RPI nylon strech bra - install/review
06-19-2014, 05:38 PM
#1
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RPI nylon strech bra - install/review
Sold here by RPI and other vendors, I received it today. I wanted it as I make a few trips a year out of town, don't want XPEL and don't like how the GM one mounts. So here's the good and bad:
the good:
I think it looks great. It mounts simply by replacing front wheel inner fender torx bolts and snapping it on. Stretch it across and pull it down over the front. Literally it has enuf stretch that it looks like it does not need bolt snaps underneath but comes with two that will do the job in place of the stock 7MM's there. Plenty of stretch even over the splitter. Then open the hood and loop it on the edges of the frame and you're done. All of a 20 min install and about a 60 sec on and off and off.
The bad: pretty minor, as suspected a curb alert will not work thru it, and the two snap bolts they supply for underneath are not long enuf to go thru the splitter and undercladding. Also the loops that go on the frame are rubbing under stress against a raw sheet metal edge so long term it could tear there, a little duct tape or some other cladding on the edge should keep it from abrading.
enjoy - I'm keeping it..Please no questions on if a rock will get thru, will it scratch the front or others as I don't know....
the good:
I think it looks great. It mounts simply by replacing front wheel inner fender torx bolts and snapping it on. Stretch it across and pull it down over the front. Literally it has enuf stretch that it looks like it does not need bolt snaps underneath but comes with two that will do the job in place of the stock 7MM's there. Plenty of stretch even over the splitter. Then open the hood and loop it on the edges of the frame and you're done. All of a 20 min install and about a 60 sec on and off and off.
The bad: pretty minor, as suspected a curb alert will not work thru it, and the two snap bolts they supply for underneath are not long enuf to go thru the splitter and undercladding. Also the loops that go on the frame are rubbing under stress against a raw sheet metal edge so long term it could tear there, a little duct tape or some other cladding on the edge should keep it from abrading.
enjoy - I'm keeping it..Please no questions on if a rock will get thru, will it scratch the front or others as I don't know....
Last edited by Glen e; 06-19-2014 at 05:46 PM.
06-19-2014, 07:00 PM
#2
Drifting
Wait till some dust/dirt gets underneath and the bra grinds it into the paint. You will wish you purchased a clear bra.............just speaking from experience!
06-19-2014, 07:05 PM
#3
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Not my experience at all if you take some precautions:
Take off if you encounter massive rain or extreme weather
Only use for long trips, a great alternative to mashing bugs into paint films.
Wax/seal before using
Owned several over the years with no problems whatsoever.
Take off if you encounter massive rain or extreme weather
Only use for long trips, a great alternative to mashing bugs into paint films.
Wax/seal before using
Owned several over the years with no problems whatsoever.
06-19-2014, 07:37 PM
#6
Safety Car
Just got mine today. And all went well till I have to remove those plastic pieces under the hood. Worry they will lose elasticity after time and fall out. Maybr I won't use that often. 
Pic #9 in instructions does not look like a C7 to me
Pic #9 in instructions does not look like a C7 to me
06-19-2014, 07:40 PM
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They really can't go anywhere with hood closed, I'm going to cut them so loop frame tab is exposed...also, a simple 1" piece of 3m VHB will hold them there when not using bra....
06-19-2014, 07:56 PM
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based on the fact that no one reads, someone will ask. LOL...I HaVe a 200 mile run soon, will report back...love that you can wash it....
Last edited by Glen e; 06-19-2014 at 07:59 PM.
06-20-2014, 06:35 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
I can’t figure out # 8 and 9, what do the mean “expose the corner edge of the body frame. Held in place by friction clips", where is that?What friction clips? I found no place to attach the top of the bra, very frustrating.
06-20-2014, 06:42 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
I can’t figure out # 8 and 9, what do the mean “expose the corner edge of the body frame. Held in place by friction clips", where is that?What friction clips? I found no place to attach the top of the bra, very frustrating.
06-20-2014, 06:43 PM
#12
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Take off the plastic piece and up in the corner between the front bumper And the fender is a long tab that the loop fits over perfectly left the right keep looking at it you'll get it
06-20-2014, 07:33 PM
#13
Melting Slicks
???, what plastic piece, I didn’t see any long tab either no matter how long I looked at it.
06-20-2014, 11:25 PM
#15
Team Owner
What is it like off the car?
Does it shrink up into a little ball of material, i.e. very stretchy or does it retain its shape.
I'm thinking of getting one before we goto Bloomington next weekend and wondering how easy/hard it is to wash off in a hotel room or a spray wash.
If it retains its shape not hard, if it does not then its going to be a PITA.
Does it shrink up into a little ball of material, i.e. very stretchy or does it retain its shape.
I'm thinking of getting one before we goto Bloomington next weekend and wondering how easy/hard it is to wash off in a hotel room or a spray wash.
If it retains its shape not hard, if it does not then its going to be a PITA.
06-21-2014, 01:01 AM
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Thanks for the review. I'm getting one for longer trips.
06-21-2014, 01:07 AM
#19
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2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year (track prepared)
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C7 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
2015 C7 of the Year
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19