3M Clear Bra scratches after install??
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From: Seattle, WA
C63 AMG
3M Clear Bra scratches after install??
I've just had a local dealership install the protection package on my car--which includes 3M rock guard, paint sealant, and interior sealant. Keep in mind, the dealership doesn't do this themself--they contracts an outside installer to do all of this. When i picked up the car, the rock guard seems to be really, REALLY scuffed up--filled with tons of swirl marks and some medium scuff marks. I was like, WTF? I spoke to the manager of that dealership and he said some of it will go away after the rock guard "cures." He said he will contact the installer on Monday and try to take care of it.
My question is: is it normal for the clear bra to have so many visible swirl marks and scuff marks immediately after install? I was also given an explanation that those scuff marks came from the installer using a squeegee during the installation. This is a new car and I've never even washed it once yet. Thanks!
Note: I've also posted this in the AMG forum, but wanted to get a broader response--thus, my double posting in this forum. Sorry.
My question is: is it normal for the clear bra to have so many visible swirl marks and scuff marks immediately after install? I was also given an explanation that those scuff marks came from the installer using a squeegee during the installation. This is a new car and I've never even washed it once yet. Thanks!
Note: I've also posted this in the AMG forum, but wanted to get a broader response--thus, my double posting in this forum. Sorry.
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did dealership wash the car prior to returning it to you and after it was installed? Shouldn't have scuff or swirls unless it was improperly washed.
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No, it wasn't washed by the dealership after the install. It could be because the installer also put a paint sealant over the entire car's exterior...or they wanted the clear bra to settle in?
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The dealership was Mercedez Benz of Tacoma, but they outsource it to some shop or someone to do this. So, I have no clue who does it. I'll ask them.
Why? Have you gotten this done at another dealership in WA state before?
Why? Have you gotten this done at another dealership in WA state before?
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08 C350 Sport, Palladium Silver, Black Leather, P2, MM
My clear bra was done in Portland. I recall the clear bra having orange peel initially which went away with time. I don't recall swirl marks.
Clear bra is installed in the same manner as window tint. The installer sprays on a lubricating fluid such as water with a touch of detergent. The lubricant allows tweaking of the position (ie: sliding) of the tint/shield film. Once the position of the shield is correct a squeegy is used to force the lubricant towards the edges along with any air bubbles. There will be residual lubricant that you probably can't see, but might make the shield look slightly hazey. The residual lubricant evaporates through pores in the film.
As to the swirl marks make sure the dealer is aware of the issue. If the swirls don't go away on there own within a couple weeks try applying a high quality wax or sealant - you should not need to use anything that abraids the surface. If you still have swirl marks, then go back to the dealer.
Good luck. Ultimately you'll be glad you got the shield.
Clear bra is installed in the same manner as window tint. The installer sprays on a lubricating fluid such as water with a touch of detergent. The lubricant allows tweaking of the position (ie: sliding) of the tint/shield film. Once the position of the shield is correct a squeegy is used to force the lubricant towards the edges along with any air bubbles. There will be residual lubricant that you probably can't see, but might make the shield look slightly hazey. The residual lubricant evaporates through pores in the film.
As to the swirl marks make sure the dealer is aware of the issue. If the swirls don't go away on there own within a couple weeks try applying a high quality wax or sealant - you should not need to use anything that abraids the surface. If you still have swirl marks, then go back to the dealer.
Good luck. Ultimately you'll be glad you got the shield.
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From: Seattle, WA
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Yea, I understand that there will be some air bubbles and those will go away as the clear bra settles in with heat. However, the swirl and scuff marks on a brand new clear bra should not happen. I'll wait to see what the dealer says tomorrow.
On a side note: the tint job that they did have bubbles about 0.5 inches across and inside those bubbles are trapped particles that has no way to get out. Nice.
On a side note: the tint job that they did have bubbles about 0.5 inches across and inside those bubbles are trapped particles that has no way to get out. Nice.
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Yeah, looked funny taking a brand new C to the Acura dealer for the clear bra. Had salesmen trying hard to get me to trade it!
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From: Seattle, WA
C63 AMG
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Accutint is good, they have good kits, and they tint well too.
they cut their kits in house and their installers really know what they are doing, they have done tons of work for me and I definitely would not hesitate to recommend them.
they cut their kits in house and their installers really know what they are doing, they have done tons of work for me and I definitely would not hesitate to recommend them.
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Yea, I was originally going to use Accutint for my tint job. But I figured that the dealership's package of rock guard, tint, sealants inside and out could take care of all my needs in one day...and that the quality would be great. I guess I was wrong--thus, adding to my frustration.
Accutint has opened a new store on Airport Way across from Phil Smart MB but I know nothing about them. There is also an installer in the Tacoma area that some of my PCA friends have used with good results. I looked at an Audi S6 that he had done and the material was less visible than mine. I don't what the cost was.
Last edited by RLE; Dec 2, 2009 at 01:21 AM.
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There should be no swirls in the film itself. If there are then I suspect is wasn't installed properly (ie. used an old squeegee, washed it with a dirty cloth, ??)
I don't think swirls are going to go away and you should have to cover them up with some type of sealer or swirl hiding compound because that is a temporary fix to your permanent problem.
Good luck, hope it works out for you!
I don't think swirls are going to go away and you should have to cover them up with some type of sealer or swirl hiding compound because that is a temporary fix to your permanent problem.
Good luck, hope it works out for you!
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It is likely the quality of the material and/or the installer did not use enough lubricant (installation solution) when the job was being done. Some companies are using a supposed higher quality clear bra now and I find it to be way more fragile than 3M. Plus, he may have used the older plastic squeege instead of the soft silicone style.
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Went to the dealership today, spoke with the owner of the install shop, showed him all the defects, and he said he would fix it personally. They both couldn't explain why the first install went so wrong, other than "maybe we shouldn't schedule Saturday installs from now on."
Got the car back, examined it under bright lights from every possible angle--much better than the first time. No deep scratches or scuff marks on the clear bra nor the paint, tint was fixed, and looks like they buffed out any swirl marks in the paint and clear bra. There were still some minor ones, but those I can overlook. Gosh, it feels good when things go right. However, I'm pretty sure they just buffed over/fixed the scratches because I can see circles where a PC random orbital buffer could match up perfectly. The dealership said they installed new ones.
For compensation, they gave me two microfiber towels.
Got the car back, examined it under bright lights from every possible angle--much better than the first time. No deep scratches or scuff marks on the clear bra nor the paint, tint was fixed, and looks like they buffed out any swirl marks in the paint and clear bra. There were still some minor ones, but those I can overlook. Gosh, it feels good when things go right. However, I'm pretty sure they just buffed over/fixed the scratches because I can see circles where a PC random orbital buffer could match up perfectly. The dealership said they installed new ones.
For compensation, they gave me two microfiber towels.
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Mine was installed by Accutint in Bellevue, right behind Barrier Porsche. $695 minus 10% PCA discount. I would never go through a dealer for this because they mark it up about 100%. I was very satisfied with the workmanship and the material and after two years it is still in decent shape with a few rock hits.
Accutint has opened a new store on Airport Way across from Phil Smart MB but I know nothing about them. There is also an installer in the Tacoma area that some of my PCA friends have used with good results. I looked at an Audi S6 that he had done and the material was less visible than mine. I don't what the cost was.
Accutint has opened a new store on Airport Way across from Phil Smart MB but I know nothing about them. There is also an installer in the Tacoma area that some of my PCA friends have used with good results. I looked at an Audi S6 that he had done and the material was less visible than mine. I don't what the cost was.
