I've been reading the various bra vs. no bra threads and I know one of the options is to install the 3M film/clear bra.

However, when it comes to the C5 design, I have some questions...

First, where does the clear film start/stop near the fog light areas? If it extends into the fog light areas, do owners with screens remove the screens and then reinstall?

Second, do you install the film over the pop-up covers? I was thinking about bringing the film up about 1/3 on the hood, including the pop ups and stop right where it starts to flatten out.

Third, how about the front plate area? I don't run a plate in Florida however I have the SS letters installed so would that area also be covered or cut around?

Fourth, what about the logo? Do they cut the film around it?

Fifth, since I plan to keep this car as long as I'm above ground, do these clear bra/films need to be replaced over time? Any long-term effect on the clearcoat and/or paint?

I appreciate any feedback from those who have installed clear bra films on the C5.

 

To keep it short and simple there are precut kits that fit the C5. All of them are different so the installer you go to willl have to show you the pattern. But typically they cover the entire front bumper, the headlight flip ups, and the hood/fenders can be covered as far back as you want to go... to include the entire thing. There are numerous threads in here regarding long term use... the film will last you as long as you take care of it. They do not damage the paint... if they did they industry would have died off as it would defeat the purpose of getting one.

 

Most people I know who have installed the 3M film-like protection have traded up every 4-5 years so I don't know the long term impact. I don't know any C3 or C4 owners who installed this type of protection. I don't even know if it even existed in the 70s and 80s so I'd like to get a little more information from owners who have had this stuff on 10+ years. I read the various threads, however outside of saying the stuff is great immediately post installation, I would like some feedback from owners who installed on a C5 in 1997 and now 15 years later, how does the stuff look? Has it yellowed? Has the surrounding paint faded to a different color than the paint under the film or vice versa?

I'm planning on purchasing a new daily driver later this year and since I drive through Florida bugs on my 30+ mile drive to my office every day, I plan to try this stuff out. However, I don't plan to keep my DD 20+ years like my C5.

 

Film did not come out until the mid 1990s. When it initially came out it was a small market (primarily Denver) because it was a millitary product that someone thought would work well on cars. Well over time film has improved greatly into what it is today. So asking to compare film from 15 years ago... basically 3M... to what we have today is apples to oranges. I also HIGHLY doubt you will run into anyone that has had it on their vehicle longer than 10 years as most people do not keep cars that long. In 9 years of installing film I have only seen one car that has had film on it since it originally came out. It was a white Volvo that was purchased in Colorado 17 years ago. Although the install was terrible (there were no precut kits then) the film had held up REALLY well. So much so I actually didnt beleive it. I have seen 3M film on numerous cars that cracked after 5-6 years of exposure to warm climates. So not sure what the difference was.

Now I have removed film that was on a car after 6 years of sitting in the sun. It looked brand new. The reason why it was removed was my mom had her car keyed so I replaced the damaged film. The paint underneath did not fade at a different rate than the rest of the car.

In all honesty if you get this applied to your car and it lasts 6-8 years it was money well spent. Even if you have to replace the material the paint will be in perfect condition. No telling how many times you woudl have to respray over that time period.

Good luck looking for any further info. Like I said I do not think you will find anyone that has had film on their car for that long as most people have traded vehicles. I think that is why no one has responded to this thread besides myself. The films today are much improved and specifically designed for automotive use... so they will be much smoother, clearer, and more resistant to enviromental damage. If you get one you will be very happy you did. They do work as advertised.

 

I just had my entire front end done.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...post1580369046
The emblems were removed and put on over it. the film was put on as a onepiece on the bumper and cut outs made for the screens, lights and scoops. As for the Plate cover, it was wrapped as well. They trimmed around the "CORVETTE" letters since I have no fillers to prevent air pockets. Can't tell unless looking really close. I had a partial on my car befrore. It went 1/3 the way up the hood and fenders. It was on the car for >5 years and came off perfect. the paint was night and day different from the uncovered area. Really saves it.

 

My answers are in red. The clear bra is a nice product, but pretty expensive to have installed. I think it protects the front of the car very well.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

One more question...Do you polish/wax it just like the rest of the car? Same products, same process? I commented on another thread where the owner removed the original film and installed new film. The original had swirl marks, etc. so I'm curious if the care required is different than the sections not coverered with the film.

 

Thanks. I commented on your thread because I was curious if the new film is different make/manufacturer than the old film as the original cuts are very obvious. Also, you mentioned that you fixed some chips with Dr. Color chip. Was the original film applied over the chips?

 

I answered on my thread, with the exception that the new kit is a different brand. The clear bra kits are ever evolving, so in 5 years I'm sure there will be a newer better one. If you need any specific pictures of areas, let me know.

 

FYI: My car got the whole 3M package when new. (An 02, always garaged, now 29K miles, Speedway White.) After ten years, the film is quite yellow -- very noticable on white paint. On the good side, there are no rock chips or paint blemishes on the entire car -- anywhere.

 

Thanks for the feeback. Since my c5 is not my daily driver I'm not sure if I want to go for the wrap or not.