Clear bra / headlight protection

artemm

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 6, 2010
Location
CLE/YYZ
TDI
2011 Golf TDI 4DR 6MT
Since I'm starting fresh with this car, I'm seriously considering getting some front-end paint protection.

Does anyone have experience with those pre-cut kits online? So far I found:
www.invisiblemask.com - cheaper, but there's bad feedback going around. Thinner materials and terrible customer service.
www.xpel.com - very expensive, but excellent reviews. Price is approaching the cost of a professional install, though... one kit is $700 for just hood, fenders and mirrors. No bumper. :eek:

There's also headlight protection out there. I think it's pretty cool that this particular kit has pre-cut fogs too:
Linky

Thoughts?
 

JSWTDI09

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada
TDI
2009 JSW TDI (gone but not forgotten)
I did not go for the clear bra (but many others have), however, I did install the xpel headlight protection. It not only protects against impact, but it is also supposed to prevent the dulling/yellowing that happens over time to all plastic headlights. The xpel is quite thick plastic, so some patience is necessary to install. Professional installation might not be a bad idea. This is even more true with a full clear bra. I have heard good things about xpel and 3M clear bras. While the car is new (undamaged) is the right time to install either paint or headlight protection.

Have Fun!

Don
 

dubidoobs

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2010
Location
New Jersey
TDI
2010 "Facelifted" JSW 6MT | 04/2010 Build Date
iirc, there is a VW part that is a molded plastic piece that goes over the headlights, shaped like the headlight.

i was thinking of looking for one of those, but if someone knows def it's available, i'm going to subscribe to this and get my popcorn...
 

crashtested

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2010
Location
Nelson, BC
TDI
2016 Q5 TDI Technik, 2014 GSW CL 6MT (RIP), 2004 Jetta GLS 5MT (sold), 2010 GSW HL 6MT (buy back)
3M Venture Shield!

After talking with Chris @ www.tintcentre.ca as he installed mine I wouldn't be happy if I tried to do it myself. It was truly an art watching him stretch it across the bumper.
 
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acrossthepond

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2010
Location
UK
TDI
several now 2016 Mk7 Golf GTD DSG
iirc, there is a VW part that is a molded plastic piece that goes over the headlights, shaped like the headlight.

i was thinking of looking for one of those, but if someone knows def it's available, i'm going to subscribe to this and get my popcorn...
There is over here... 'Headlight Protector' P/N ZGB 5K0072101.

I've fitted them to my last two VWs.
On the MK6 you can hardly notice them they blend in so well.
Don't know if VWOA offer them or whether you would have to use an import/online supplier.

They are made in Australia by the way.
 

artemm

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 6, 2010
Location
CLE/YYZ
TDI
2011 Golf TDI 4DR 6MT
Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I'm going professional. Most of the experiences I read about of DIY installs ended with at least one user error. I'd rather not chance it and save myself the time and ag. I'm good with a wrench, but finessing vinyl over funny surfaces just isn't my thing! :p

I'm going with an installer that gives a lifetime warranty, will install in 3 hours while I wait and will do partial hood/fenders, mirrors, bumper and headlights for 750.

Will probably post my experience once the work's done :)
 

crashtested

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2010
Location
Nelson, BC
TDI
2016 Q5 TDI Technik, 2014 GSW CL 6MT (RIP), 2004 Jetta GLS 5MT (sold), 2010 GSW HL 6MT (buy back)
I had mine done and all 5 windows tinted for $700!
 

hymato

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Location
NorthEast PA
TDI
2010 jetta TDI(buyback) Now 2005.5 Jetta tdi
I bought a whole kit from Clearmask.com, They use a Porsche GT in the video for installation. i just haven't had time to get into my friends shop to install it. But clearmask.com gave me free installation tools and free headlight covers and door edge kits. Hard to beat i would check it out
 

UberVW_TDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2009
Location
Austin, TX
TDI
2010 Golf Variant TDI
I bought a whole kit from Clearmask.com, They use a Porsche GT in the video for installation. i just haven't had time to get into my friends shop to install it. But clearmask.com gave me free installation tools and free headlight covers and door edge kits. Hard to beat i would check it out
I bought the same kit from clearmask.com. Definitely worth it! I installed it myself. Watch the included CD for directions. Not too hard, just take your time. I will put these kits on any future vehicles as well.

Update: 75,500 miles ~3 years, still looks great. Many high power car washes, the film looks the same as the day I installed it.
 
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dubidoobs

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2010
Location
New Jersey
TDI
2010 "Facelifted" JSW 6MT | 04/2010 Build Date
There is over here... 'Headlight Protector' P/N ZGB 5K0072101.

I've fitted them to my last two VWs.
On the MK6 you can hardly notice them they blend in so well.
Don't know if VWOA offer them or whether you would have to use an import/online supplier.

They are made in Australia by the way.
one of my buddies is taking a trip to the UK soon, and one of my uncles lives in Australia...I'll find out which one I have better luck at finding it for me! :p
 

Krfar

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2010
Location
Dallas, TX
TDI
2010 CandyWhite JSW TDI DSG, NAV & Pano
I got a kit from an ebay vendor for around $90.00 which included a piece for the roof, A pillars, mirrors and rear bumper. I think it took about 4 hours to install . It was a bit of challenge but so far they've held up. and judging but I have peeled off of them after couple of round trips, they are well worth it no matter which brand.
 

bshapperd

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 4, 2010
Location
Mississauga, ON
TDI
2009 JSW CR 2.0 w/DSG. Formerly 1992 1.6TD Jetta
I just purchased a generic, pre-cut clear sticker for my front bumper, hood and mirrors for $26 plus shipping.

Search Ebay. You can buy install kits separately if you wish. I'll install it in the spring as this should be done at or above 75deg F.
 

acrossthepond

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2010
Location
UK
TDI
several now 2016 Mk7 Golf GTD DSG
I just bought a set of these.

I'm excited to get them next week.
Good choice...

A word of warning when you take them off for cleaning ignore the instructions on the Pictogram that comes with them as it shows the wrong sequence

Firstly gently ease the top tabs off before easing out the bottom fixings from under the lens.

One of mine broke & was replaced under warranty by VWUK.
They had a VW tech check out doing it himself & confirmed it was not the right sequence to follow hence they replaced.
 

740GLE

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 19, 2009
Location
NH
TDI
2017 Alltrack SE; Totaled 2015 Passat SEL, BB 2010 Sedan Man; 2012 Passat SE w/ Nav,
they have those for the Mk5?
 

upsbroke

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2008
Location
Homosassa, Florida
TDI
98 NB and '13 JSW
Xpel headlight protection kit

Just went to order an Xpel headlight laminate kit for a friends Hyundai Santa Fe. As I checked prices- I found Xpel site was $63.95, Autoanything site was $53.95 and AMAZON.com $31.95. Check to see if Amazon carries your application before you order somewhere else. Wish I'd checked before I ordered four different kits a couple of years ago from Autoanything (lol).
 

53 willys

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Location
Utah
TDI
2010 Sportwagen TDI~LOVE/HATE~
I never had a clear bra before but I bought one for my wagen and already I sooooooo happy with it. I commute over 100miles a day and the car has been catching rocks and debris since day one..the paint would be destroyed without it...
I even had a guys side window break out in front of me on the freeway and had glass embeded in the clear bra and no paint damage what so ever!! (it did break my windsheild though)...clear bra is awesome!!
It's a great investment if you spend time on the freeway...and you want your car to remain looking new.
I'm really really happy with it...
 

rustycat

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Location
seattle
TDI
2015 passat sel
I just had the 6 day old Passat TDI SEL clear protector installed by a shop. Originally I thought about going with Ebay precut pieces, but on reflection decided the extra costs to a local shop actually made sense. So, 3m on the front bumper, fenders, mirrors, doorhandle insets and door edges and Xpel on the entire hood, fog lights, headlights
Last car I had also had the clear protector installed, but only 18" up the hood. Had several small chips from stones above that line, so going with the full hood wrap with the Xpel was a welcome alternative.
 

jni3

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2012
Location
pennsylvania
TDI
2012 sportwagen tdi / 2012 golf tdi
i just got the whole front end on my golf done at pro shield inc. in sterling, va. the owner/installer david is truly a pro. i recommend him for anyone wanting to get some real professional work done.

http://www.proshieldinc.com/
 
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