clear film question on 996

Hi All, I was wondering if the 3M clear film that can be applied to the front of the cars is worth the money. The kit can be had for ~$240.00. Does it really afford protection to the paint and can it eventually be removed if necessary? TIA Ray Bahr

The general consensus here seems to be yes, it works, it's worth it, and it is challenging to install yourself. It can be removed later without damage to the paint. Some people think the paint might fade at different rates under it, next to it, thus giving your hood a two tone look, but I haven't read any evidence of this. I am waiting to find a place in Northern Virginia that can do it for me. You can search under clearbra, stongard, invincashied for more posts. Ed

My $.02 worth is that this stuff is definitely worth the price (if you're concerned about rock chips) and is the best solution available -- it looks sooooo much better than a bra. I had Armour-Fend installed a couple of months ago, and it looks great. Also, after looking at what was involved in getting this stuff onto the front bumper, especially given all of the complex curves, I wouldn't even attempt to do this myself. My kit took an experienced installer a full day to install.

Definetly worth it. Definetly provides good protection Definetly removable w/no damage Definetly hard to install.

I tried to self install the film on the splitter on my old 968 coupe-with the splitter off the car. It ended up in a ball at my feet. Have it professionally done-I've been quoted around $750 for the whole kit for my cab.

There's a lot of good information on this page: <a href="http://www.smiley.net/boxster/Invinca3.htm" target="_blank">http://www.smiley.net/boxster/Invinca3.htm</a> Enjoy!

PCNA uses it on all their "company cars" that are ultimately put into the used market. That's a good endorsement.

I had it done on my car a year ago and I can see evidence of rock hits it has taken. The paint underneath is fine. I bought my C4 used in July '02 and the previous owner had installed the film when the car was new, Jan '00. Since it was a 'short' install, that is, it covered the hood up to the top of the headlights and nothing else, I had that removed and a full front install done. Removal was simple: Park the car in the hot sun for an hour, grab an edge and pull off. The paint on the hood matched perfectly after it was off. The key to having it look good is the installer; you have to find someone who had done it well for a few years. Ask the dealerships as they usually have someone they use.

I just had mine done last night and it looks awesome. I got it done by C S Specialties Mariano Gamurot Mobile Service San Jose, CA 95148 [phone removed] They did an excellent job, answered all my questions and they even come to your house to install it. If I were to get another car I'd have it done again, in fact I wish I had it done on my other (older) cars. 100% Satisfied

I think it's well worth the money...and I agree that it should be professionally applied. The installer came to my home and did the work in the garage in about 3.5 hours. Cost for everything was about $550. Here are some pics of the installation and how invisible it is. <img src="http://www.986host.com/albums/doncapecod/3M_Scotchacal_Film_4.sized.jpg" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://www.986host.com/albums/doncapecod/3M_Scotchacal_Film_12.sized.jpg" alt=" - " /> That's the edge of the film that's around the fuel opening <img src="http://www.986host.com/albums/doncapecod/3M_Scotchacal_Film_21.sized.jpg" alt=" - " /> here's the trunk lid under bright light at a sharp angle..you can see the slight difference. <img src="http://www.986host.com/albums/doncapecod/3M_Scotchacal_Film_19.sized.jpg" alt=" - " />

Something to consider if you would want to remove it... I had my daily driver done at an Ultrashield. I told them about the Pcar and said that I would want to get it resprayed before putting on the clearbra. They said that unless it is a factory finish, they can not guarantee a damage free removal. On that note they did recomend an unconnected local shop they have worked with that can guarantee a factory finish.