Removing Clear Bra
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 0
From: FL
I removed mine, just start at a corner and pull back. It's a tuff removal but it will come off. After it's removed use 3-M adhesive remover on any residue and your done. By the way the 3-M remover will not hurt your paint. I did mine on a warm CA day and parked it inside to finish with the adhesive remover.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
From: northern New Jersey
Why are you guys taking them off? I've thought about getting one of these, but are worried about how it would look with MR, what the long term affects are of the paint underneath, how well it would look after taking a few stones, etc.
If you took it off, why after paying hundreds to put it on.
Just curious.
If you took it off, why after paying hundreds to put it on.
Just curious.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 422
Likes: 1
From: Aurora Colorado
I've been getting quotes here in the Denver area and have found a range of from approx. $700 to $900 for the nose/hood area. For areas behind wheels and rockers, it's been an additional $200 or so. No removal of existing clear mask is required for my car, but for the quote you're getting, I'd think the removal would be free.
I got mine done in Denver from a guy with a great reputation for $400. including all you are having done in VA, in addition to the guy above in Denver. No extra costs for the wells, etc. He said to call and come back any time if it's not right or a problem. So far so good!
Last edited by Convair580; Mar 28, 2007 at 01:50 PM. Reason: Wrong state put in the 1st time
CF Senior Member Emeritus
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Anyone, have a clear bra removed? Is it hard? I am having a new one installed and they're charging 1500 for the bumper, part of hood, headlights, rocker panel and behind wheel wells. On top of this I have a clear bra on the bumper already but it wasn't the best install, I did it. They want to charge me 100 bucks to remove it. Is it hard to remove, can I do it myself, I'm tired of throwing money at this situation.
Usually, they come right off and the worst you can find is some adhesive residue that can be cleaned. It all depends on what type you started with. Clear Bras have improved over the years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Why are you guys taking them off? I've thought about getting one of these, but are worried about how it would look with MR, what the long term affects are of the paint underneath, how well it would look after taking a few stones, etc.
If you took it off, why after paying hundreds to put it on.
Just curious.
If you took it off, why after paying hundreds to put it on.
Just curious.
His insurance paid to replace the clear bra in addition to the repairs. Sad thing is he backed into my car literally about a week after I had the clear bra installed.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,573
Likes: 34
From: So. California
Thats a joke, keep looking-way too much...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 921
Likes: 146
From: Fairfax VA
OK, for those out there that are saying they got theirs for 500 or 800 installed are you sure you're getting 3M? Does the cost you're giving me include material? Those darn kits are expensive how are they doing all of it including installation for this price?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,586
Likes: 1,667
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
I don't see how clear bras would be regionally priced but it seems that way. $495 drive out for bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors, behind wheels.
He's the 3M distributor for Houston. Job is perfect. He doesn't use the pre-cut kits, though. That must be where big price differences come in. He uses a computer template that cuts it out on a big machine.
Another $175 to tint so $670 total. 7 year warranty.
He's the 3M distributor for Houston. Job is perfect. He doesn't use the pre-cut kits, though. That must be where big price differences come in. He uses a computer template that cuts it out on a big machine.
Another $175 to tint so $670 total. 7 year warranty.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 970
Likes: 3
From: brooklyn ny
Remove by warming with a regular hair dryer. If you are inexperienced with a heat gun you can damage the paint so stick to a dryer. Pick up a corner and pull parallel to the surface then pull up at about a 30 degree angle. Continue around until its all off. Some areas will come up easier then others, keep the film warm it softens the adhesive. Any adhesive left behind can be removed with 70% Isopropyl alcohol, Do not use ethyl is must be isopropyl. ( normal drug store item for a buck)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 875
Likes: 75
From: California
Why are you guys taking them off? I've thought about getting one of these, but are worried about how it would look with MR, what the long term affects are of the paint underneath, how well it would look after taking a few stones, etc.
If you took it off, why after paying hundreds to put it on.
Just curious.
If you took it off, why after paying hundreds to put it on.
Just curious.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,300
Likes: 6
From: San Antonio Texas
I've been getting quotes here in the Denver area and have found a range of from approx. $700 to $900 for the nose/hood area. For areas behind wheels and rockers, it's been an additional $200 or so. No removal of existing clear mask is required for my car, but for the quote you're getting, I'd think the removal would be free.
Ed
Last edited by z06Bigbird; Mar 28, 2007 at 08:50 PM. Reason: incomplete
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 781
Likes: 4
From: Reno Nevada
Many of my friends have paid $800 for the entire front end, mirrors, behind all 4 wheels and around the door handles.
$1500 seems high.
Hell $800 seems high considering two guys have had minor damage in JUST THE CLEAR, cost them more to get the clear section replaced than it would have to have the paint repaired.
$1500 seems high.
Hell $800 seems high considering two guys have had minor damage in JUST THE CLEAR, cost them more to get the clear section replaced than it would have to have the paint repaired.
Last edited by Arthur6; Mar 28, 2007 at 09:04 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
You sound like you are in a bit of a rush. Taking the Vinyl off will not be difficult but in order to do it right. I own a small Vinyl decal company and with that being said there are some steps you may want to take:
Depending on how long the bra has been on the car there may be a wax or soap build up around the edges.
Use lots of heat a heat gun works best on a medium setting (or a hair dryer on high) be patient. There may be adhesive left behind and this can be removed with rubbing alchohol, Rapid Remover, Oops, etc...
You will have to wax and polish your car.
You may want to claybar the entire car and do all of the normal waxing and polishing while the bra is off. This will ensure even waxing.
I def. think you are being ripped off. In all honesty the vinyl they use is costing them no more than $100 for your entire car. To charge someone $1400 for a two hour job is a joke. In all honesty find another vendor I am sure you can find something cheaper. Often times there are vendors at car shows or at corvette events.
I know two or three years ago there was a guy at Big Bear Bash (Corvette West's annual event) doing it for like $400 on C5. I can;t see the price going up that much more the labor would be about the same.
Depending on how long the bra has been on the car there may be a wax or soap build up around the edges.
Use lots of heat a heat gun works best on a medium setting (or a hair dryer on high) be patient. There may be adhesive left behind and this can be removed with rubbing alchohol, Rapid Remover, Oops, etc...
You will have to wax and polish your car.
You may want to claybar the entire car and do all of the normal waxing and polishing while the bra is off. This will ensure even waxing.
I def. think you are being ripped off. In all honesty the vinyl they use is costing them no more than $100 for your entire car. To charge someone $1400 for a two hour job is a joke. In all honesty find another vendor I am sure you can find something cheaper. Often times there are vendors at car shows or at corvette events.
I know two or three years ago there was a guy at Big Bear Bash (Corvette West's annual event) doing it for like $400 on C5. I can;t see the price going up that much more the labor would be about the same.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 921
Likes: 146
From: Fairfax VA
You sound like you are in a bit of a rush. Taking the Vinyl off will not be difficult but in order to do it right. I own a small Vinyl decal company and with that being said there are some steps you may want to take:
Depending on how long the bra has been on the car there may be a wax or soap build up around the edges.
Use lots of heat a heat gun works best on a medium setting (or a hair dryer on high) be patient. There may be adhesive left behind and this can be removed with rubbing alchohol, Rapid Remover, Oops, etc...
You will have to wax and polish your car.
You may want to claybar the entire car and do all of the normal waxing and polishing while the bra is off. This will ensure even waxing.
I def. think you are being ripped off. In all honesty the vinyl they use is costing them no more than $100 for your entire car. To charge someone $1400 for a two hour job is a joke. In all honesty find another vendor I am sure you can find something cheaper. Often times there are vendors at car shows or at corvette events.
I know two or three years ago there was a guy at Big Bear Bash (Corvette West's annual event) doing it for like $400 on C5. I can;t see the price going up that much more the labor would be about the same.
Depending on how long the bra has been on the car there may be a wax or soap build up around the edges.
Use lots of heat a heat gun works best on a medium setting (or a hair dryer on high) be patient. There may be adhesive left behind and this can be removed with rubbing alchohol, Rapid Remover, Oops, etc...
You will have to wax and polish your car.
You may want to claybar the entire car and do all of the normal waxing and polishing while the bra is off. This will ensure even waxing.
I def. think you are being ripped off. In all honesty the vinyl they use is costing them no more than $100 for your entire car. To charge someone $1400 for a two hour job is a joke. In all honesty find another vendor I am sure you can find something cheaper. Often times there are vendors at car shows or at corvette events.
I know two or three years ago there was a guy at Big Bear Bash (Corvette West's annual event) doing it for like $400 on C5. I can;t see the price going up that much more the labor would be about the same.
OK, quick question about what you said. You said to wax it again, but if I'm getting another bra put on why would I wax it. I spent a lot of time stripping the wax off the front the first time. THe Bra has only been on for about a year if not less.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
There will be a build up line where the current clear bra ends. Waxing the entire car again will ensure an even surface. Who told you to remove the wax the last time? I don't think I would want adhesive sitting directly on my clear coat. I may be wrong but I think you want wax on the car prior to applying the vinyl. That is just my opinion.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Vienna VA
Live in same area as you - in process of getting full hood and all areas you are for about $200 less and using 3M materials/company is in Sterling - not going thru the dealer because seems like they have a $200 to $500 mark up and use outside suppliers anyway
