Clear Bra

[Bowtie2Sierra]

I've had a clear bra (3M & VentureSheild) installed on several vehicles in the past. Since I'm not in love with the new trucks, I'm going to keep my current truck for 2-3 years so I'd like to get some protection on the paint. It is a garage queen and is really only driven a few times a month. My main concern is the rocker panels (I hate mud flaps). That area appears to be an easy area to apply a clear bra for a beginner so I'm thinking about trying it out myself.

Has anyone installed 3M or VentureShield themselves? If so, what was your experience like?

 

[Zembonez]

No experience installing it but people who use it sure seem to like it. I don't have any noticeable rocker chips on mine after 5 years - even with wide tires and wheels. I have a few chips up front.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

Oh God. Pay someone

I have successfully installed one piece and it is on the front of my bumper today. I have tried on 2 trucks, and now have wasted money on 2 trucks paying to have it done again. It disturbing that I suck so bad at this

I am pretty sure I could do rocker panels. Both of my 900s had them done. Curved surfaces are the devil's whore

 

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Ha. Did you order pre-cut pieces or cut it yourself?

I watched the guy finish up my wife's SUV and he made it look easy. I know its not as easy as it looks though.

 

[CJ Hungus]

Oh God. Pay someone

I have successfully installed one piece and it is on the front of my bumper today. I have tried on 2 trucks, and now have wasted money on 2 trucks paying to have it done again. It disturbing that I suck so bad at this

I am pretty sure I could do rocker panels. Both of my 900s had them done. Curved surfaces are the devil's whore

It's ok, not all of us can have the Midas touch.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

Edit: For Matt:

I know, those assholes have no life.

I have watched a ton of it being done, and I consider myself a handy guy.

I bought the 3M venture kits pre-cut. I have now purchased enough to do 4 trucks.

I would go after the rockers, knowing what I know now. I will never try to do bumper corners again on a Silverado. Just look at those bastards

 

[PenguinLTZ]

Oh God. Pay someone

I have successfully installed one piece and it is on the front of my bumper today. I have tried on 2 trucks, and now have wasted money on 2 trucks paying to have it done again. It disturbing that I suck so bad at this

I am pretty sure I could do rocker panels. Both of my 900s had them done. Curved surfaces are the devil's whore

It's ok, not all of us can have the Midas touch.

True. I aspire to be Carl in another life.

 

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Yeah there is no way in hell I would attempt anything on the front end.

It's more about wanting to give it a shot and see how it turns out. The rockers seemed like the easiest area on the entire truck.

And you are right, the guys that install this stuff are a different breed.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

Warm day, warm truck in the shade, completely stripped and cleaned paint, lots of soapy water.

The kit on the site comes with everything you need.

I did the piece on my front bumper in the wind and rain, 2 hours before we drove up the AlCan to Alaska because I am a rockstar.

 

[NMRam]

Edit: For Matt:

I know, those assholes have no life.

I have watched a ton of it being done, and I consider myself a handy guy.

I bought the 3M venture kits pre-cut. I have now purchased enough to do 4 trucks.

I would go after the rockers, knowing what I know now. I will never try to do bumper corners again on a Silverado. Just look at those bastards

This is how I felt when I tried to tint my windows a while back....the flat side windows went ok, but the curved back windows were a total PITA and looked like crap. I ended up peeling it all off and will pay someone to do it at some point.