What is involved with the initial installation of a front bra? Do you have to mount some hardware? Any recommendation as to what bra is best for a Z06?

Thanks

 

I can only speak to the install of a GM bra, which is what I have. You need to install some snap screws in place of some factory screws in each wheel well and under the front bumper. The instructions are terrible and the initial install takes about an hour. After that the bra goes on in about 2 minutes and off in about 1 minute. The GM bra is about the best bang for the buck. I guess it depends on what you are looking for. There are plenty of front end covers to choose from from spandex like material that are stretch fit and require no hardware to very expensive color keyed leather. The GM bra is basic black with an additional piece for the front of the hood (slips on and uses elastic straps to hook over the hood liner retainers). You can purchase the GM bra from any dealer, and many of the catalog houses but I recommend here:

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...rtspage3.shtml

It's the last item on page 3.

Talon

 

I'm on my second bra. I was not happy with the first one so I returned it. It used velcro to hold in place the front center area. Bottom line, it wouldn't support the weight. Sorry it was a couple of years ago, don't remember the brand, about $130.
This past season, I went to my local GM dealer and ordered the GM bra, very simple install, about $90. Regarding a Z06, there is no difference that I can think of. However, if you have a Vararam intake as I have, you will have to take a razor blade and cut the clear plastic that covers the black scoop area that contains the fog lamps, or in your case the screens. I cut only the opening for the intake/screen area, and left the turn signal area with the clear plastic intact for support. I cut a vertical straight edge where the vertical bar is between the lamp and scoop area. To add support to the clear plastic edge, I used the thin black plastic borders that they sell in Office Max for book report covers. Simply cut to size and slip it on to the edge. Works great even after a trip to Carlisle. Very happy with the bra.
One last thing, it comes with a narrow clear plastic window to reveal the Corvette logo on the number plate cover. If you have a front plate as I do, it hides the top and bottom. I don't know if you can order with a full plate window.
Bob

 

I agree with the above. I have been running a GM bra on mine for almost four years now and it works very well. No flapping at speed, easy on and easy off and provides good protection.

The initial install of the snap screws is a bit of a pain, but once on, you really don't have to do anything else. Instead of the snaps that come with the GM bra, many go and buy some marine snaps that just screw into the existing screw holes. Makes it much easier.

 

I use the GM bra also, works very well

 

I purchased a speed lingerie bra because it is color matched to the car color,but they are not cheap $549 wich includes the discount they gave be because i am on the forum.With this bra their are brackets you put on the the wheel wells,all you do is loosen the screws that are their slip the brackets in tighten the screws back up then hook you bra on and it has to be done in warm weather so the car is warm and the bra has been layed out to get warm and then you need someone to help you stretch the bra across the front of the car which takes awhile since the bra is new.It is a good looking bra.

 

the gm z06 bra is great (it's got cutouts for the front vents). some have used regular gm bra (for use on non-z06, which has no cutout for air intake, and instead has clear vinyl) with equal success, leaving the vinyl intact or cutting it out.

i've had both (on separate c5's, however), and both are a bitch to get the car initially set up (i.e., installing the snap screw hardware). on my first c5 (a '99), it took me about an hour because i was being overly careful, and then i had the fun of dropping one of the fascia clips into the front fascia itself. eventually got it out, but at the expense of a lot of scraped knuckles, some new tools to get at it, and fun 4 letter words... the second c5 (z06), harware install only took me about 15-20 minutes, with no loss of scraped skin or hardware...

once the hardware is in, it takes all of 1 minute to install or remove the bra itself. and, i think it looks good and more importantly does the job. that bra has saved both cars numerous times with all the crap that's on the roads out here. i got my z06 bra from forum vendor ken fichtner for around $70 or so + shipping. spending $500-something for speed lingerie is nuts, but to each their own.

p.s. the gm z06 bra has a ton of these stupid little felt tabs that are supposed to slide between the fog lams and the air vents. i cut 'em out, as they were a pain in the ****. it holds on just fine without 'em, speed-tested at healthy triple digits...

 

FRONT BUMPER MASK - [FBM100]... $129
Our unique cloth Front Bumper Mask is tailored for an exact fit and is available in colors to match or accent your car color. The mask is convenient to use, store and clean and comes with pocket-size storage bag. Made of polyester knit to get that great fit, our mask is unique and a must for protecting your car's finish from bugs and road grime and will not damage the paint. Matching Mirror Covers also available. (Priced at $48/pair). C5 Creations
_____________________________

I just ordered the above in mag red along with matching mirror covers.

 

Get a GM bra from Kenfichtner@fichtnerchevrolet.com. He is a forum vendor and will give you a great price. Replace the snaps that go inside of the front fender well with marine stainless snaps. I believe that they are #8 x 5/8". They will screw in without the problems of the inserts that come with the bra. The stainless snaps are available at any marine or boat store. The GM bra is a heavy vinyl with a soft cotton backing and will protect your car from small stones. Some of the lighter stretch material is only good at stopping bugs.

 

I installed a GM bra this weekend and am very happy with the way it fits. The only issue I had was with the fender well snaps that are to be installed.

After the first wheel well was done I concluded that the rubber based snaps were not going to hold the wheel well liner as tight as the original hardware. What I wound up doing was reinstalling the original mounting screws and clips, then drilling a new hole about 1/2" below the two screws that were going to be replaced by snaps. It was easy to take a pair of needle nose pliers and move the retaining clips down to the new holes. Once the original screws were move to their new location and re-tightened it was simple to push the rubber based snap screws into the old locations.

When done everything was nice and tight with no gaps between the fender and the fender well liner.

Good luck

 

If the C5reations Front Bumper Mask [FBM100] is good enough to stop the road grime & king size bugs here in Texas, then I'll be

I like the idea of being able to throw the FBM100 in the washing machine, plus the matching color is nice, too, all for $129.00. IMHO, $48.00/pr for matching mirror covers ain't bad, either.

I hope you were'nt aiming a flame thrower at me... anyway, to each his own.

 

Thanks guys (and Charlene) for all the responses...very much appreciated!

 

No flame intended Cary. I have seen the stretch bras after a rock hit and it went through to the paint. They are easy to maintain and if road grime and bugs are what you are attempting to avoid, then you have what you need.

 

If you want a quality bra, purchase a Speed Lingerie bra. They are guaranted to fit tight at 150 MPH and it will match your car color. When you purchase it, I suggest to include the hood bra and mirror bras also. Remember, the cost of a cheep bra can (and most likely) will cause more money to correct the paint damage!

I have a Speed Lingerie bumper, hood, and mirror bras on my whith C5 and people do not even notice the bras until they get within five feet from them!

 

Sorry, can't help ya. I am only experienced on taking them off.

 

Hmmm, I wonder if should get the GM Bra, too, and use both. This would still be less expensive than the $550.00 Speed Lingerie Bra.