I would like to know whatever somebody else out there in Corvette-cyberland knows about bras for C5's?? Which ones work best and why? :
I understand that they can do as much damage as they are trying to prevent by buffing the heck out of your front end paint?
Are the color matched ones from SpeedLingerie worth the $560? Does anyone else besides them make a mask with a mesh screen in the air flow openings in the bumper?
Do the ones with plastic windows over the bumper's air flow openings cause overheating? or any other problems?
What does anyone know about the life span of the lycra-spandex ones from C5 Designs? Will they get stretched out of shape and go baggy after a short period? They don't seem thick enough to actually do a lot of good? ...keeping bug splatter off the paint yes... prevent rock chips???
What about that 3M clear stuff? How much does it show? & does it protect without getting chewed up itself if it took a rock?

What's the verdict of my fellow Vetters on trying to keep the car's paint in as good of condition as possible while doing long trips???

Thanks,
Sting Ray Phan

 

I use the GM bra on both of mine..

Easy on and off and no marks!!!!

And price is around 80 bucks!!!

 

Thx

 

The GM bra is priced right and fits well. Nothing wrong with it at all.

But, Speed Lingerie fits extremely well and does an excellent job of protecting the car and not disrupting the looks.




Air gets to the radiator under the car so the plastic covers don't affect that. Some induction systems however have air going to the air filter through the front ducts that should be considered.

I also have the "spandex" type bra. I don't believe it will protect from rock chips but it is quick to install and will keep most bugs off your nose. None of my bras sag (I know that doesn't sound right) because they fit under the hood and that holds them up.

Hope this helps.

 

GM...on my 2nd one...quick and easy install you can throw it in the washing machine on gentle for top loaders and regular front loaders...I also have the C5 solutions bra which I can use with the addition of 1 snap...both work well although the GM bra is more heavy duty

 

Speed Lingerie IS worth the $. I use it on my Torch 24/7/365. The only concerns I would share are fading issues if the car is out in the Sun much of the time and bright Sun with the bra wet. Mine is not in the Sun except when I drive so fading is not a short term problem but I guess it will catch up with me later. If the bra gets soaked and you leave it parked in the hot sun there is a danger of clouding the paint. I am told this can be reversed by leaving the car in the sun without the bra but I can't attest to that. The only time I remove the bra for wetness reasons is if it will be parked in the sun. If I am driving - I don't bother - it dries as you drive. I also don't bother if it is going right in the garage/shade. Mine has been on since 2001 and the paint is flawless. I do clean the bra frequently and keep the paint waxed really well. One last note - the SL customer service is GREAT. I sent mine in for repair and when I reinstalled it ripped as they tightened it too much. Free replacement was sent and they verified it was their error that caused the rip. Very fair treatment in my book. Get it if you can - you won't be sorry!

 

I voted with my wallet on the GM bra

 

I sold my Speedlingerie and bought X-Pel (3M).

 

SpeedLingerie, is a first class shop. These guys back their stuff with out any crap. I have a mag red bra and mirror covers, they fit perfect almost to perfect. I say that because it has to be warm to install. I also had them make a new shifter boot, its awesome.

 

I've got the SL and I think they are great. I just use it on trips.

But this looks pretty interesting for full time.
http://www.stongard.com/shop.asp

 

I have the (I think the name is) Colgan carbon fiber look bra. I bought it because it covers up the hood to past the headlight doors unlike other bras. I mean, why would you use a bra that doesn't protect the headlight doors and the front part of the hood? If Speed L made a bra that covered further up I would have bought it, but they and others seem to think that the chips stop on the edge of the bumper cover. (Actually the reason they stop at the edge of the bumper cover is because of the complexity/cost to make a bra that has provisions for being able to open headlight doors and keep the cover tight across the hood.)

Funny thing though -- I have had this bra for almost four years and have never used it! I only bought it to use for a long trip we had planned but never went on. I don't like the looks of bras, and since my Corvette is not a daily driver, I get very few chips anyway.

I will probably put it on for the short trip to the museum on Labor Day. If anyone has this type bra I would like to know how it is working out for you -- any problems?

 

GM Bra, can't go wrong at a great price!

 

 

The only bra worth having check it out www.c5creations

 

This is why I keep saying the 3M is the way to go. The Speedlingerie was first class, but from a small distance it looked like my car had been hit and poorly repaired. Now I have invisable protection that goes up about 3" higher than the tops of the headlight doors. I also have it on the rockers and painted parts of the inner wheel wells. 1000s of miles and no nicks.