Bra Question
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 29
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From: Mason Ohio
Bra Question
I recently purchased a front bumper mask for my C5 from Mid America Motor Works. It is the full vinyl mask with a felt backing. I am going on a trip and I thought it would help to protect my front bumper. However I have never had a front bumper mask on any of my cars and I was wondering what some of your experiences may have been with them and any recommendations you might have. Thanks
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
I run one on mine and love it!
For me and IMHO! I like it and would rather keep it on then get rock chips!
Others do not like to leave theirs on saying dirt will get behind the mask and get in between the felt and paint and leave fine scratches - I have not found this to be the case!
BUT - I would rather buff a few small scratches than get a big rock chip or a bunch of rock chips all over the front! It is inevitable that it will get chips over time!
Put a nice strong wax on the nose before you put on the mask and you will be fine for a long time!
Here is mine:
Thanks,Matt
For me and IMHO! I like it and would rather keep it on then get rock chips!
Others do not like to leave theirs on saying dirt will get behind the mask and get in between the felt and paint and leave fine scratches - I have not found this to be the case!
BUT - I would rather buff a few small scratches than get a big rock chip or a bunch of rock chips all over the front! It is inevitable that it will get chips over time!
Put a nice strong wax on the nose before you put on the mask and you will be fine for a long time!
Here is mine:
Thanks,Matt
Last edited by madmatt9471; May 12, 2012 at 10:00 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
I have used a front end mask on every car I have owned over the past 20 years, including my recently purchased 2000 Vette, and would recommend using one. The amount of money they have saved me in front end paint repairs has paid for the cost of the bra many, many times over. There's only one thing that I would say is an absolute must do, and that is to put a couple of coats of good wax (Meguiar's is what I've always used) on the area where the mask will cover. This will prevent the scratching that some may have experienced. Make sure to lay the mask out in the sun prior to putting it on so it can stretch easier. I used Meguiar's leather treatment to soften the material for a tighter fit and give it a nice shine; it also protects against drying and cracking, which all bras will do over time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 123
From: gresham oregon
I run one on mine and love it!
For me and IMHO! I like it and would rather keep it on then get rock chips!
Others do not like to leave theirs on saying dirt will get behind the mask and get in between the felt and paint and leave fine scratches - I have not found this to be the case!
BUT - I would rather buff a few small scratches than get a big rock chip or a bunch of rock chips all over the front! It is inevitable that it will get chips over time!
Put a nice strong wax on the nose before you put on the mask and you will be fine for a long time!
Thanks,Matt
For me and IMHO! I like it and would rather keep it on then get rock chips!
Others do not like to leave theirs on saying dirt will get behind the mask and get in between the felt and paint and leave fine scratches - I have not found this to be the case!
BUT - I would rather buff a few small scratches than get a big rock chip or a bunch of rock chips all over the front! It is inevitable that it will get chips over time!
Put a nice strong wax on the nose before you put on the mask and you will be fine for a long time!
Thanks,Matt
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 123
From: gresham oregon
I run one on mine and love it!
For me and IMHO! I like it and would rather keep it on then get rock chips!
Others do not like to leave theirs on saying dirt will get behind the mask and get in between the felt and paint and leave fine scratches - I have not found this to be the case!
BUT - I would rather buff a few small scratches than get a big rock chip or a bunch of rock chips all over the front! It is inevitable that it will get chips over time!
Put a nice strong wax on the nose before you put on the mask and you will be fine for a long time!
Thanks,Matt
For me and IMHO! I like it and would rather keep it on then get rock chips!
Others do not like to leave theirs on saying dirt will get behind the mask and get in between the felt and paint and leave fine scratches - I have not found this to be the case!
BUT - I would rather buff a few small scratches than get a big rock chip or a bunch of rock chips all over the front! It is inevitable that it will get chips over time!
Put a nice strong wax on the nose before you put on the mask and you will be fine for a long time!
Thanks,Matt
I actually made this hood protection (bra) bc you get rock chips on your hood as well an they are more noticible on the hood than the nose.
My hood bra protects all of the hood and windshield, bc of the deflector. Tested up to 160mph and it does not move, and the backing i put on under the hood bra is so soft it will not put any marks on the hood. Just got back from a 4000 mile road trip with NO ROCK CHIPS ON HOOD, NOSE, AND WINDSHIELD Good luck
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I just put a bra on my Vette this week. Wasn't easy to do as my front bumper is modified but worth doing to protect the front end. I use 303 on the bra. It helps cleaning bugs off easier and gives the bra a shine.
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As long as the bra fits tightly and has the felt backing, you shouldn't have any issues with it. I've been running a GM bra on my cars for many years and never had any paint damage and can't imagine how many rock chips/bug stains I have prevented by using the bra. I never run mine on the car when it is wet outside as I just don't want to mess with having to clean the back side of the bra - but others seem to use them in all kinds of weather.
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
The GM bra does not have the raised section that diverts the air flow, and only covers a few inches of the hood. I just left mine off because it looks better without it and really doesn't provide much protection to begin with.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
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From: gresham oregon
thats why i made my hood bra. got tired of repairing hood and that is what everyone looks at. Looks wise yes i agree but when i am on the road i dont care what people think. i want protection. I also feel at ease and dont have to know that i dont have to repair all time. Also replace the white felt on the nose bra so i dont mark it at all, The bra is gm but its made in china, cheapest stuff you can get.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 123
From: gresham oregon
thats why i made my hood bra. got tired of repairing hood and that is what everyone looks at. Looks wise yes i agree but when i am on the road i dont care what people think. i want protection. I also feel at ease and dont have to know that i dont have to repair all time. Also replace the white felt on the nose bra so i dont mark it at all, The bra is gm but its made in china, cheapest stuff you can get.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,203
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Im not a fan of bras, as I see no point to it. Just drive the car like it was meant to be and don't cover it up with such an ugly piece. I got rock chips, not many but a few and drive my car regularly. Just drive smart and do tailgate people and you should avoid 90% of the rock chips right there. Don't cover up such a cool car, you only live once.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 123
From: gresham oregon
Im not a fan of bras, as I see no point to it. Just drive the car like it was meant to be and don't cover it up with such an ugly piece. I got rock chips, not many but a few and drive my car regularly. Just drive smart and do tailgate people and you should avoid 90% of the rock chips right there. Don't cover up such a cool car, you only live once.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,757
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
Im not a fan of bras, as I see no point to it. Just drive the car like it was meant to be and don't cover it up with such an ugly piece. I got rock chips, not many but a few and drive my car regularly. Just drive smart and do tailgate people and you should avoid 90% of the rock chips right there. Don't cover up such a cool car, you only live once.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
Well I drive my 03 Annv (60k) I had more than just a few rock chips. The point is protect your in envestment , save money an keep it beautiful. it's impossible not to get rock chip by the hundred without protection. I drive the car like it was meant to. I like to keep mine in the best condition I can bc it is the coolest car I have ever had. I don't use the bra around town usally but I mostly go on small trips with it on. I guess I must be **** but I like it clean an beautiful, as reasonably to new I can.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,866
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From: gresham oregon
You're not alone, I feel the same way. I'll admit it though, I've been **** about every car I've owned, but that's what happens when you grow up around hotrods. I've wanted a Vette since I was 13, and here it is 33 years later and I've finally got one, and plan on keeping it looking just as good as it did when I bought it for as long as I can. The previous owner had the car repainted just before trading it in, so my 12 year-old car looks like it just rolled off the assembly line. I plan on keeping it that way.