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C5 Clear Bra Removal

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Old Mar 3, 2013 | 01:35 PM
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Default C5 Clear Bra Removal

I have a 1998 Convertible with a clear bra installed new on nose rocker panels and side mirror. Showing signs of age and wear. Anyone have experience in removal. If so what can I expect about paint and finish if I remove it. It is 3M. What products makes removal easy
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Old Mar 3, 2013 | 01:48 PM
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I had removed mine...08.......I was content that it did its job... but it sure felt like I was going to tear off the paint....but it didn't ...and it came off in one piece....I was with some friends and three of us just started to pull it off slowly....bottom line is that it came off without damaging the paint...just like it was supposed to...
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Old Mar 3, 2013 | 01:51 PM
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I would do some searches and read up on it. some people can get it off without leaving the adhesive behind, which is much better.
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Old Mar 3, 2013 | 01:55 PM
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Originally Posted by starvnmarvin1
I have a 1998 Convertible with a clear bra installed new on nose rocker panels and side mirror. Showing signs of age and wear. Anyone have experience in removal. If so what can I expect about paint and finish if I remove it. It is 3M. What products makes removal easy
Good question, all we hear about is how to put the stuff on.
Hopefully someone may be along with an solution.

In the meantime drop an email to 3M, ask them. I might be inclined trying to remove it as any other vinyl stripe, decal etc. Heat using a hairdryer & SLOWLY peel back/off. IF any clear coat's observed coming off, stop.
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Old Mar 3, 2013 | 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Landru
Good question, all we hear about is how to put the stuff on.
Hopefully someone may be along with an solution.

In the meantime drop an email to 3M, ask them. I might be inclined trying to remove it as any other vinyl stripe, decal etc. Heat using a hairdryer & SLOWLY peel back/off. IF any clear coat's observed coming off, stop.
This is exactly how to remove it without problems...at least it was for me
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Old Mar 3, 2013 | 10:55 PM
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I took the 3M clear bra off my '03 right after I bought it in order to get a small split in the front fascia repaired. The clear bra came off OK with no damage to the paint, but left a lot of adhesive behind that took me a while to get off. If you have a 3M clear bra installer in your local area, you might want to stop in there and ask for their suggestions as to how to keep from leaving the adhesive behind.

Also, if I recall correctly, I pulled the film up at about a 135* angle when removing it (pulled it towards me).

Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Mar 3, 2013 at 11:13 PM.
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Old Mar 3, 2013 | 11:36 PM
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Blowdryer makes it 10x's easier. Just take your time.
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Old Mar 6, 2013 | 08:53 AM
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I install film for a reason and using a hair dryer is the key to getting it off. The warmer it is the easier it comes off. I will add I do not install 3M for many reasons... one of them being the film leaves most of the adhesive behind on the paint. It is a pain to get off... but you need to do it ASAP before the film cracks. At that point you will not be able to get it off. This is a 3M issue... if you get another clear bra go with Xpel Ultimate or Suntek. Then removal is very easy.
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