion and now the lens has a cloud on it:
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2093/106/105/1578643234/n1578643234_92002_2686.jpg
I'm told this is normal and can happen when the temperature changes. Anyone buy into that BS?
Before I asked them to fix the bumper, I did point out that not all of the bumper was covered with the bra:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2093/106/105/1578643234/n1578643234_92014_4281.jpg
Would you expect me to do anything else other than demand it to be removed and ask for a total refund?
Joined
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689 Posts
Refund!!!!
There is NO way in hell I would put up with that! I would expect it to be removed and paint at least buffed out to make sure there is no residue left on the vehicle. If it was me I wouldn't settle for anything less than having the entire front end clay barred to make sure everything is removed. But then again if the 3m is any indication of the quality of their workers I wouldn't want them touching my car period. Tough call, but you should at least get it removed and get your money back.
good luck, let us know how it goes.
There is NO way in hell I would put up with that! I would expect it to be removed and paint at least buffed out to make sure there is no residue left on the vehicle. If it was me I wouldn't settle for anything less than having the entire front end clay barred to make sure everything is removed. But then again if the 3m is any indication of the quality of their workers I wouldn't want them touching my car period. Tough call, but you should at least get it removed and get your money back.
good luck, let us know how it goes.
Joined
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360 Posts
Boy it sure seems like they did a terrible job with that ClearBra install. I have it on my IS-F and it has some very tiny bubbles, but nothing like that. Hopefully they can either give you your money back or make it right.
Good Luck,
Jeff
Good Luck,
Jeff
Joined
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599 Posts
Wow, what a disappointment. This looks a little, ok alot out of the acceptable range. I would make an appointment with the service manager to start with and give them the opportunity to make it right for you. Whether by replacing or removing it with compensation for the latter.
be extremely careful with installers. i have read on other sites that people are getting tiny razor cuts that are not noticeable until the films are taken off. i read that most the precut kits still require trimming during installation, so razor is usually a necessary tool and hence risk of paint damage.
Joined
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1,388 Posts
Wow, that 3M job is horrible! It looks like there wasn't even an attempt to install it rather they just put the sheet over the front end and hoped for the best!
Like FChampOH said, I would make an appointment with the service manager to see if they are willing to fix it and make it right or have them return the F to normal and fix everything back to the way it was before install (have them wash it, clay bar, etc. so there is no damage to the paint or clear coat) and take it somewhere else for a clearbra
Like FChampOH said, I would make an appointment with the service manager to see if they are willing to fix it and make it right or have them return the F to normal and fix everything back to the way it was before install (have them wash it, clay bar, etc. so there is no damage to the paint or clear coat) and take it somewhere else for a clearbra
Update. Just got an e-mail to say they are issuing a check (refund) and will schedule for it to be removed. I would like to mention that I did not have to fight at all to get the refund, I suspect that's a Lexus Customer thing. I still want the Bra but now I am too scared to try another dealer/installer.
Joined
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360 Posts
Depending on where you live, maybe someone on this site can recommend an installer they used. The installer that did my car did a very nice job.
Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F
Once the check is in my hand and cashed, I will put the area I live. There are only two dealerships in my area and I want to maintain a positive relationship with my dealer as he did not scew up, the a-hole working for him did. I actually like my dealership, very easy to deal with. E-mails are returned in minutes and not days.
Joined
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360 Posts
I understand...no pressure. I was just trying to help.
Good luck,
Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F
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1,388 Posts
Glad to hear they are taking care of you and refunding you your money! 
Like Jeff said, someone on here might know of a reputable shop to install a clear bra in your area and if not, you can always type something like "Clear Bra Car Install" (or something to that effect) into google along with your city and it should bring up a list of shops. The 3M website also has a list of shops on their site. After this first instance, I would try to see if you could find some reviews of the shops your considering online, I've found them to be a pretty big help
Like Jeff said, someone on here might know of a reputable shop to install a clear bra in your area and if not, you can always type something like "Clear Bra Car Install" (or something to that effect) into google along with your city and it should bring up a list of shops. The 3M website also has a list of shops on their site. After this first instance, I would try to see if you could find some reviews of the shops your considering online, I've found them to be a pretty big help
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1,388 Posts
Aerotect looks like they did a really good job
Got the check yesterday and took it staight to the bank. Then made a capital payment on the car loan with it. It gets removed next week. Luckily this guy uses a professional cutting machine and no razor blades so I should be in good shape. I'm told he is very good - may be he had a bad day.
Seattle. So you have a 50/50 chance of working out the dealer. But has I said,the dealer was very honerable. I did not have to beg for a refund, a simple statement of "I think I'm done" was all it took. We're still "friends".
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