Going Bra-less
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 44
From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
Sounds to me like someone isn't very bright.
The ugly clear bra will stop bugs all day long, but any road debris larger than a pebble can easily puncture the tape. Not only is the paint damaged, but the clear bra will need to be replaced.....what a great investment. A vinyl bra will easily stop what the clear bra cannot....and it can be removed at any time and the car will look original, something that NEVER be done with a clear bra, which looks crappier the longer it's on the car.
8-track? What's an 8-track, Grandpa?
The ugly clear bra will stop bugs all day long, but any road debris larger than a pebble can easily puncture the tape. Not only is the paint damaged, but the clear bra will need to be replaced.....what a great investment. A vinyl bra will easily stop what the clear bra cannot....and it can be removed at any time and the car will look original, something that NEVER be done with a clear bra, which looks crappier the longer it's on the car.
8-track? What's an 8-track, Grandpa?
You must not have actually tested the clear bra material. I just traded my '02 black vert for a 2008 JSB. I have chips on the black paint that I just hated and lots or orage peel behind the tires.
I am having the clear bra added week after next by a local certified body shop. They give me a lifetime warranty and - no just anything will not pierce this stuff. I was handed a brochure that had a small square of the material. It is very thin and the installed asked me to push my car key through it while he held it. I couldn't push the key through it.
It may not be for everyone but it is for me and it sure will provide protection.
Add: BTW, it is going to cost $900. However I will have it on the bumper, hood, both mirrors, behind the rear wheels, on the entire kick panel and behind the front wheels and inside the door release area. A front bra cannot protect your mirrors or behind your wheels. But to each his own. I simply could not stand the rock chips on my '02.
Last edited by bonnell; Aug 8, 2008 at 04:35 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 968
Likes: 0
From: Poway CA
In order to make NV happy, I have decided to remove the clear bra from my car. Instead I will employ both solutions.
I will cover the front bumper, hood and mirrors with several layers of black electrical tape. This will provide the protection of the clear bra (almost) with that rockin' late-70s style offered by the black vinyl bra. While not quite as easily removed as the vinyl bra, it offers the benefit of letting my kids play with the huge ball of tape that will be created when I change it...
I will cover the front bumper, hood and mirrors with several layers of black electrical tape. This will provide the protection of the clear bra (almost) with that rockin' late-70s style offered by the black vinyl bra. While not quite as easily removed as the vinyl bra, it offers the benefit of letting my kids play with the huge ball of tape that will be created when I change it...
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Montague NJ
I just purchased a 08 crystal red coupe for my wife and the dealer gave me a quote of $1695 for a full coverage 3M clear bra. This seems about $700 too high to me or am I wrong? Also what is the consenses of the best clear product? I feel that the technology is advanced enough that when the full treatment is used with a proper install and high quality product the end result is acceptable. Any info is appreciated. BTW I drive my 67 abusively fast and the amount of damage to the front from bug hits at >140 is unbelievable let alone hits from rocks and gravel. I wish I had some protection from when I got the car but no such luck, however, it does have gravel patina (hah). Thank you for the info.
Regards,
Gerry
Regards,
Gerry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 44
From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
I just purchased a 08 crystal red coupe for my wife and the dealer gave me a quote of $1695 for a full coverage 3M clear bra. This seems about $700 too high to me or am I wrong? Also what is the consenses of the best clear product? I feel that the technology is advanced enough that when the full treatment is used with a proper install and high quality product the end result is acceptable. Any info is appreciated. BTW I drive my 67 abusively fast and the amount of damage to the front from bug hits at >140 is unbelievable let alone hits from rocks and gravel. I wish I had some protection from when I got the car but no such luck, however, it does have gravel patina (hah). Thank you for the info.
Regards,
Gerry
Regards,
Gerry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 3
From: DFW Texas
"no it all?" Did you mean know it all?
Priceless.
I appreciate the fact that you thought enough of me to check my other posts....hence the Tony Curtis reference. I'm very flattered.
BTW, you called me out on nothing. You said you called Gaudin, but you never answered me about who you spoke to. Just try to trade a car with a clear bra there....you won't like what they say. Even if they just use it as an excuse to devalue your trade in, it's another reason to avoid the tape job.
So what first hand knowledge do I need? Do I actually need to purchase this crap to qualify? Do I have to learn all about the different materials and be an installer? Sorry, my two eyes that have seen literally dozens of these installs (some good, some horrible, and all obvious and unsightly) are the only first hand knowledge that I need to make an observation. I don't need to swim with a shark to know it will probably kill me if I do.
Sorry if my opinion conflicts with how you earn a living, but I'm sure you have plenty of customers who just love screwing up their car, so don't worry so much about it. It's just an opinion, so chill.
Priceless.I appreciate the fact that you thought enough of me to check my other posts....hence the Tony Curtis reference. I'm very flattered.
BTW, you called me out on nothing. You said you called Gaudin, but you never answered me about who you spoke to. Just try to trade a car with a clear bra there....you won't like what they say. Even if they just use it as an excuse to devalue your trade in, it's another reason to avoid the tape job.
So what first hand knowledge do I need? Do I actually need to purchase this crap to qualify? Do I have to learn all about the different materials and be an installer? Sorry, my two eyes that have seen literally dozens of these installs (some good, some horrible, and all obvious and unsightly) are the only first hand knowledge that I need to make an observation. I don't need to swim with a shark to know it will probably kill me if I do.
Sorry if my opinion conflicts with how you earn a living, but I'm sure you have plenty of customers who just love screwing up their car, so don't worry so much about it. It's just an opinion, so chill.
