Question on GM Bra
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Question on GM Bra
I am getting ready to purchase a bra for my freshly redone nose on my Z06. In reading some of the posts, I have found a lot of positive comments on the GM bra. I had one of the nylon bras, but that bra does not protect against rock chips and 4 of the 6 snaps broke off within 6 months of owning it, so I won't go back to that type. Speed Lingerie is nice, but not at the price. I know they fit great, but I just can't justify spending $ 570 on a bra. So, my question in regards to the GM Bra is the front license plate opening closed or open? I want the whole front nose protected on my Z. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,956
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis In
I have heard nothing but GOOD on the GM bra. You say you had a "nylon" bra? Is it the streatch material like the ones that c-5 creations sells? I was looking into getting one of those but if you had one & didn't like it ....well I might have to reconsider.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I am getting ready to purchase a bra for my freshly redone nose on my Z06. In reading some of the posts, I have found a lot of positive comments on the GM bra. I had one of the nylon bras, but that bra does not protect against rock chips and 4 of the 6 snaps broke off within 6 months of owning it, so I won't go back to that type. Speed Lingerie is nice, but not at the price. I know they fit great, but I just can't justify spending $ 570 on a bra. So, my question in regards to the GM Bra is the front license plate opening closed or open? I want the whole front nose protected on my Z. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Yes, I had one of those stretchy ones. It kept the bugs off the car, but you still got rock chips (nothing there to pad the impact of a rock). Here in South Florida, the rocks that come up off the road can be large. My nose looked like it had been hit by buckshot. Picked up the stretchy bra at first, still got a couple additional chips. Also, was in the rain once with the stretchy bra on and I guess the amount of rain that came down really water logged it and stretched it out even more, didn't fit as tightly. When the snaps broke after 6 months or so, I contacted them to see what could be done. I had bought it at Ecklers, so I wasn't sure if they would have me go back to Ecklers or if they would warranty. Never heard a word from them. Now that the nose of my Vette is perfect (had it refinished after being hit in the front), I want a bra that will protect it from rock chips. I brought it straight home from the shop on Wednesday and my wife won't let me drive it until I get a bra for it. She doesn't want the front chipped up, now that it is fixed. 
I just want to make sure the GM Bra also covers the front plate. If it does, I am ordering today. 
I just want to make sure the GM Bra also covers the front plate. If it does, I am ordering today.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster County Pennsylvania
Front license plate area is covered with clear vinyl opening, set into the black bra, that would kind of let the numbers be visible if front tag installed This covering is the same clear stuff that covers the driving lights and turn signals. Only actual openings in the bra are the two holes to let air into the brake cooler duct intakes. Got mine on Fleabay from a guy in Florida, (about $75 total) and had to get three snap posts locally as the ones included were too short. Directions included were lousy, but better ones are in tech section of forum.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Front license plate area is covered with clear vinyl opening, set into the black bra, that would kind of let the numbers be visible if front tag installed This covering is the same clear stuff that covers the driving lights and turn signals. Only actual openings in the bra are the two holes to let air into the brake cooler duct intakes. Got mine on Fleabay from a guy in Florida, (about $75 total) and had to get three snap posts locally as the ones included were too short. Directions included were lousy, but better ones are in tech section of forum.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Here's a picture I took after installing my GM Bra:
I bought it for trips, specifically for the one I took from FL to BWG to STL and back. It worked excellent. No bugs or chips, no marring of the finish. The only thing I didn't like was the two sets of fasteners for the lower wheel wells were a little screwy and I replaced them with the other type in the kit (snap on a screw). The two sets they give you for those lower spots your suppose to remove the screw there, push the speed nut out of the way and the snap has a machined screw with a rubber piece on it. That is suppose to expand into the hole. It is much easier to use the self taping screw type and all you have to do is remove the existing body screw, leaving the speed nut in place, and screw in the snap screw. Bottom line a quick trip to the automotive store to get four of those fixed my issues with the kit.
I bought it for trips, specifically for the one I took from FL to BWG to STL and back. It worked excellent. No bugs or chips, no marring of the finish. The only thing I didn't like was the two sets of fasteners for the lower wheel wells were a little screwy and I replaced them with the other type in the kit (snap on a screw). The two sets they give you for those lower spots your suppose to remove the screw there, push the speed nut out of the way and the snap has a machined screw with a rubber piece on it. That is suppose to expand into the hole. It is much easier to use the self taping screw type and all you have to do is remove the existing body screw, leaving the speed nut in place, and screw in the snap screw. Bottom line a quick trip to the automotive store to get four of those fixed my issues with the kit.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Not that it matters now, but did you consider a clear 3M bra? This is meant to protect the paint from chips, cleans easily, is invisible and is cut to match the car. Plus you can get more or less of your car covered...just a suggestion.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,956
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis In
Yes, I had one of those stretchy ones. It kept the bugs off the car, but you still got rock chips (nothing there to pad the impact of a rock). Here in South Florida, the rocks that come up off the road can be large. My nose looked like it had been hit by buckshot. Picked up the stretchy bra at first, still got a couple additional chips. Also, was in the rain once with the stretchy bra on and I guess the amount of rain that came down really water logged it and stretched it out even more, didn't fit as tightly. When the snaps broke after 6 months or so, I contacted them to see what could be done. I had bought it at Ecklers, so I wasn't sure if they would have me go back to Ecklers or if they would warranty. Never heard a word from them. Now that the nose of my Vette is perfect (had it refinished after being hit in the front), I want a bra that will protect it from rock chips. I brought it straight home from the shop on Wednesday and my wife won't let me drive it until I get a bra for it. She doesn't want the front chipped up, now that it is fixed. I just want to make sure the GM Bra also covers the front plate. If it does, I am ordering today.
I just want to make sure the GM Bra also covers the front plate. If it does, I am ordering today. Thank you for this info. I will now look elsewere for a bra. Probably a GM one.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
The GM Bra has a very soft underside material to protect the finish and a tough exterior which creates additional padding from objects hitting it.
The nice thing about the GM Bra is you can leave your fasteners in place, pop the bra off and store it when your not using it. When your going some where or some trip, slip it back on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,441
Likes: 534
From: PNW Cougar Country WA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
C6 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
I am getting ready to purchase a bra for my freshly redone nose on my Z06. In reading some of the posts, I have found a lot of positive comments on the GM bra. So, my question in regards to the GM Bra is the front license plate opening closed or open? I want the whole front nose protected on my Z. Thanks!
I would check with your painter but i have heard you need to be careful with fresh paint for about 6 months ?? Might pay to check it out.
P.S. also got some black vinyl mirror masks from Ecklers for $30+www.fichtnerchevrolet.com
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,801
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
It has been up to 145 many times (including a few seconds before this picture was snapped) with no problems.
Bill
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Found one at West Coast Corvettes that has the logo stitched into the hood section. Think I will order theirs with mirror bras too. Can't put on for another 40 days, though. Paint has to finish curing.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,420
Likes: 4,589
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
The GM bra fits great and has an opening for the license plate with either the Z06 or regular C5 style bras. I used screw in marine snaps in the front wheel wells in place of the snaps that GM provided. The marine snaps are easier to install since they screw right in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,079
Likes: 1,005
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '15
Love the GM bra. I use it for trips only. I had it on once for a little over a week and noted a wear mark on the bottom where it wraps into the wheel well for snapping. I now put a strip of blue painters tape there prior to using the bra.