Hammerhead69

I’m taking my ‘89 on a road trip next month & was wondering if it’s be worth it to buy a nose bra or “ mask” to protect the front from rock chips. Which ones do ya’ll recommend?

aklim

Seeing as how I have seen some paint get scraped by the bras because it didn't fit as good as it should or got dirty, I'd go with no bra and if things get bad enough, there are body shops around. If you must, get one that is of high quality and fits perfectly. It will cost money to get it good.

gerardvg

I had a car bra put it on for a 1000 mile trip, found tiny fragments would get under the car bra and scratch the paint.
Any buffeting would scuff the paint, so it does protect in some ways but damage the paint in other ways.
Not to mention rain will mean moisture between paint and car bra.

I doubt i will ever use a car bra again, have plenty of stone chips already so doesn't matter.

Best i have seen is clear stick on plastic similar to student book covering to protect the bumper, they are almost invisible.

mazdaverx7

I would opt instead for the 3M Clear Bra. They are easily installed and removed and will protect the paint from rocks chips and debris. Once installed they are barely noticeable and do a nice job of protecting the paint.

Hammerhead69

Thanks guys. That’s exactly what I was wondering about (damage from the bra). I’ll probably just take my chances with the rock chips then.

TorchTarga94

I agree with the above. What I like to do is give the car a really good detail, wax the entire thing, and then layer up a few coats of wax on the front bumper, and side skirts especially behind the front and rear wheels. That way the entire car has a fair amount of protection and will clean up easy when you get home

FAUEE

Painters tape works wonders if you domt care about looks. Or a paint protection film.

That said, repairing a bumper is pretty cheap, I'd go and not worry about it.

Kevova

Bra is about following the guide lines. Car has to be clean and waxed. Cover also has to be clean also. I used on on a Camaro in the 80s. It worked pretty well. Working in a body shop cars with the clear shield, they can discolor or craze after a few years. They are also difficult remove or replace. I haven't been to Florida during " Love Bug" season in many years. Possibly someone will chime in a recommendation.

95LT1ZF

The bra is obviously the cheapest level of protection and works great if done right. My dad ran a bra on his Eclipse GS-T for years and never had an issue. As Kevova mentioned, following the proper steps helps. My dad kept the car waxed and washed the bra religiously and the front looked brand new after 12 years. I’ve thought about getting a bra for my car, but I’m on the fence as to my level of commitment to keeping everything waxed and clean.

TorchTarga94

But what is the point of the bra? To keep the front bumper looking good for the next guy? And in doing so, drive around with a leather/vinyl condom on the front of your car? Take it off and enjoy it in the driveway? Not sure I ever understood the bra, dash pad, or seat cover deal.

Keep the car clean, keep it waxed, and enjoy it.

vette196

I think this is more for bug prevention on long trips, but fwiw. I guess you could use any polish (I use Zaino), but put a coat on the nose and when you arrive at you destination, just wipe it off

383vett

As mentioned earlier, a clear bra doesn't show and protects the front of the car.

Hammerhead69

Im gonna hijack my own thread here since I saw someone mention seat covers. What is the recommended leather cleaner/ conditioner for red leather seats?

mazdaverx7

I have always used Griot's leather cleaner/conditioner on my leather seats. I have found it to keep the leather soft and smelling nice. The cleaner leaves no sticky film and has always worked well for me.

dizwiz24

Black Bras and louvers on the rear glass
are period
correct.

so yes do it

aklim

In the fall, the louvers are great leave catchers when you are under a tree.

TA

Bras are for women

aklim

Not true. Cross dressers and trans also use them.

JrRifleCoach

Or learn from the lessons from the period and don't.

If your paint is good, have a clear bra installed by a reliable shop.
Saves the paint without wrecking it.

eagleye

This is my 2nd Novistretch bra. I had one for my 1989 & 1993 that I was able to swap between the 2 as needed. I now have Expel on the front bumper of my 2019 GS. I like the Novistretch for a few reasons. 1. Easy to put on and take off. 2. Easy to store when not on the car. 3. Keeps bugs and leaves off the grill and radiator. 4. There are mirror bras available as well. I do not keep it on all the time, only when driving but I don't think it will hurt the front with it on for a length of time. I have had other bras on other cars and they absolutely required more care and were not as easy to put on as the Novistretch. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong.