flaps and bras - do they work ??
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 44,692
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From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
flaps and bras - do they work ??
I want to protect my new toy as much as possible. I didn't get much of a response on the C6 board and would really appreciate your opinions. I am considering the stretch bra for the trip home from Bowling Green. I will get the clear guard installed once I get home.
1. Will it provide much protection against rock chips or is it too thin ? I assume it will be very effective shielding against bugs.
2. Do the mud flaps work at protecting the lower rocker panels ?
Thanks,
1. Will it provide much protection against rock chips or is it too thin ? I assume it will be very effective shielding against bugs.
2. Do the mud flaps work at protecting the lower rocker panels ?
Thanks,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,956
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis In
I thought about buying a "streach" bra but the members here talked me out of it. It works great on bugs but not on rocks. I have a colgan bra & mirror covers. GM bras are rather inexpensive & fit great. As far as the mud flaps, I don,t have any.
BTW
Murray 5HP 22" cut..........Weed eater gas powered DOUBLE string for extra trmming...........
BTW
Murray 5HP 22" cut..........Weed eater gas powered DOUBLE string for extra trmming...........
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,018
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From: The Usual Suspects Yorba Linda Chapter
I used the GM bra when I brought my C5 home from the Corvette Museum. Adam Boca who did my delivery even installed it for me (thanks Adam!). It added great peace of mind for the long trip back to SoCal. I now only use the bra for long trips. For me, it was worth the investment.
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: CA
I have stone guards on my front fenders only. I make them out of clear Lexan. I use the existing fender liner screws for mounting. They have saved my front rockers and are not obtrusive. The ground lava sand spread on the slick roads where I used to live took off the paint in a few seconds.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
I don't have "mud flaps" on my Z16, but I've had a SPEED LINGERIE bra on the front and mirrors since I brought the car home. My rockers already had the typical damage so mud flaps were to late to protect them. I leave them on the car all the time except for detailing/cleaning.
I know the bra/mirror covers have protected the car from numerous stone chips in the past year. This particular company guarantees their bra/mirror covers up to 150mph and I believe it. They're hard to install the first time (lots of cussing) because they fit so tightly...then after they've stretched, it's an easy one person job to R&R. There is no way these could cause paint abrasion if they're installed correctly over a clean car. They have a unique mounting system that does not use the typical felt covered metal tabs. They're also triple layered which is more than most other bras.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...6030307009.jpg
I know the bra/mirror covers have protected the car from numerous stone chips in the past year. This particular company guarantees their bra/mirror covers up to 150mph and I believe it. They're hard to install the first time (lots of cussing) because they fit so tightly...then after they've stretched, it's an easy one person job to R&R. There is no way these could cause paint abrasion if they're installed correctly over a clean car. They have a unique mounting system that does not use the typical felt covered metal tabs. They're also triple layered which is more than most other bras.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...6030307009.jpg
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 44,692
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From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
Hey thanks for the numerous responses guys. I'm now sold on the flaps. And for those who don't like the look - all I can say is that in photos, they're hardly noticable. I haven't seen them in person.
I'll also rule out the stretch bra. Thaks a bunch for the comments.
WRT to the GM bra - is it very hard to install? I would be putting it on in the parking lot. Gary at the museum said they're not supposed to install them. I am quite capable mechanically, so if it's not too difficult -I could do it. It's just that I've never installed one before.
I'll also rule out the stretch bra. Thaks a bunch for the comments.
WRT to the GM bra - is it very hard to install? I would be putting it on in the parking lot. Gary at the museum said they're not supposed to install them. I am quite capable mechanically, so if it's not too difficult -I could do it. It's just that I've never installed one before.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 3
From: Lee's Summit Mo
St. Jude Donor '07
Hey thanks for the numerous responses guys. I'm now sold on the flaps. And for those who don't like the look - all I can say is that in photos, they're hardly noticable. I haven't seen them in person.
I'll also rule out the stretch bra. Thaks a bunch for the comments.
WRT to the GM bra - is it very hard to install? I would be putting it on in the parking lot. Gary at the museum said they're not supposed to install them. I am quite capable mechanically, so if it's not too difficult -I could do it. It's just that I've never installed one before.
I'll also rule out the stretch bra. Thaks a bunch for the comments.
WRT to the GM bra - is it very hard to install? I would be putting it on in the parking lot. Gary at the museum said they're not supposed to install them. I am quite capable mechanically, so if it's not too difficult -I could do it. It's just that I've never installed one before.
There is a thread with excellent pictures that I found when I installed mine. You can find it with a search.
The bra fits great, I really like mine.
Good luck.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,787
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From: Wildomar CA
I don't have "mud flaps" on my Z16, but I've had a SPEED LINGERIE bra on the front and mirrors since I brought the car home. My rockers already had the typical damage so mud flaps were to late to protect them. I leave them on the car all the time except for detailing/cleaning.
I know the bra/mirror covers have protected the car from numerous stone chips in the past year. This particular company guarantees their bra/mirror covers up to 150mph and I believe it. They're hard to install the first time (lots of cussing) because they fit so tightly...then after they've stretched, it's an easy one person job to R&R. There is no way these could cause paint abrasion if they're installed correctly over a clean car. They have a unique mounting system that does not use the typical felt covered metal tabs. They're also triple layered which is more than most other bras.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...6030307009.jpg
I know the bra/mirror covers have protected the car from numerous stone chips in the past year. This particular company guarantees their bra/mirror covers up to 150mph and I believe it. They're hard to install the first time (lots of cussing) because they fit so tightly...then after they've stretched, it's an easy one person job to R&R. There is no way these could cause paint abrasion if they're installed correctly over a clean car. They have a unique mounting system that does not use the typical felt covered metal tabs. They're also triple layered which is more than most other bras.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...6030307009.jpg
GM is good to 150+, don't ask how I know.
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IMO, the main advantage of the stretch bras is that it will keep the bugs off and can be easily cleaned in a washing machine. But, I am skeptical that the stretch bra can really protect the front end from the larger rocks that may be thrown up at the car.
I run the GM bra and with the thick vinyl it really does keep the stone chips away. Yes, you can install it in a parking lot as long as you don't mind laying down to get under the front end to install three snap screws.
I run the GM bra and with the thick vinyl it really does keep the stone chips away. Yes, you can install it in a parking lot as long as you don't mind laying down to get under the front end to install three snap screws.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 349
From: Layton Utah
In my experience the mud flaps are worth it. I ordered black because they blend in with the tires better and are really not noticeable from any distance.
I just recently bought the GM Bra and like the fit very much. I only plan to use it for longer road trips. I've been told to make sure of the following things concerning the bra:
Keep a good heavy protective coat of wax on the nose of the Vette when the bra is on.
Take the bra off when rain comes. If it gets wet, it can start to sag and do damage to the paint.
Keep the bra cleaned of sand and grit getting into the soft backing material.
The install is something you could do but will take a few minutes. However you may want to check to make sure the paint has cured so that the GM bra will not do any damage. I think that is why some use the lighter bra for the trip home. I understand both will work on the same mounting snap screws. Good luck and let us know how the trip turns out.
I just recently bought the GM Bra and like the fit very much. I only plan to use it for longer road trips. I've been told to make sure of the following things concerning the bra:
Keep a good heavy protective coat of wax on the nose of the Vette when the bra is on.
Take the bra off when rain comes. If it gets wet, it can start to sag and do damage to the paint.
Keep the bra cleaned of sand and grit getting into the soft backing material.
The install is something you could do but will take a few minutes. However you may want to check to make sure the paint has cured so that the GM bra will not do any damage. I think that is why some use the lighter bra for the trip home. I understand both will work on the same mounting snap screws. Good luck and let us know how the trip turns out.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
Granted it wasn't on my Vette, but my Eagle Talon of years ago, however the bra didn't stop rock chips. If dirts gets behind it and you start traveling at fast speeds... it really chaffs the paint at the edge of the bra.
I definitely need to get some mud flaps for my Vette though, way to many rocks around here to risk messing up the paint. I hear they really do work wonders for that.
I definitely need to get some mud flaps for my Vette though, way to many rocks around here to risk messing up the paint. I hear they really do work wonders for that.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Hampton VA
I have a C5. I take it that you have a C6? Yes, the Bra & the mud flaps work in keeping alot of the rock chips off of the nose & rocker panels.
I was unsure about the look of the mud flaps but I'm liking them more everyday.
I was unsure about the look of the mud flaps but I'm liking them more everyday.
Last edited by ENJ; Aug 17, 2007 at 03:10 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: PNW Cougar Country WA
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I got the GM bra, fits nice and easy to install as said here. I had a bra on my C4 and the first time i used it it scuffed the paint a little and I only use it on road trips. So with the C5 I went a little extreme and taped the car wherever the bra crossed an area without being tucked in and behind a seam.
Takes a little extra time but worth it to me. Looks a little better than the pics now that i have done it a few times but tape still shows. Only use it on road trips.
Takes a little extra time but worth it to me. Looks a little better than the pics now that i have done it a few times but tape still shows. Only use it on road trips.
