clear bra install-some questions

[sopranos79]

i am scheduled to get a clear bra installed on 09 335 sedan bought the car six weeks ago. first off the hood and bumper are filthy as is the rest of the car. i am just wondering should i go through a touchless car wash before i bring it for the install. my concern is that the installer will just clean the car with a quick detailer and scratch the hell out of the car as their is salt all over this car. i am going to make sure to ask them how they plan on prepping the car on saturday when i bring it in. i want to make it very clear to them that i dont want to pick up a car with more scratches than r already present after the install. this is my main fear and why i have contemplated whether or not to get the clear bra/ however i already have a few chips on the front bumper after 1500 miles of driving and dont want to get more as time goes by/ what have been your experiences how have these people prepped and cleaned the car before the install. the installer comes highly recommended by my dealership.. touchless car wash before or now? thanks for your help

[Shocktopus]

I turned mine in during a rainstorm, so I know they cleaned mine. Even used their painting clean-room to do the install so they could regulate the temperature and have a dust-free environment. Turned out nice, can barely see it from a few feet away.

[johnc_22]

They will clean it spotless before attempting to apply the film unless you are going to a shady operation.

[sopranos79]

so u guys dont think i should bother running it through a touchless carwash?

[Pat_X5]

You should have it hand washed if possible - no wax.
Noticed you are in the north east cold part of the country - definitely check if they will do the install in a warm room because the film molds better at higher temps. My X5 was done in the summer (So Cal) but still needed some heat spot treatment to go around tight angles. If you bring a dirty car, a good installer will clean the area around the film but not the whole car. So get it clean beforehand so that the film installer can show it off at the end!
Remember to show us pix !

[Bill-SD]

If you have to wash it or ask about "warm rooms", you are going to the wrong installer. They should properly clean and prep the paint before installing the film.

[dboy11]

If you have to wash it or ask about "warm rooms", you are going to the wrong installer. They should properly clean and prep the paint before installing the film.

Totally agree Bill....the installer HAS to clean the car in order to apply the film...bare minimum the area where the film is attached...they also use a prepasol product to strip the car of any protection where the film is applied...So that they can get a good bond with the film.

[Bill-SD]

Totally agree Bill....the installer HAS to clean the car in order to apply the film...bare minimum the area where the film is attached...they also use a prepasol product to strip the car of any protection where the film is applied...So that they can get a good bond with the film.

I had mine done at Premier. It rained on my way down. They cleaned it up and even clayed the areas that were getting the film. I'm sure all good installers will do that.