[ChrisB]

One thing that has always bugged me about paint protective films is the edge of the film that cuts right across the hood of cars in one of the most visible spots on the car. I was looking at a Carrera GT the other day, thinking "Why would someone pay a half-million dollars for a car and then put film on it with a line right across the middle of the hood?" And then, I heard that ChrisH had a rock chip on his front fender above where the film ended and wondered if there was a way to solve these problems.

Shortly after that, Sam called and asked if I wanted to be the first one to have a completely covered front clam with no edges or seams across the top (test case to see if it could be done). I thought for about a half-second before agreeing. All of the patterns that I am aware of are designed to work with 24" rolls of film. So, to do a job the size of the Elise front clam, you have to use a 48" roll of film. That means it has to be custom cut on the car. Something you really, really want a superb installer for. Based on my past experience with Premier, I didn't hesitate to say yes.

Sam and Wilson replaced my small front top and side pieces of film (above the "bumper" cut line) with a huge (6'6"x4') piece of film that covers the entire clam with no seams. They spent about 4 ½ hours installing that huge piece of film (we finished at 4 am this morning, so forgive me if this post is incomprehensible). It took a lot of work and skill, though Sam believes he could do the next one in much less time. I'm always amazed watching them work.

In the end I have to say that it "almost" covers the entire front clam. From the bumper cut line in front to the bottom of the windshield posts turns out to be about 52", so there are a few square inches in that small triangular area of the clam right at the bottom of each windshield post that isn't covered (see picture). This does leave a short, exposed edge right in front of each rearview mirror, but it is very unobtrusive and in a place no one would be looking for a film edge.

With all the edges wrapped wherever possible, maximum possible protection, and no seams, this has to be the ultimate clear bra (well, on a car anyway). It's, basically, an invisible bra.

It's a little difficult to illustrate this with pictures…there isn't anything to see. The great part about this full bra, is just that. No edges, no seams, no orange peel (VentureShield film). I will post a couple of pictures to illustrate the no additional orange peel aspect of the Venture film and to show the only exposed edge.

The picture showing the exposed edge has two sets of arrows. The white ones point to the actual edge on my car. The yellow ones point to where the edge would likely be on subsequent installations. Stretching the film as far as it is on my car was just too much and added probably an hour to the installation time.

The picture showing the degree of orange peel in the paint already and that same area with the Venture film is the forward upper rear wheel opening where the Armourfend pattern extends up from the severe damage area below (I don't recall whether StarShield covers this area, or not). There is virtually no difference in the covered area versus the exposed paint.

For my own curiosity, how many people would want this kind of coverage?