DIY full car wrap clear bra install

[honeybadger]

Edit for anyone that reads this from the beginning. I tried it. It went poorly. Going a different route.

Hi all -

I should be getting my beast in a couple of weeks. I'm planning to do a self-installed clear bra application. With some detailing and window tinting experience (plus tons of iPhone screen covers), I am just experienced enough to be dangerous

I am planning on order bulk rolls from ebay instead of pre-cut to save costs and learn some new skills - although I plan to buy a pre-cut kit for the front bumper because that looks like a beast. I'll take tons of pics/video to hopefully help others out since bulk-applying/single sheet clear bra video installations are scarce.

So on to my question - would anyone mind hooking a brother up with some dimensions of the car panels? Explicitly looking for hood, trunk, rear bumper and side dimensions. I know a little bit to ask, but I would be eternally grateful!

I'll detail product, quantity and cost as I go.

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[honeybadger]

Placeholder for videos and pics

 

[honeybadger]

Placeholder #2 for videos and pics

 

[honeybadger]

Oh - and if anyone has experience/tips they want to share, please go ahead!

 

[jwhite]

I Having probably a little more experience at vinyl and graphics, you will have your work cut out for you. Bet tip I can give you,,,,,,, patience, I have also found That " Joy " dish soap works better than any other spray lube I've used, IMO, about 1 table spoon per about 24 ounces, again about. Helps to have a second set of hands to do heat while you squeegee. And last start on the worst body line of a panel and work your way out from there. Good luck.

 

[shelbydave]

Dude good luck!!
I've been tinting over 20 years and have done a lot of paint protection .the 350 bumpers suck!!
Pm me and I can share my thoughts with ya if you want.

 

[Shift]

Dude good luck!!
I've been tinting over 20 years and have done a lot of paint protection .the 350 bumpers suck!!
Pm me and I can share my thoughts with ya if you want.

The shop I had it done at, their "magic man" who has had done clear bras for nearly a decade, had to re-do the front bumper 3x because it was hand cut, and the shop owner is OCD.

Good luck to OP. One word of advice, is to buy just the pre-cut front bumper section from Derand, and do the rest yourself like you planned.

 

[snaproll]

I'd go pre - cut personally. Maybe cut your own 1/4 panel pc for ahead of the wheel or a straight and flat bits.

I'm a DYI'er for clear bras. Things that come to mind: Lots of thin Rubber gloves, spray bottle of alcohol for clean up, do overs, and better grip when needed; fresh razor blades, warm weather, patience, fresh squeegees of various sizes, patience. No idea where your skill/confidence with this stuff is, but If I were learning, I'd try working some corners on the old minivan or something. I don't mess with film application much anymore but it's doable. The thing that still makes me nervous is figuring the right pressure to drag a razor blade across the film when it's on top of your paint. You shouldn't "have" to do much of this but I always find an opportunity to trim something. A razor scratch would certainly defeat the purpose of the film application.

 

[shelbydave]

The xpell precut patterns are money!!

 

[honeybadger]

Dude good luck!!
I've been tinting over 20 years and have done a lot of paint protection .the 350 bumpers suck!!
Pm me and I can share my thoughts with ya if you want.

Yeah...they look difficult. I was looking at them closely a while back and they look like a huge pain. Definitely ordering a pre-cut part for the bumper.

The shop I had it done at, their "magic man" who has had done clear bras for nearly a decade, had to re-do the front bumper 3x because it was hand cut, and the shop owner is OCD.

Good luck to OP. One word of advice, is to buy just the pre-cut front bumper section from Derand, and do the rest yourself like you planned.

Definitely doing this. The rest of the car looks pretty easy. Only part I am unsure about is the transition from rear quarter panel to the roof. Not sure how to handle that. If I use all one piece, there would be tons of waste. Hm...

The xpell precut patterns are money!!

True that. XPEL wants thousands just for precut. I plan to use 3M Scotchguard Pro.....buying bulk it'll cost less to cover the whole car than XPEL for just the front bumper.

I'd go pre - cut personally. Maybe cut your own 1/4 panel pc for ahead of the wheel or a straight and flat bits.

I'm a DYI'er for clear bras. Things that come to mind: Lots of thin Rubber gloves, spray bottle of alcohol for clean up, do overs, and better grip when needed; fresh razor blades, warm weather, patience, fresh squeegees of various sizes, patience. No idea where your skill/confidence with this stuff is, but If I were learning, I'd try working some corners on the old minivan or something. I don't mess with film application much anymore but it's doable. The thing that still makes me nervous is figuring the right pressure to drag a razor blade across the film when it's on top of your paint. You shouldn't "have" to do much of this but I always find an opportunity to trim something. A razor scratch would certainly defeat the purpose of the film application.

I am planning to one-piece wrap my daily's hood and then attempt a single piece on its front bumper as well for practice. Should be a good practice run. I'm not too nervous about scoring the film as I've done tons of similar stuff before. However, I might change my mind once I have to do it on a brand new car

 

[honeybadger]

Any willing to help a brother out with the measurements?

Explicitly looking for hood, trunk, rear bumper and side dimensions. I know a little bit to ask, but I would be eternally grateful!

 

[honeybadger]

Any willing to help a brother out with the measurements?

Explicitly looking for hood, trunk, rear bumper and side dimensions. I know a little bit to ask, but I would be eternally grateful!

Would someone mind helping me out with some measurements? I'll be eternally grateful?

 

[jwhite]

Can help you out in morning if no one has got back with you.? Just let me know what you need.
Edit ,,,I see what you need on above post. Again if no one has them I'll be happy to in morning

 

[mdmoore23]

All I can say is good luck. It's a lot harder than it looks.

 

[honeybadger]

Can help you out in morning if no one has got back with you.? Just let me know what you need.
Edit ,,,I see what you need on above post. Again if no one has them I'll be happy to in morning

Thanks! Hoping to order my materials tomorrow!

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