Just had my Blk 328 nose repainted by Tim Smith -Smith Restoration - he did a great job! Thanks Tim! Thanks Dave for the recommendation. I've been thinking about having a clear bra installed and wanted to hear some of your opinions... I've done some research here on F-Chat and hear that a good installer is the most important aspect of the process. Anyone know a good clear bra installer in the Boulder/Denver area? How about opinions on 3M vs.Llumar vs. other clear bras? Thanks for your thoughts - -Mike
Mike, I suggest 3M over Llumar. I have tested Llumar in the past and seen adhesive failures and at sometimes the clarity hazes or milky. Llumar is known for window tint not clear protection film which was founded by 3M. Be sure to ask your applicator for the new 3M Film, the only way can tell is by the "pinkish" 3M logo on the backing/liner. The older film has a dark-red 3M logo. Or, You can ask for the LOT# or batch manufactured date, this label can be found inside the inner tube roll. The new 3M film is much improved with its clarity, lesser orange peel, and much more forgiving to work with vs. the older batch. Finding a reputable applicator in your area may not be easy, just search around. Hope this helped and good luck! -B-
Thanks very much! I really do appreciate the input. Well... I'm still up in the air I guess, even if I should have a clear bra put on or just leave it as is. Thanks again for your thoughts! Mike
Has everyone seen this NEW spray-on Bra ? Looks like it would be great for track days and weekend drivers. Removable too. http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?SKU=20264&topnav=FRSPR06 Steve
Mark Ventizia was referred to me by a friend of mine that owns several high end Ferrari's. His number is 303.489.5762. He's the only guy that he'll let do his cars.
Have tried 3M twice on my new MINI Cooper S and it was not good.Installer showed me how it did not stretch properly and did not react properly to the heat application during installation.He felt that the shelf life of the product was suspect.He re -applied using the "Cortall" product which may be made by Lumar and it was very good.There was a very tiny adhesion problem around some sharp corners on the supercharger hood scoop. For my new Mustang GT I went back to the same installer in Springdale Arkansas and used the "Cortall" product.Again,a tiny bit of adhesion problem but overall, very satified.I have seen a perfect installation on a Maranello at Continental Motors in Chicago.Don't know what they used. I very much recommend the clear bras.Be sure that your new paint has properly cured.I drive my new cars an extreme minimum until I can get the front protected.Good luck!
Yes the mini Cooper S with the new 3M is a tough one, with all the compound curves. I do quite a bit of Mini Coopers on a weekly basis since I have BMW/Mini as an account. However 85% of vehicles we work on are Ferraris, since we are specialized. Laying down 3M film requires practice and patience in developing application technique. Again, Llumar still showing adhesive disturbances and will likely fail in the long run, not to mention will haze as well (if not properly maintained). We have been testing older and newer protective films from different manufactures since 1999. We still have several test film stuck on cars as far as Northern Alaska (for cold temp testing) and over dozens of cars in Lake Havasu City, AZ (the hottest spot in the nation, for high temo testing). 3M is by far has proven. Mike, Allow a minimum of 30days on repainted surface to cure, prior for clear protection application. -B-
