Find the LLUMAR clear bra contest!

[MRL]

Had my new G35 Coupe 6MT diamond graphite done with the LLUMAR clear bra. Try and find it. Yes there is a line if you are looking at it in a certain direction. Cost $500 for the entire front end - including grill! Pieces cut at LLUMAR factory specifically for G35 Coupe. I am impressed! Will it hold up? Only the Shadow knows! There is a LIFTIME guarantee against yellowing, cracking, peeling, etc. Can be removed. LLUMAR is from CPFilms which is a subsidiary of Solutia (which was Monsanto Chemical - name changed in 1997 - not exactly a fly-by-night company). CPFilms is the world's largest manufacturer of applied films - that's all they do. Most people go with 3M which obviously is a company everyone has heard of (has only 5 year guarantee - I wonder why?). Just because 3M makes Scotch tape does not necessarily imply that they make the best film. My installer previously used 3M and switched to LLUMAR. He said "3M had an orange peel feel" and was much more difficult to work with than LLUMAR. He also said that the LLUMAR is clearer than the 3M which makes a big difference on white cars. The hood is covered to about where the headlights stop. By the way, my G35 came from the factory with film just before the rear wheels at the end of the rocker panels - much more noticeable than the LLUMAR. I am not a risk taker - I do not feel that this will prove to be a mistake.
These picture were takes AFTER the clear bra was installed.


Download Attachment: [img]icon_paperclip.gif[/img] IMG_1103.jpg
39.01KB

Download Attachment: [img]icon_paperclip.gif[/img] IMG_1112.jpg
86.42KB

Download Attachment: [img]icon_paperclip.gif[/img] IMG_11061.jpg
72.85KB

Download Attachment: [img]icon_paperclip.gif[/img] IMG_11111.jpg
89.18KB

[Gary Perez]

Looks pretty good to me. You can see it on the last picture running half way up the edge of the wheel well, but looks like a great installation.

The key question is "How will it hold up to road debris". It very well could be that the 3M product absorbs impact of gravel better, but you never know until it's tested side by side.

04 6MT Coupe | Caribbean Blue | On Order ETA 4/30/04

[elvis]

Looks good. Did you ask your installer which product had a better profit margin? 'Cause I'm going to bet it's LLUMAR.

[jedicoffman]

yup real good job...

'04 G35C
Brilliant Silver 5AT
Graphite Leather
Premium Package
18" Performance Tire & Wheel Package
Tint

[MRL]

I did not ask about the profit margin LLUMAR vs. 3M. The installer has been in business for 13 years and I was impressed with the work site, the employees, and the owner. The result speaks for itself. They switched because, in their opinion, the film was clearer, had no "orange peel" feel and was considerably easier to install (more flexible) which made for a perfect end result. I do not know about 3M, but the LLUMAR comes from the factory already cut for the G35. I suspect the factory can do a better job cutting the pieces than an installer. The lifetime guarantee is an obvious plus. Will it stand up to time? I guess I will find out and keep the forum informed. Right now I am most pleased with the result. My wife looked at the car and said - I though you were going to have something put on the car - where is it? If you don't know about the film, you will be hard pressed to spot it. Even if you do spot it, it is certainly a better alternative than a bunch of paint chips.

[Gary Perez]

I just talked to Laszlo from Monster Coatings in Garfield NJ. He is the guy that will be installing my clear bra when I pick up my car at the end of the month. He said that he doesn't currently install LLUMAR coating, but he does install Venture and 3M. He agreed that Venture and LLUMAR are both clearer than the 3M film, and he would install the Venture film if I wanted it for about $30 less (that answers the profit margin question). He did warn me that some people who have had the none clear coated (LLUMAR/Venture) films installed came back to have it replaced NOT under warrenty because it holds dirt over time. He mentioned that although LLUMAR and Venture have lifetime guarantees, that does not cover dirt getting stuck in it, which is the down side of a non clearcoated bra. He stated that, quote "Both stop chips; I have had better asthetic longivety with 3M thats why it is what I use most."

I will likely go with 3M and then change it in 1 or 2 years if either 3M comes out with a clearer product, or LLUMAR's field tests prove that it can stand up to dirt.

04 6MT Coupe | Caribbean Blue | On Order ETA 4/30/04

[MRL]

I have been told that I can treat the LLUMAR film just like the rest of the car as far as polishing, etc. I plan to use Klasse all-in-one, Klasse sealant and P21S Carnauba wax over the entire car. I do not expect to see any difference as to how the paint will look from the protected to the unprotected parts. I will keep the forum informed as to how it goes with the LLUMAR film. So far I am incredibly pleased with how it looks and how well the installation went. I am going to contact LLUMAR about why they do not have a clear coat and 3M does. I will let the forum know what I find out.