Dennis
C2 Front End Bras
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C2 Front End Bras
This spring I am going to take a couple of long highway trips. Can anyone recommend a good front end bras? I see were Ecklers sells them.Does anyone sell the precut clear film for C2s?
Thanks
Thanks
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Army
I don't know of anybody that does the clear film for C2s; but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I think it would have to be done custom.
The 3M Paint Defender is an option, but no matter what anybody tells you its tricky as all hell to apply and if you have a show paint job it will definitely dull any area you put it on.
I have a Wardlow nose bra that even covers the bumpers and has flaps to allow the headlight doors to operate. It protects the paint but they cheaped out on the attachment of the straps that go forward of the hood behind the grill. Where the straps attach to the bra is rough and can abrade your paint. I had to compound out the scratches and glue extra felt in that area. It actually works really well now but is double fugly and takes a few minutes to install.
Any more, I just keep a healthy following distance behind other cars and I'll move over two lines to get away from the rednecks in jacked up trucks with no mud flaps.
If you are in Florida though you are welcome to borrow the bra temporarily for your trip if it'll make you feel better
The 3M Paint Defender is an option, but no matter what anybody tells you its tricky as all hell to apply and if you have a show paint job it will definitely dull any area you put it on.
I have a Wardlow nose bra that even covers the bumpers and has flaps to allow the headlight doors to operate. It protects the paint but they cheaped out on the attachment of the straps that go forward of the hood behind the grill. Where the straps attach to the bra is rough and can abrade your paint. I had to compound out the scratches and glue extra felt in that area. It actually works really well now but is double fugly and takes a few minutes to install.
Any more, I just keep a healthy following distance behind other cars and I'll move over two lines to get away from the rednecks in jacked up trucks with no mud flaps.
If you are in Florida though you are welcome to borrow the bra temporarily for your trip if it'll make you feel better
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jan 10, 2016 at 01:33 PM.
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Army
Depends on the bra, quality of your paint and how carefully you put it on. Unlike my C2 the flat nose of the C1 is a rock magnet. After the third major nose touch up on the '61 I run the bra all the time. No damage from the bra and I know its saved me a ton of hurt paint... The wifey made several mods to it with her sewing machine to make it fit better and prevent scratching up the front bumpers near the eyebrows.
I've run with it for 1/2 decade without issue...
I've run with it for 1/2 decade without issue...
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jan 10, 2016 at 01:53 PM.
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As a few others have commented, I have driven many miles, 3000 last just on the Hot Rod Power Tour, without the bra. Sure, you get a few chips, so touch them up with a fine brush.
Rick
Rick
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I also considered a bra for my car. Seems these are either hard to find or aren't produced any more.
If your car is a driver, road chips are going to happen. Allowing extra following distance to minimize chips from traffic up ahead is good but it rankles some idiot drivers too.
At highway speeds I try to keep at least 200 feet behind, mainly to avoid a pebble or some such taking out the original windshield.
John
If your car is a driver, road chips are going to happen. Allowing extra following distance to minimize chips from traffic up ahead is good but it rankles some idiot drivers too.
At highway speeds I try to keep at least 200 feet behind, mainly to avoid a pebble or some such taking out the original windshield.
John
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Xpel
Something to consider: Xpel clearbra, which they appear to make for midyear Corvettes. I have this on my new SUV and love it. Now, it did cost $1250, but rock chips drive me crazy and there is no way to avoid them no matter how carefully you drive. It cannot be detected unless you look very closely. Must be professionally installed.
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Something to consider: Xpel clearbra, which they appear to make for midyear Corvettes. I have this on my new SUV and love it. Now, it did cost $1250, but rock chips drive me crazy and there is no way to avoid them no matter how carefully you drive. It cannot be detected unless you look very closely. Must be professionally installed.
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Army
Not sure about the Xpel clearbra product, but as I stated with the 3M Paint Defender product. What looks acceptable on a modern car with factory paint can look like cr@p on a classic car with miles-deep show paint.
Not talking theory here folks, been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
Horrible experience and it was hours of rubbing with lacquer thinner to remove
Check out a car similar to your own with the product on it BEFORE you pull the trigger.
Not talking theory here folks, been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
Horrible experience and it was hours of rubbing with lacquer thinner to remove
Check out a car similar to your own with the product on it BEFORE you pull the trigger.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jan 11, 2016 at 08:15 AM.