Front Bra questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 840
Likes: 4
From: Syracuse IN
Front Bra questions
Last summer and fall we ran several long distance road trips, I have noticed a fair amount of paint damage to nose of car, small chips, bug damage????? We are planning another trip approx 3,000 mile round trip. My question is, do the front Bra covers help or hinder the paint. I have heard of Bra's rubbing the paint off, but have never actually seen this. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Al
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Frisco TX
The old school vinyl bras can harm the paint if the bra is not properly secured. Wind buffeting can leave abrasions on the paint. Another problem is the bra trapping moisture and debris between the bra and the paint.
I'd suggest finding a 3M clear bra installer. It is a clear film that will protect your paint, and you'll only notice it if your are looking for it. I've had this installed on several new vehicles since 2006. It can get pricey, but it is worth every penny.
I'd suggest finding a 3M clear bra installer. It is a clear film that will protect your paint, and you'll only notice it if your are looking for it. I've had this installed on several new vehicles since 2006. It can get pricey, but it is worth every penny.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
The clear plastic overlays (Cleartastic, etc.) are pretty good at limiting the damage for normal 'road rash' and they don't damage the paint. Most are easily removable. Bras apparently damage the paint from straps flapping in the wind at speed. Personally, I'd do the clear film 'thing' or stay with the old "touch up paint" approach.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader vette
The clear plastic overlays (Cleartastic, etc.) are pretty good at limiting the damage for normal 'road rash' and they don't damage the paint. Most are easily removable. Bras apparently damage the paint from straps flapping in the wind at speed. Personally, I'd do the clear film 'thing' or stay with the old "touch up paint" approach.
Dont waste your money on a bra (sounds just like a man).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
If a bra does not fit properly or is not installed properly it will damage the paint. If the bra is installed over a dirty car or even a dusty car it will damage the paint sort of like sandpaper. If it starts to rain dirt will run under nether the bra and now you are wet sanding (even on a clean car). If the bra sets on the car wet it may cloud the paint. In short bras can do more damage than good. I used one on my 911 for years without problems but you have to follow all the precautions.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I used a bra on my 86 when I drove from San Jose to Los Angeles and back. After the trip I went to wash the car and removed the bra. Where the top of the bra covered the hood it had rubbed the paint to a flat look that I cannot buff out.
Based on that I decided never to use one on my C3s.
kdf
Based on that I decided never to use one on my C3s.
kdf
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Frisco TX
Click the links for 3M clear bra info:
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3..._the_Consumer/
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...VentureShield/
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3..._the_Consumer/
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...VentureShield/
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 34
From: Porterville Ca
If you keep the car clean and don't get lazy and leave it on, they are good. I left the bra on my motorhome (pain in the a$$ to install & remove), moisture got under it and caused small buubles in the paint. The good thing is it has lots of miles and no chips etc and the bubbles are very minor, much less of an eyesore than how much damage from chips I know I would have with almost 90k on it...my vett goes braless, I don't like the look, and it's alot less prone to getting chips than a flat nosed motorhome.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
Last summer and fall we ran several long distance road trips, I have noticed a fair amount of paint damage to nose of car, small chips, bug damage????? We are planning another trip approx 3,000 mile round trip. My question is, do the front Bra covers help or hinder the paint. I have heard of Bra's rubbing the paint off, but have never actually seen this. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Al
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I have a Bra and did not use it when the car was repainted 
I have used Bra's on many cars before with no problems. It's all about common sense and not being lazy.
Wax the front end before applying
If it going to rain or sit outside over night, remove it. If the car is going in a garage overnight leave it on, you don't want morning dew or rain to get underneath it.
Make sure the bra you purchase has white felt on the inside of the bra. If it doesn't have it, don't buy it.
Nothing like looking at a beat up bra but the paint underneath looks great!!!!
Wish I would of gone with my gut from the beginning!!!!!!!
Good Luck
I have used Bra's on many cars before with no problems. It's all about common sense and not being lazy. Wax the front end before applying
If it going to rain or sit outside over night, remove it. If the car is going in a garage overnight leave it on, you don't want morning dew or rain to get underneath it.
Make sure the bra you purchase has white felt on the inside of the bra. If it doesn't have it, don't buy it.
Nothing like looking at a beat up bra but the paint underneath looks great!!!!
Wish I would of gone with my gut from the beginning!!!!!!!
Good Luck
Racer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 345
Likes: 1
From: Baldwinsville New York
it's the best way. The old school vinyl bras can harm the paint if the bra is not properly secured. Wind buffeting can leave abrasions on the paint. Another problem is the bra trapping moisture and debris between the bra and the paint.
I'd suggest finding a 3M clear bra installer. It is a clear film that will protect your paint, and you'll only notice it if your are looking for it. I've had this installed on several new vehicles since 2006. It can get pricey, but it is worth every penny.
I'd suggest finding a 3M clear bra installer. It is a clear film that will protect your paint, and you'll only notice it if your are looking for it. I've had this installed on several new vehicles since 2006. It can get pricey, but it is worth every penny.
