[Casique]

Has anybody used the StoneGard, or similar product, clear bra? Are these clear plastic films effective, durable, hard to install or take off? Oviously the manufacturer thinks its greater than apple pie. Here is the URL. Comments?

http://www.stongard.com/sgcontent/result2_sgNEW.asp?SG_Retail_Pack_ID=842

 

[kenyee]

my review (but on an ML)

so don't read it if you hate MLs

It's in the reviews section <a href="http://www.keysolutions.com/M-Class">here</a>

 

[Mjaime]

David A. Rey
You don't know how much I've been looking for a product like this, not only for the MDX but for a Sienna '00 that I also have. I love the one that cover your mirror and the door edges which BTW people tend to grab the door from them and always keep on getting loose. I am going to order the kit and I keep you informed on how this product works for me.
I live in NYC and dealing with parking here always have the people looking for new ideas to protect the sides and bumpers of their cars with anything available. This is one of the reasons I installed the Hitch in my cars, not to haul, but to protect me from others hitting my rear bumper.
Soon I'm going to try the new front and rear (yes..rear) bumper grilles made from WAAG ( http://www.waag.com ) due in 2 months.

 

[wmquan]

Ken, I read the article anyway (just kidding).

Excellent piece. Have you heard impressions on chains that do better jobs of setting these up, especially in the West? What's the best way to find some of these folks?

And now that you've had yours for a while, are you totally happy with it?

 

[Casique]

Kenyee

Thanks a lot for the info! ML's are great, I came very close to buying one before settling on the MDX.

 

[kenyee]

my experience w/ invisible bra so far

I'd do it again. I used to have a black cloth bra on my Integra. Had to take it off for snowstorms when I needed it the most around here (psycho sand truck drivers and all the nuts that zig zag in front of you and spray sand all over you like they did today...multiple times)-: Can't leave normal bra on because you can't get it wet.

I've got a couple of clearcoat chips 1-3" above the bra and one near the top of the hood. The ML's minivan'ish front is really susceptible to chips. The MDX should have less problems because the hood angle is more "normal".

The front/rear bumpers have small tears in them. Damn touch parkers in Boston. If I didn't have the bra, the tears would be in the paint of the bumpers though. I wish they had used thicker bra material for the bumpers.

Dunno about chains in the West. I'd suggest you ask around and *do* interview the installer until you find one you are comfortable with.

 

[Casique]

Xpell Clear Bra Useless

I tried Xpell Clear Bra and it was a total failure. I ordered both kits $360 (bumper, flares, mirrors and hood). An extremelly reputable company (window tint and auto custom work) tried to apply it, but finally gave up due to product poor cut quality.

When Xpell was called, they said the product is cut with an exacto knife! They aggreed that they are having problems with the MDX product (and most likely with all their other products-exacto knife?). However, they did not indicate this at the time of purchase and refused to refund the money to the company installing the product.

Bad bussiness does not pay!

Stay away from Xpell!

 

[Mjaime]

Stongard two tumbs up!
The first time I heard about this product was from David and after some investigation from the different companies wich BTW use the same product but do different cuts with larger or smaller pieces I decided to buy from Stongard.
After I had the product went to 3 tint shops and none of them didn't even know what I was talking about. Thats when I called the company who refer me to a Tint Shop in Edison, NJ. This is a stretchable product that requires a person with skills and took them about 3 hours to finish the mirrors, front bumper,lower trim, and door edges. The company doesn't have the rear bumper but the person in the shop told me to buy a piece of 12' by 75" and he will do it. I'll post some pics after the storm is over here in the East coast.

 

[Casique]

I'm in the process of moving to VA (military). Once I get there I'll re-engage with Stoneguard. I tried to save money ($360 Xpell to SG $500) and that was a mistake.

Yes, propper installation means the difference between success and failure. Looking forward to the pics.

 

[ardvarkus]

ANybody know what material is used for this application?

either Xpell or Stonegard?

I assume it is a 3M film. I'd like to independently verify the specifications with whomever makes the material.

Thanks

Ard

 

[kenyee]

Ard:
Yes, it is made by 3M. There are a few thicknesses. The 20mil is supposed to be for headlamps. The 8mil is normally what's used for the front part.
Please let me know what you find out. It's supposed to last at least 7yrs...

David:
Yes, the experience of the installer matters *a lot*. That's what I was trying to emphasize in my review. It takes about a year to get "good enough".

 

[mymontreal]

Stongard Warranty ?

Hi

Trying to decide on stongard before I pickup my new MDX on Friday.

Can somebody clarify the warranty ? Dealer says $1,000 per incident, with 3 yrs coverage.

Stongard website says $2,000 with 4 yrs coverage.

Dealer says Stongard pay 100% up to the max.

Stongard says they provide only secondary insurance, and will only cover your deductible up to $2,000, after you have claimed against your own insurance to repair any chips & scratches ???

Thx

Mike

 

[MaD-X]

I've got xpel and works great, especially if you go skiing a lot like I do (I can hear stones blasting on the windshield). I think either xpel or stonegard works fine, if you find the RIGHT installer to do the job. I had a local installer do it for me for MDX but did one myself after watching this guy on my other car. If you can find a local installer, he or she may be able to get one from xpel or stonegard at a CHEAPER PRICE then for you to order one directly from xpel or stonegard. I paid ~650 for full xpel kit (including light guard) with installation. I would have paid $700 for the full kit if I bought direct from xpel (without install). If you're handy, find a local installer, buy a kit through installer, and install it yourself. I bought a xpel kit for another car from the installer for about $200 cheaper than through xpel and installed it myself. But as a warning, installation on MDX isn't so easy. If you do it yourself, keep the film wet with alcohol at all times. Films stays pliable and you won't leave finger prints on the film if you keep it wet. Plus you get more bubbles if film dries out. Helps if you see someone install it in person.

One disadvantage of clear bra, I've heard, is that over time, wax can build up along the edges of film, which can leave a mark. After waxing, make sure to remove all wax at the edges (I use my finger nail wrapped over thin cloth). Hope this helps.

Warranty wise - here's what I got on MDX.
5 yr warranty on 3M paint/headlight protection from my installer (but I think this holds true for all installation by xpel qualified installer - do a search on xpel site for xpel qualified installers). Installer told me they last at least 7 yrs. - pretty much the lifetime of your car. You can also remove them if you don't want them later, but I don't see why you would want to remove them.

Warrenty on my other car - NOTHING since I did the installation myself.

 

[donsev]

One disadvantage of clear bra, I've heard, is that over time, wax can build up along the edges of film, which can leave a mark. After waxing, make sure to remove all wax at the edges (I use my finger nail wrapped over thin cloth).

Yes, if you use a wax that dries into a fine powder it does collect on the edges of the film. It does detract from the "almost" invisible appearance of the 3M mask but I don't think it can leave a "permanent" mark. Although, if you aren't careful when removing the wax, over time you *could* leave enough fine scratches along the edge line that *would* be permanent. I suggest using something like Griots natural bristle brushes instead of a finger nail.

 

[dbarry]

I just got my Stonguard Clear Bra installed today. It looks really good. Cost here in Houston was $400 installed. Even got my front door windows tinted to match for another $30.

Thanks to all for the info on this. I think it's going to work out super!