Thoughts on Clear Bras
- Thread starter Rebel
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i had one on my e36 m3 and i think it worked great. it was 3m material, although a while ago... like 2003? so i'm assuming there is even better stuff now. i had it several years and don't recall any issues with yellowing or whatnot during my ownership.
i've only ever bought an sti and brz new. i think it was a big #fail on my part to not put one on both cars. i also think it is particularly helpful if you do highway driving. i think i tried to make it a point not to be too close behind someone in the brz, but in reality that doesn't really happen, i'm typically just trying to cruise at 80 in the far left and put pressure on someone who is not. at a race track i may be right behind someone's ass as well.
both cars got pockmarked. dr. colorchip i think actually works really well to help out with that.
i've only ever bought an sti and brz new. i think it was a big #fail on my part to not put one on both cars. i also think it is particularly helpful if you do highway driving. i think i tried to make it a point not to be too close behind someone in the brz, but in reality that doesn't really happen, i'm typically just trying to cruise at 80 in the far left and put pressure on someone who is not. at a race track i may be right behind someone's ass as well.
both cars got pockmarked. dr. colorchip i think actually works really well to help out with that.
I had it put on my Denali when it was new. No yellowing. Cost was about $400 for the bumper only. It has held up pretty good over the years. It's all about how good the installer is.
When I bought my Civic I was debating on having it installed but decided against it (me being cheap). I'm regretting that decision, wish I would have done it.
When I bought my Civic I was debating on having it installed but decided against it (me being cheap). I'm regretting that decision, wish I would have done it.
Xpel ultimate baby.. zero issues coming up on 6 years.. I think it comes with a 10 year guarantee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6oEgfdwUU0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6oEgfdwUU0
Never understood the whole bra fad...my dad had one on his 911, when I was growing up. Looked so much better without it...similar to pictured :barf:
A local guy in Hoffman/Schaumburg area.. First name is Andy and would have to look for his contact info.
Never understood the whole bra fad...my dad had one on his 911, when I was growing up. Looked so much better without it...similar to pictured :barf:
ya I remember my neighbor always having on of these on their cars but it was LOLOLOL when they would take it off for a wash and the paint would be EPIC shades apart from each other.
Someone on Facebook actually sent me his number and info but I think he does it out of his garage which kind of made me shy away, but if he does good work I'm all for it.
Mario at understated has a guy that does the xpel, ill be going in the spring, perhaps we can get a discount?
Whos Mario and who's understated? As long as the guy does quality work I'm all for it. I've seen more than a few cars with clear bras that have peeling and bubbling all over
Will look them up thanks.
Owner of Understated Detailing, hes a vendor on here
Also owns that mint Red Conv 01 Cobra, dunno if you have seen or not
I'm of two minds on this stuff.
The Clear-Bra works, no doubt. And the new stuff is basically invisible, self healing, and usually have very lengthly warranties against yellowing. Xpel's is 10 years. It is however expensive. Anything you do should include in the quote having the area's to be covered detailed to remove every swirl mark and micro-scratch. Once the bra is covering it, you'll see it forever. The Xpel Ultimate has more than done its job. I've been hit by stuff that I was sure tore the bra. And in one case I was hit with something that did tear the bra, but that thing also dug a divot into the plastic bumper, so nothing was going to save that.
On the other hand, I feel that in most cases the reasons we need Clear Bras today are because the factory finishes are so much softer and thinner than previous years. Fords are absolutely notorious for surer thin paint, and have chipped more than any car I've ever owned. And I know others have complained of the same issues.
If you already have a massive amount of chips I'd leave the car without. It will stop future ones, but you already have a damaged finish. If you repaint it then yes, I'd go for it.
Here are pics from after I had my Xpel Ultimate installed by Chicago Auto Pros.
I had the full front clip done + mirrors. So its the full hood, full bumper, full fenders, and mirrors. I can tell you that the seems do collect dirt, which is annoying. I basically have to clean the seems with a very fine bristle brush. Most times I don't clean the seems though. As part of the install package the entire front clip was detailed till it was near perfect. With white paint, they didn't have to put in as much effort as with black.
The term "clear bra" should be disposed of and never used again.
When I hear this, I think of the half hood protection that was THICK.
The new age paint protection film is this, usually will be sold as an entire panel installation and is barely noticeable.
I agree with others, be sure the paint is PERFECT before putting some form of clear protection over it.
Good luck to the OP in what you decide to do.
When I hear this, I think of the half hood protection that was THICK.
The new age paint protection film is this, usually will be sold as an entire panel installation and is barely noticeable.
I agree with others, be sure the paint is PERFECT before putting some form of clear protection over it.
Good luck to the OP in what you decide to do.
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