Removing Clear Bra
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 921
Likes: 146
From: Fairfax VA
Removing Clear Bra
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.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 2
From: Meridian, ID
I'm sure someone that has removed one will chime in here but they are charging you a fortune for the new stuff. Another $100 on top of that to remove the old one just seems unreasonable. I just had done what you describe except no headlights (on their recommendation) and no hood work and it was $600. You could drive to Columbus and have it done and even after the gas, lodging and meals still save money. I'm sure you've checked around. Good luck.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,888
Likes: 4,342
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Some of these kits are quite expensive. Check out XPEL's site:
http://www.xpel.com/products/configu...&submodel=2580
http://www.xpel.com/products/configu...&submodel=2580
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,288
Likes: 6
From: St. Clairsville OH
I watched my installer remove part of mine that I wasn't happy with and had them redo, and it was quite easy to remove. They just got a corner of it loose and then very slowly pulled it off.
By the way, I agree with the post that they are way overcharging you. The C6 is a tough install, but I paid about 1/2 what you are paying.
By the way, I agree with the post that they are way overcharging you. The C6 is a tough install, but I paid about 1/2 what you are paying.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 5
From: Littleton CO
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,142
Likes: 0
From: Time is a great teacher. Unfortunately, it kills all its pupils.
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
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.
If they were doing your entire hood and fenders I could understand the $1,500 charge. Otherwise, I suggest you get some other quotes as that's way high.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 875
Likes: 75
From: California
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.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach California
I just had mine removed last weekend, it had been on for about 15 months, total time was around 7-8 hours to remove. The clear vinyl came off in a couple of hours, but the glue was a real bitch to remove.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach California
I just had mine removed last weekend, it had been on for about 15 months, total time was around 7-8 hours to remove. The clear vinyl came off in a couple of hours, but the glue was a real bitch to remove.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 4
From: Kennesaw GA
I've installed clear-bra on 3 vehicles and removed it from one. I used a heat gun and much patience. As mentioned ealier some 3M adhesive remover cleans it right up. Then wash, polish, wax. If you can do it in direct sunlight it makes it that much easier.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 92
From: Florida
2025 Restomod of the Year Finalist
Took the words right out of my mouth... I have been thinking about doing this, because I really dislike how regular bras look. However, I'm concerned what the 3M stuff looks like after a year in the hot sun/climate here in Florida.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I've had 3M on 2 cars from 2 different installers. Excellent product. I have no idea why someone would remove it. Both were lighter colored cars.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 921
Likes: 146
From: Fairfax VA
Hey guys, thanks for all the responses. I'm not sure if I'm stuck since I had already paid as I think they have to order the kit up front. I'm going to call and see if I can cancel and if I can then I'll do it and have someone else do it. I figured the dealer would be able to do the best job even though they have someone else do it simply because he's done the most vettes. Worst case I'm hoping they'll do the removal for free.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
I removed mine last summer. Here's a brief write up:
1) Wear gloves. I started it w/o gloves and the adhesive pulled the skin off my knuckles. THIS HURTS!
2) Park the car out in the sun for awhile and let it get nice and hot. The heat makes it easier to pull it off.
3) Removal: Start at a corner. Once you get a corner started it's pretty easy. Just remember to pull the bra towards you. Don't peel it back so it folds over itself, but pull it away from the car.
4) You may have some adhesive left on the car, for that go to an autoparts store and get some 3M Adhesive and Grime remover (name of the product may not be exact, but it's along those lines, it's made by 3M). You should probably leave the car in the garage for awhile and let it cool before using this product, as it isn't supposed to be applied to a hot surface.
Hope this helps.
1) Wear gloves. I started it w/o gloves and the adhesive pulled the skin off my knuckles. THIS HURTS!
2) Park the car out in the sun for awhile and let it get nice and hot. The heat makes it easier to pull it off.
3) Removal: Start at a corner. Once you get a corner started it's pretty easy. Just remember to pull the bra towards you. Don't peel it back so it folds over itself, but pull it away from the car.
4) You may have some adhesive left on the car, for that go to an autoparts store and get some 3M Adhesive and Grime remover (name of the product may not be exact, but it's along those lines, it's made by 3M). You should probably leave the car in the garage for awhile and let it cool before using this product, as it isn't supposed to be applied to a hot surface.
Hope this helps.