3M or Equiv Clear Film Front End Protection...Options?

LeeDowney · February 3, 2014

Hey guys. I've had my truck for 2 weeks now and I already have two paint chips on the Denali painted front bumper (see pics below). Does anyone know of a product such as a 3M clear film that will prevent this from happening again. My dealership has been kind enough to offer repainting the entire front bumper, which I declined. They are sending a guy out to my house from the body shop that will professionally touch up the two chips in the paint. Once he does that, I would like to apply something to at least the lower metal bumper that will help prevent future chips.

Any ideas?

Here are the two pics of the chips.

brentadams646 · February 3, 2014

Neither. Xpel Ultimate.

There is a member here CorvetteOJ getting his done today with xpel ultimate, maybe he'll chime in with how it came out.

here is a link to coverage areas and pricing. http://www.xpel.com/products/paint_protection_kits.asp

OUSux · February 3, 2014

*subscribing*

supersierra14 · February 3, 2014

my dealer was charging 1600 for the clear bra with a 10 year warranty on it. it covered the entire front end of the truck, door edges and the door handle buckets. you may be able to negotiate the price or find a local tint shop that can do it cheaper.

brentadams646 · February 3, 2014

my dealer was charging 1600 for the clear bra with a 10 year warranty on it. it covered the entire front end of the truck, door edges and the door handle buckets. you may be able to negotiate the price or find a local tint shop that can do it cheaper.

$1600 sounds average if you were getting full frontal, fender and hood coverage as long as it was a good brand.. It's a lot of material.

LeeDowney · February 3, 2014

my dealer was charging 1600 for the clear bra with a 10 year warranty on it. it covered the entire front end of the truck, door edges and the door handle buckets. you may be able to negotiate the price or find a local tint shop that can do it cheaper.

$1600? Wow. That's crazy. Yeah, I just looked on ebay and there are dealers on there offering the entire front end 3M Venture Shield clear protection with a 10 year warranty for less than $200. I've got a call in to my local window tinting shop as well. Thinking about buying the 3M package off ebay and paying my tinting guy $50 to install. Still undecided for now.

Here is the ebay link for 3m Venture Shield protection for $179 shipped. I just heard back from my tinting guy. Said he would professionally apply it for $35. That's not bad.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GMC-Sierra-1500-2014-3M-VentureShield-Bumper-Clear-Bra-Paint-Protection-Film-Kit-/321221582444?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2014%7CMake%3AGMC%7CModel%3ASierra+1500&hash=item4aca4c5e6c&vxp=mtr

LeeDowney · February 3, 2014

Neither. Xpel Ultimate.

There is a member here CorvetteOJ getting his done today with xpel ultimate, maybe he'll chime in with how it came out.

here is a link to coverage areas and pricing. http://www.xpel.com/products/paint_protection_kits.asp

Holy cow. I checked the website out and it was over $400. That seems a bit high. May go with the 3M Venture Shield with a 10 year warranty instead. I can get that for nearly 1/2.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Here's the ebay link for front end 3M protection for $179 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GMC-Sierra-1500-2014-3M-VentureShield-Bumper-Clear-Bra-Paint-Protection-Film-Kit-/321221582444?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2014%7CMake%3AGMC%7CModel%3ASierra+1500&hash=item4aca4c5e6c&vxp=mtr

GMC-AT · February 3, 2014

To the poster.. that 3M stuff in the can is a waste of time. I did it my new sierra and was removing it not long after. It started to bubble up after a "light" wash

brentadams646 · February 3, 2014

You get what you pay for these days, read into xpel. The clarity, and color of it is awesome. (I sound like a salesmen, i just happen to know and can vouch for this product since I used to sell it) You're going to REGRET putting 3M on a white truck in about 1-2 years..

Not to mention it's the only one that "self heals" and i've seen it work in person.. I scratched a Porsche Carrera GT (completely wrapped) with my keys and you should have seen the eyes on people. The scratch will disappear after a few hours, and in a few mins if out in the sun.

brentadams646 · February 3, 2014

Holy cow. I checked the website out and it was over $400. That seems a bit high. May go with the 3M Venture Shield with a 10 year warranty instead. I can get that for nearly 1/2.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Here's the ebay link for front end 3M protection for $179 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GMC-Sierra-1500-2014-3M-VentureShield-Bumper-Clear-Bra-Paint-Protection-Film-Kit-/321221582444?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2014%7CMake%3AGMC%7CModel%3ASierra+1500&hash=item4aca4c5e6c&vxp=mtr

$200 buck for clear bra?! Jesus man lol you drive a Denali....!

LeeDowney · February 3, 2014

You get what you pay for these days, read into xpel. The clarity, and color of it is awesome. (I sound like a salesmen, i just happen to know and can vouch for this product since I used to sell it) You're going to REGRET putting 3M on a white truck in about 1-2 years..

Not to mention it's the only one that "self heals" and i've seen it work in person.. I scratched a Porsche Carrera GT (completely wrapped) with my keys and you should have seen the eyes on people. The scratch will disappear after a few hours, and in a few mins if out in the sun.

Is the Xpel a product that "most people" can apply/install themselves? I'll read into the xpel a little more before making the purchase. When I go to that website and look at the review "stars" for the products they sell, they're not that favorable. Most are 3 out of 5 stars or less. That's a little worrisome for me.

As for the 3M, it doesn't come in a can as an above comment suggested. It's a clear film that I'm sure comes in a role. It's not sprayed on from a can.

supersierra14 · February 3, 2014

I agree, its expensive. i got a fabulous deal on it so I went ahead with it. Now, I really don't worry about the front end, other than the windshield. When I take it back, it will be one less thing to haggle over in 3 years.

LeeDowney · February 3, 2014

$200 buck for clear bra?! Jesus man lol you drive a Denali....!

lol. I know man but no matter what I drive, it's hard not to look for the best product at the lowest price. I don't need something that will last 20 years. I would say 5-8 is a safe range for me. My last vehicle (Lexus GX460) had this protective film on the front. I think I may call the dealership and see who installed it and what brand it was. It was so clear, most people couldn't even tell it was on there unless I pointed it out.

brentadams646 · February 3, 2014

If you want it to look nice have a professional install it. doesn't matter the film get that guy to install it for $35 bucks lol! The shop I worked for would quote the material or "kit" for MSRP and offer free install.

LeeDowney · February 3, 2014

If you want it to look nice have a professional install it. doesn't matter the film get that guy to install it for $35 bucks lol! The shop I worked for would quote the material or "kit" for MSRP and offer free install.

Yeah, I just called my located Xpel guy the Lexus dealership uses. Xpel of the Triad. Bruce told me he uses xpel Ultimate Self Heal. His price was $450 for just the front end and another $175 for small section of the hood. At least I know my options now.