I went to a new products show on Sunday and a guy there was trying to sell me this clear guard system for the front of my Cayman. It cost $495.00 complete........any thoughts?


http://www.clear-guard.com/paint_page.asp


Thanks Russ

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I don't have any hard info but I do have my own personal bias...

There are few companies I have more brand loyalty to than 3M. Scotchguard, Scotch tape, Post-It notes, sandpaper, command adhesive, thinsulate, Scotchbrite sponges, Filtrete air filters... etc. I just wouldn't consider an alternative unless there was strong evidence suggesting otherwise.

RussK: I believe Clear Guard is what I have on my car. Mine was $495.00 installed. My understanding is that the protective film is precut by laser to match the vehicle. There are five pieces in the Cayman install: 2 around the headlamps, 2 on the sideview mirrors and 1 on the lower third or so of the front lid. First time for me. Only 300 miles so far but I feel like it is doing the job. Barely noticeable to most but Speed Yellow seems to be a good color to hide the lines.

Aloha Russ,

I'd be interested in doing a clear bra install with you on my Cayman, especially if the guy could give us a better deal. My Cayman finally came in last week but then guess what, I fell for the Coblat blue launch car that was in the showroom. Don't worry, mine has a black interior so its not exactly the same.

Wes

Yes something is amiss - the website you posted shows that their kit prices are $419 for hood, fenders and mirrors, and the front bumper is $319 and has a difficulty level of 5 (highest). So that's almost $750 just for the kit, not including install. BTW, they are reselling the X-Pel pattern, X-Pel sends them a CD and the use it to cut the pattern from whatever material they have laying around. If they are saying they will give you all of those pieces and install them for $495 then something is up, cheap film, etc. who knows.


I would recommend a proven installer using proven materials, sort of like our sponsors here, hint hint, but even if you don't go with our sponsors, make sure whomever you go with is reputable and using the right stuff.

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K-Man S
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Thanks for the feedback everybody. I am always hesitant to use a off brand. The guy at the show did make it clear that he would do all the pieces for $495.00, and I did think it was a little cheap compared to the Clear Bra, which made me wonder about the quality.

Wes, there are now 3 of us with Cobalt! All different interiors. I met a guy at Waialae Country Club and he was driving his Cobalt with Terra Cotta interior. We will have to line these babies up and take some pics.

Russ

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Well, their site says:

'Each of our kits are designed specifically to fit your vehicle, and are manufactured from transparent high impact films manufactured by 3M[/quote], Avery Dennison, and Venture Tape. This unique material offers excellent protection, and will not crack, yellow, shrink or peel over time.'

Many, but not all of the protection film 'professional installers' appear to use 3M brand. Installation is not rocket science - far from it - but, someone proficient at it, like one of our sponsors, has been installing the stuff for a long time, and is very, very skilled. This ensures a first-class, quality job, though that effort could/should command a premium (IMO).

There will always be undercutting in service industries. And lots of times its a very skilled installer, breaking off on their own. And sometimes its a new entry into the field. See their work.

The film cost, if you are a dealer doesn't seem to be real expensive. The cost to cut a hood, fender, mirror kit is under $50. So, when we get charge $200 or so, not installed, the dealer is making a decent profit. But maybe they have low volume sales ... or not.

From Clear Guard, bulk material, 24' width roll, 8 mil thick is $12 per foot. The required length of material to cut a kit is about 4 feet, so thats $48. BUT, the thickness is 4 mil, so 1/2 the cost = $24. AND it isn't the cost to the dealer.

I learned a little more about paint protection at the East Bay Croc Meet. One of the suppliers of film is coming out with a roll width that will cover the entire Cayman hood ( no line). As it is, one of the Caymans was protected, such that all but the aft hood corners were covered. It is really cool.

The folks that did that work were: www.premiermobilegroup.com

I have seen one example of their work And it was stellar. And not too expensive.

Edited by - fmarshall on 05/03/2006 09:31:29 AM

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LL

fmarshall,

Thanks for the great info!

Russ

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First time posting. I have the Avery clear product on my Cayman. I paid extra and got a huge piece that almost covers my entire hood. It is only about 4 inches from the top. I also had the bumper done and the headlight. A friend had the 3M product on a Vette and it yellowed and they had to have it replaced. People I have spoken to havespoken high regarding Avery.

Welcome Vegas,

Thanks for your input. Can you see the clear film? Would you say it is as undetectable as the 3M film?

Aloha Russ

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My experience with Avery is just the opposite in that it yellowed faster than 3M and didn't hold up as well. I'm sure the version level of the film might make a difference too.

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K-Man S
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3M also has a pretty good warranty.