Clear bra protection???
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 0
Clear bra protection???
Newby question with just purchased 2005 Coupe.
What is the general opinion on clear bras?
Who has the best deals?
My understanding is that general bras can scratch the finish and are noisy.
Thanks, Alex
New Jersey
ar15bang@yahoo.com
What is the general opinion on clear bras?
Who has the best deals?
My understanding is that general bras can scratch the finish and are noisy.
Thanks, Alex
New Jersey
ar15bang@yahoo.com
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,899
Likes: 4,352
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Originally Posted by jperaino
In my opinion, the 3M clear bra is the best. However, the installer is most important. I know a good installer in central Jersey who did my C6. You are talking around $600 for the job.
2 - especially the part about the installer.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,488
Likes: 0
From: warner robins georgia
Originally Posted by ar15bang
Newby question with just purchased 2005 Coupe.
What is the general opinion on clear bras?
Who has the best deals?
My understanding is that general bras can scratch the finish and are noisy.
Thanks, Alex
New Jersey
ar15bang@yahoo.com
What is the general opinion on clear bras?
Who has the best deals?
My understanding is that general bras can scratch the finish and are noisy.
Thanks, Alex
New Jersey
ar15bang@yahoo.com
get a GOOD installer. don't skimp on this part. I've heard of guys having razor cuts in their paint from guys who weren't paying attention while trimming edges.
They don't have as much frontal coverage i.e. you can still see a little unpainted surface from a direct view.
I swear by the stuff and will keep putting it on every new car I purchase.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,709
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '06
Some don't like the fact that you can see the edges...more on darker than lighter color cars. But IMO seeing an edge is much better than seeing rock chips (and eventually repairing them) or the hassle of putting it on and taking it off all the time.
As long as you buy a major brand such as 3-M or Avery Dennison (usually cut to X-Pel pattern)...the installer is DEFINITELY the most important factor.
As long as you buy a major brand such as 3-M or Avery Dennison (usually cut to X-Pel pattern)...the installer is DEFINITELY the most important factor.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,247
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From: Carlisle PA
Originally Posted by jperaino
In my opinion, the 3M clear bra is the best. However, the installer is most important.
Has already saved me. Misjudged a parking place...bottom portion of bumper hit curb...tore a small rip in the clear bra....zero damage to the paint or bumper! Would have been a pretty good scrape otherwise. 
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,580
Likes: 1
From: Greensburg PA
A great get
I have had them on my C5 and now on my C6. They don't harm the paint and are firmly glued to the surface and can be removed if desired. I hit a construction barricade wityh my passenger side mirror. The film tore but there wasn't a mark on my mirror. On my C5 a limestone rock hit my hood and tore the film. While there was a mark where the stone hit the damage was minimal. We do them at the dealership where I work and thwe quality of the film is constantly being improved.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,580
Likes: 1
From: Greensburg PA
A great get
I have had them on my C5 and now on my C6. They don't harm the paint and are firmly glued to the surface and can be removed if desired. I hit a construction barricade with my passenger side mirror. The film tore but there wasn't a mark on my mirror. On my C5 a limestone rock hit my hood and tore the film. While there was a mark where the stone hit the damage was minimal. We do them at the dealership where I work and the quality of the film is constantly being improved.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 48
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Palm Desert CA
I installed a clear bra on my c5. Its a great thing to do. No noise. Make sure the installer knows what they are doing. If the product is installed to close to the edge it will roll up some. My installer has to redo my bra because of that. Go with the 3m product and nothing else. another reason mine needs to be replaced is because they used another product and has to be replaced with 3m. 600 for the front, hood and rocker panels.
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Kirkland WA
I've thought about getting one of these, but I've never heard of any stories about people taking them off. How easy do they come off? Do I need to worry about any damage from them coming off? How about discoloration on the protected versus the non-protected sides?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,734
Likes: 15
From: SC
Originally Posted by Bane
I've thought about getting one of these, but I've never heard of any stories about people taking them off. How easy do they come off? Do I need to worry about any damage from them coming off? How about discoloration on the protected versus the non-protected sides?
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by jperaino
In my opinion, the 3M clear bra is the best. However, the installer is most important. I know a good installer in central Jersey who did my C6. You are talking around $600 for the job.