Clear Bra
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 116
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Clear Bra
I have heard these work well to protect from rock chips and road rash. Does anyone have any real life experience with them? Are they easy to apply? Can you leave them on indefinitely? Any particular brand better than others?
Thanks,
Dick S.
Thanks,
Dick S.
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I have the 3M clear bra on both my C5 and my DD. After watching the guy install them, no way would I try to do it myself - there is definitely a skill to doing it. They can be left on indefinitely, but after a period of time you may want to take them off because while they do protect the paint, they do get chips in the film too. Plus, over time scratches can appear in the film, the film may get hazy, etc. I've had the film on my DD for almost four years and it looks very good still and has definitely protected the paint very well.
Taking it off is not that easy, but can be done - just takes a while to get the film to lift and then to clean up any adhesive residue that may remain.
The 3M stuff is not cheap by any means, but my experience has been it's worth the money if you want to really protect your paint. I may go a bit overboard on my car (the C5), but I also use a GM bra on it - that really protects the front end. I had to peel the film off the front fascia in order to do a small repair on it and just never got around to putting the clear bra back on, but the clear bra is on the hood and other parts of the car.
Taking it off is not that easy, but can be done - just takes a while to get the film to lift and then to clean up any adhesive residue that may remain.
The 3M stuff is not cheap by any means, but my experience has been it's worth the money if you want to really protect your paint. I may go a bit overboard on my car (the C5), but I also use a GM bra on it - that really protects the front end. I had to peel the film off the front fascia in order to do a small repair on it and just never got around to putting the clear bra back on, but the clear bra is on the hood and other parts of the car.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 105
From: Dearborn Heights Michigan
Have the 3M on my 2000 yellow cpe about 4 yrs. Professional install a must.
Numerous nicks, some from autocross. The edges get black dirt under them and most won't come off.
Very expensive.
Would not do it again.
Numerous nicks, some from autocross. The edges get black dirt under them and most won't come off.
Very expensive.
Would not do it again.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 951
Likes: 2
From: Rochester MN
I installed my own bra... I would wash and clay the front end before installing and a little help is needed on the piece on the bumper cover.. The rest of pieces went on easily..
It seems to be holding up well.. It does take a beating from rocks/sand and the like.. I got hit by a piece of dry wall.. It handled that..
I'd do it again..
Here is the site I used...
http://www.invisiblemask.com/?gclid=...FeQCQAodjmK5lQ
It seems to be holding up well.. It does take a beating from rocks/sand and the like.. I got hit by a piece of dry wall.. It handled that..
I'd do it again..
Here is the site I used...
http://www.invisiblemask.com/?gclid=...FeQCQAodjmK5lQ
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Bourbonnais IL
I don't have one on the Vet as of yet. When it warms up, it will be on there. I have them on all my Infiniti's. To me it's a much!! Would I personally put it on.. HECK no... I make gasoline for a living, don't install clear bras. That's what the professionals are for.. JMO.
Recommended!!
Recommended!!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: Tsawwassen BC
I had it put on my Honda professionally and it lasted 4-5 years before it became dull (3M) and discolored in spots so decided to remove it and that was a big hassle in itself....wouldn't do it again...think I paid $300-$400 at the time too. 
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Bourbonnais IL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 3
From: DFW Texas
I would be willing to bet the paint underneath the bra was perfect though when it was removed so it did its job.
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Tsawwassen BC
Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: Tsawwassen BC
Yeah it would have been replaced had he taken it in. They have a 5 year warranty from fading... so it was covered. 3M is a pain to remove since the adhesive is very strong. Its one of the reasons I do not install it... the other being that there are much beter films out there.
I would be willing to bet the paint underneath the bra was perfect though when it was removed so it did its job.
I would be willing to bet the paint underneath the bra was perfect though when it was removed so it did its job.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: MI
Have it professionally installed by a licensed dealer. Most film manufactures void warranty if they are NOT installed by the licensed dealer.
There is a reason why 3M licensed installers can make a living installing the protection films. But then there are those superbobs out there who think they are too good to hire anyone to do anything.
There is a reason why 3M licensed installers can make a living installing the protection films. But then there are those superbobs out there who think they are too good to hire anyone to do anything.
