DanR

Hi Guys

FIrstly I did try a search for this question however the function would not work for me.

I pick my new 911 up next week which is solid black. The dealer has reccomended me to have a protective film bra fitted to the front. How necessary is this and is $865 a good price for it in the New York area?

Thanks in advance
Dan

Deanski

First, congrads on your new toy.

I too have a black C2S and yes, I have paint film on the cars finish. It is needed big time as Porsche paint is very soft.

Best work seen in the tri-state area for paint film is done at Detailing Dynamics in Long Island. They are top notch and can customer fit any film as well.

You will thank us later. All it takes is one item to go sailing over your hood/fender to see how it protects. I had a mud flap from a small car get winged off another car and hit the front hood. Luckly, I have the film and no damage to the paint. You'll be very surpirsed how much this film absorbs from impacts.

While you're at Detailing Dynamics, have them polish the car. They can also equip you with a very good detailing schedule to keep it looking 100%. I send many customers in NY/NYC to them.

Regards,
Deanski

DanR

Thanks, will give them a call. How much have people paid on here for the same treatment?

wross996tt

No debate about film protection, but the softer the paint, the MORE resistant to chipping. My paint guy actually adds a softening agent when painting the front end of cars. That quote seems a couple $100 high...maybe it's NY?

Frino

Market price in DC area is $900-$1,200 for 911's. I paid $1,200 for my Aerokit equipped vehicle. 3M product coverage included hood, fenders, bumper, lights, A-pillars, mirrors, strips behind front and rear wheels. Piece of mind well worth the cost.

CBejbl

Price is slightly high, but that's a free market. I paid $700 for mine 1 year ago. Regardless of price, I would recommend you get it put on. Just too much sand, rocks, chunks of steel, etc, on the road.

Deanski

You are correct in that softer paint will "give" more than a brittle paint, with the exception of "Cerami-Clear" type clearcoat which is very tuff and also very difficult to correct defects until Menzerna came out with 106FF and P085RD polishes.

I find that Porsche paint is very easy to correct being soft, but also when struck, paint gives a bit too much and you end up with a very slight indent.

The cost of film protection varies as to what you want done. At least go with: 1/4 to 1/2 hood, headlights, fender "wings", top of fender beyond headlights, bumper, side mirrors and door cups. I also added film on lower front fender wheel well openings (dog leg) to protect from debris kick-up from tires.

Film clarity varies as well. Venturi films are one of the clearest. 3M seems to yellow in time and has an orange peel look. Also, when films are warm or hot, cleaning/washing the car is a bit more problematic. Micro-fiber towels seem to loose fiber on the film as it becomes tacky when warm. You have to cool it down first. And yes, you can wax over it or better yet, use a sealant as they do not yellow. Tape the seams so the sealants do not migrate into it or worse below it. Use a soft towel on the film, no hard rubbing or use of leather chamois. No need to use plastic polish as some will even haze the film.

I believe there are many pictures of cars done at Detailing Dynamics on this forum, you may want to search to see for yourself.

Post some pics of it being done and after as well if possible!

Enjoy,

Deanski

Pete Lech

I drove my car right from the dealership to the film installer. Currently, my installer recommends polishing the film with Plexus, available at motorcycle shops.

Heed the recommendation about taping the edges before waxing the car, as it is very difficult to remove wax from the edge. There is thin pin-striping masking tape available at auto paint stores.

ezinternet

I had a 3M clear bra installed on my new 997 within days of getting the car from the detailer. I'm happy I did every time I drive past the construction zones on the highway and feel the pitter-patter of grit and gravel.

You should have the new car cleaned, clay-bar'd and polished before the bra is installed. It sounds as though your dealer is providing the installation service. It's usually the case that they are just subcontracting the job to a local installer. You have the advantage of convenience, but there are usually other qualified installers, and perhaps some that are strongly recommended in the area.

If the installer doesn't go over the new car and clay/polish before installing then I suggest that you get a qualified Porsche detailer hook-up to prep the surface first. No wax is needed; the installers will flush the area with alcohol anyway. But with a black car why not preserve the absolutely deepest, most glossy finish under the plastic?

Even a brand new car will benefit from the detailing prep steps.

JFScheck

I had a 3M clear bra installed on my Boxster, 911 the Cayenne (GONE) and getting one installed on the S4 next week the day I pick her up.

I didn't get a clear bra on the A6 - wow - compared to the Cayenne (more miles and a few months older) it's night and day.

The Boxster and 911 really appear to have been saved a few times - those two cars just seem to suck the rocks.

xeron

I have a hard time with this one. Personally, if it is that important, Porsche would have applied it or added it as an option from the factory. Just my 2 cents.

Premier

You're paying for a $100k car...be sure to get the best installer in your area. Congrats on the purchase!

YA911Fan

Learn how to touch up the occasional rock chip (it's especially easy with black, btw) and your car will look much better without the plastic crap.

A plastic wrapped black car looks horrible after some miles (jmo, of course).

Deanski

See this link for install pictures done at Detailing Dynamics on a black 997.

Detailing Dynamics Film Install on black 997

I myself also having a black 997 find the film a requirement,

Looks good, hard to detect unless close-up.

Regards,
Deanski

MMD

Depends where you drive most of the time and the mileage.

If you spend alot of time in traffic on the interstate then do it.

If the car is on rural highways with light traffic (compared to interstate) then it's not necessary.

Obviously it's other cars and trucks near and around you that are kicking up stones which is the problem.

Also, you can learn to nicely touch them up yourself (not just messily daub paint on them) or wait til you get twenty and get professional repair.