Autobahnd- 3M
 

Well, I'm taking the plunge. Car is going in the auto shop mid Dec. having my front bumper, hood (scraped down to bear metal) and side fenders repainted and then 3M is going to be applied. Can't wait, so sick and tired or seeing chips/stone marks. :)

Bet that gonna cost a pretty penny. What were you quoted for the work? Or how much per piece?

I'll make a guess, 400 for the bumper and another 1100 for the hood/fenders.

Make sure you leave enough time (I think 90 days?) for the paint to cure before they apply the clear film. Also, if you can afford it, make them cover the whole fenders and hood (whole panels) to minimize edges. Edges are more visible on black and even more so when white wax accumulates and dries there. You don't want that line accross the middle of your hood and fenders.

I'm pretty happy with my clear film so far. Cannot be seen even from a foot distance unless I point it out. Car is easy to wash as almost half of it is covered with the film (bumper, front fenders, and whole hood) -- just wash and Plexus for that section. I had mine done at a shop in northern NJ. They used a plotter to download and cut the pieces for the specific model car. They put some new Avery film (instead of 3M) on mine, as the guy said would be better for my black paint (should not yellow and fade as older generation 3M apparently used to). He seemed very knowledgable and has had a lot of business from Ferrari, Lambo, and Porsche owners -- some of them doing whole cars (all panels). Make sure you get someone who knows what they are doing. The work is not trivial (took him three attempts and 6+ hours total to only do the bumper just right) and there are a lot of hacks out there.

Good luck.
Z.

I paid $1100 for the bumper and hood to be re-painted after they were keyed. I'd guess about $2500 for the paintwork.

Paint job is approx. $901 and then 3M pkg is $695. It’s all separate. A professional will come in the shop to do the 3M work. The front bumper, hood and side fenders and I think I got he side mirrors included too. I'll need to double check. The car will be in the shop for at least 3 weeks. Mini hibernation.......well worth it.
Yes, the paint needs to cure before the product is applied.

That's quite inexpensive for the paintwork...

Yes, I know. I wasn't sure what the owner was going to charge me but since I'm one of their existing customers they must have given me a break. I think the owner was pretty impressed on how meticulous I am with my car.

Sorry guys, but I think in this case being a lady helped. :)