Bra or no bra
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 81
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From: Pottstown PA
Bra or no bra
I will be driving from PA to California and back in July and trying to decide if it is better to install a bra for the three weeks or not. I've read conflicting reviews on the value of a bra, that using one could cause damage to the paint. The trip will involve some less than perfect roads, will not be all interstate. I am leaning towards using one since the intent is to keep it on the car only for three weeks or so, but I would appreciate some opinions. Thanks.
Al
Al
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
I wouldn't keep a bra on the car long term, but for a short trip where you will be dealing with rocks and bugs, its a good idea to have it on.
POSSE SENIOR RIDER
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,193
Likes: 695
From: Suffield, CT
I use a bra and the mirror covers on highway trips. Between bugs, birds, road debris and kick up from tractor-trailors, etc they will save a lot of nicks and blemishes. The hood and windshield can still take some hits, so I always keep my distance from the vehicles in front of me.
As already posted they are not for constant use.
Have fun on the trip.
As already posted they are not for constant use.
Have fun on the trip.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: New Lebanon.Ohio
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I use a bra and the mirror covers on highway trips. Between bugs, birds, road debris and kick up from tractor-trailors, etc they will save a lot of nicks and blemishes. The hood and windshield can still take some hits, so I always keep my distance from the vehicles in front of me.
As already posted they are not for constant use.
Have fun on the trip.
As already posted they are not for constant use.
Have fun on the trip.
Get a GM bra,low cost and work fine,use marine screws in the fender wells(3 on each side) instead of the screws profided with rubber nuts. I have used one since 99 on four different C5s for road trips and it will save your front end. If it gets wet take it off and let it dry out, take it off a couple times and detail spray the front,check the underside flannel for small pieces of dirt and re-install. The GM bra fits tight and has never damaged my front end.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,108
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From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
Get a GM bra,low cost and work fine,use marine screws in the fender wells(3 on each side) instead of the screws profided with rubber nuts. I have used one since 99 on four different C5s for road trips and it will save your front end. If it gets wet take it off and let it dry out, take it off a couple times and detail spray the front,check the underside flannel for small pieces of dirt and re-install. The GM bra fits tight and has never damaged my front end. Works great,I have used one since 01 and no problems.just take it of if it rains.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Just orderd my 2nd GM bra yesterday, it's starting bug season down here in Fl.
I prefer the bra-less look too but I like my paint better.
Just take it off when you get home no need to remove when it gets wet just drive it, it'll dry.
I prefer the bra-less look too but I like my paint better.
Just take it off when you get home no need to remove when it gets wet just drive it, it'll dry.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I use a SPEED LINGERIE bra and mirror covers all the time. They're installed (backside clean!) over clean polished/waxed paint surface. They're removed only for washing the car. The car doesn't get driven in rain. I've never found any evidence of paint abrasion, but that could be because of the fit of the SPEED LINGERIE products.
I've taken direct hard hits from rocks and other road debris and the triple layered bra/mirror covers have always protected the painted surface. Had there not been that protection, the paint/fiberglass would've been surely damaged.
Look at your lower rockers to see how bad small chips in the paint look.
So, given the high odds of paint chips with no protection vs slight chance of paint abrasion (poorly fitting bra), I prefer full time use of bra/mirror covers.
It's your car to do with as you please.
I've taken direct hard hits from rocks and other road debris and the triple layered bra/mirror covers have always protected the painted surface. Had there not been that protection, the paint/fiberglass would've been surely damaged.
Look at your lower rockers to see how bad small chips in the paint look.
So, given the high odds of paint chips with no protection vs slight chance of paint abrasion (poorly fitting bra), I prefer full time use of bra/mirror covers.
It's your car to do with as you please.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 53
From: Warrington Pa.
Yo Al how have you been?? I use my GM bra for trips, It saves the front from stones chips. If it rains I take it off ASAP and put it in the trunk. Later I take it into my room to dry, then before putting it back on I clean the bra area with some detail spray. I've had my bra for 5 years and no scratches on the nose(from the bra). I do have several coats of Zaino on the car and that helps. Bill
PS How's Mike??
PS How's Mike??
Last edited by Bill Vett; May 6, 2008 at 01:12 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,071
Likes: 1,002
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '15
I use the GM Bra on our Corvette during highway trips. Really helps a lot with stone knicks and bug spots. Longest it has been on is a week or so and during rain. No issues at all to report. Would not travel without it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 6
From: Oilerville Edmonton
St. Jude Donor '08
I have a standard response to the bra question. Instead of spending all that money and time to install, just take a pad of steel wool and give the front end of your car a good rub down. Same result but less $$ and time
I am goofing around but I hope you understand my point Drive safe on your trip
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 0
From: Buckingham PA
I've debated this same thing for some time now. I've decided on a solution somewhat in between the bra & bra-less. I'm planning to have a 3M clear bra installed next week...should provide paint protection without having to strap something on the front end each time...we'll see how it turns out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 0
From: Made in USA Show Me State
I use a bra and the mirror covers on highway trips. Between bugs, birds, road debris and kick up from tractor-trailors, etc they will save a lot of nicks and blemishes. The hood and windshield can still take some hits, so I always keep my distance from the vehicles in front of me.
As already posted they are not for constant use.
Have fun on the trip.
As already posted they are not for constant use.
Have fun on the trip.
Another tip, after putting the bra on, put some protectant on it before taking your next trip. Much like you would your interior. The bugs usually just wipe right off easily...