Who wants to put clear vinyl on the front of your ride?

[Vibe Rater]

Check this out before you do. I have seen many threads on this forum about front end bras, bug deflectors and vinyl tape for the nose. I used the vinyl on my truck many years ago. Sure it helped with some minor irritations I'm sure, but look what happens to it after a few years.

Attached files

[ragingfish]

I saw a guy with it at the last meet I was at...you could totally see it...looked horrid...I would never stick that crap on my car...

[Vibe Rater]

I thought I was gonna have to grind it off, but I found that a heat gun, plastic scraper and some GooGone will take it off. Another shot.

Attached files

[Vibe Rater]

A closeup. Get the bucket...

Attached files

[Vibe Rater]

I'll post some pics when I'm finished getting it all off, in a couple of days. Very slow and tedious.

Attached files

[Vibe Rater]

Note the big dent, courtesy of a rock thrown up on the highway (401). Obviously, this strip of vinyl can't be expected to prevent this.

Attached files

[NovaResource]

That stuff is not designed to be left on for years (and baked on by the sun). I believe it's supposed to be replaced every year or 2.

[Vibe Rater]

Apparently. It still doesn't help deflect the big objects. It is a product that seems like a good idea, but really isn't.

[NovaResource]

It's not a deflector it's a paint protector. It just helps prevent chips and/or scratched in areas exposed to such things.

[northvibe]

what about it being on headlights/fog lights?

[Mavrik]

I got some tried tested and true 3m clear bra stuff on the hood of my Vibe. Same stuff used on other cars there as well, many of those cars now more then 4-5 years old. Still clear with no discolouration.But quality of materials do vary.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »what about it being on headlights/fog lights?there is a different type of clear film that is thicker. check out http://www.rockblocker.com

[Josh]

I think before you go slamming clear front vinyl/3M material you should consider the following.1. You live in Canada where the winters/bugs/roads are PROBABLY worse than they are here in WA state.2. You stated you used the vinyl "many years ago", materials get better every year.3. You did not state, the manufacturer or type of vinyl you put on your truck.Please don't just post a topic showing a worst case scenario, telling everyone, in a nutshell "don't put it on, it will look like crap"I have stongard (manufacturer) on one of my cars, it was put on over 8 years ago and still is clear.

[AKLGT]

several members on other forums (subaru) have this done and no problems. i have it installed on my LGT and so far so good. however, i hope to have it redone professionally as i didn't do as good a job as i'd have liked. it'll work for now through the winter until i can afford to have it redone professionally. perhaps we might have mav's front end done at the same time too if they give a discount.

[waveresponder]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe Rater »Check this out before you do. I have seen many threads on this forum about front end bras, bug deflectors and vinyl tape for the nose. I used the vinyl on my truck many years ago. Sure it helped with some minor irritations I'm sure, but look what happens to it after a few years. wow...didnt know that happened....although you mentioned several years..i think ive officially decided not to get clear vinyl...although yes materials get better over time....just dont want to find out the hard way if i chose the right one....

[WaveAction]

is that the 3M clear stuff thats similar to what you've done? or is it something different? i've heard nothing but good stuff about the 3M stuffhere's a link i found of an actual kit ment for vibes, pretty decent too, under $200 for the front bumper kit, but almost another $200 for the hood kit, imo it's worth it, rather pay $400 for the 2 kits then have to paint the whole front end cause of paint chipshttp://www.invisiblemask.com/c...=VIBE