Front bra
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I've run the GM bra on my C5s for nearly 14 years and never had a problem with them damaging the paint. They do a good job protecting the car for a really good price.
However, lots of C7 owners have chosen to go with Xpel clear film to protect the car. It works very well, but is much more expensive.
However, lots of C7 owners have chosen to go with Xpel clear film to protect the car. It works very well, but is much more expensive.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,216
Likes: 4,345
From: Chirper Island
The bras may or may not damage paint (those anecdotal reports vary), but they don't look good on the car, IMO.
I'd rather deal with the small imperfections on the nose over time than be ashamed of the visible bra all the time.
YMMV.
I'd rather deal with the small imperfections on the nose over time than be ashamed of the visible bra all the time.
YMMV.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I would never put one on my car just to prevent minor dings that you will probably end up getting anyway.. You can get them even at slow speed in town. Dirt and moisture are going to get under them no matter how tight they fit and they are never going to be perfectly clean.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,258
Likes: 8,526
From: Rochester, NY
They can allow damage to occur. If grit, small stones, dirt, etc. manage to get between the bra and the surface of your paint you will have an issue. Or if the bra loosens up a bit it can rub against the paint and you have the potential for damage.
I would not say bras cause the damage but they certainly can contribute to any damage.
Plus they look ugly, you could always waste your money and get the clear bra. Then you can worry about damage to it, discoloring, the edge lines showing, etc.
I would not say bras cause the damage but they certainly can contribute to any damage.
Plus they look ugly, you could always waste your money and get the clear bra. Then you can worry about damage to it, discoloring, the edge lines showing, etc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 84
From: Lilliwaup Washington
I've run the GM bra on my C5s for nearly 14 years and never had a problem with them damaging the paint. They do a good job protecting the car for a really good price.
However, lots of C7 owners have chosen to go with Xpel clear film to protect the car. It works very well, but is much more expensive.
However, lots of C7 owners have chosen to go with Xpel clear film to protect the car. It works very well, but is much more expensive.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I've got a Novistretch. Use it for trips, highway travel. Around town I don't use it. Just takes a couple of minutes to get on or off.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,216
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From: Chirper Island
And I have a helluva lot of both kinds of miles.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: san jose calif
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Southwest Florida
They can allow damage to occur. If grit, small stones, dirt, etc. manage to get between the bra and the surface of your paint you will have an issue. Or if the bra loosens up a bit it can rub against the paint and you have the potential for damage.
I would not say bras cause the damage but they certainly can contribute to any damage.
Plus they look ugly, you could always waste your money and get the clear bra. Then you can worry about damage to it, discoloring, the edge lines showing, etc.
I would not say bras cause the damage but they certainly can contribute to any damage.
Plus they look ugly, you could always waste your money and get the clear bra. Then you can worry about damage to it, discoloring, the edge lines showing, etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 8,243
Likes: 4,613
From: Southwest Florida
I plan to get one and put it on during long road trips in the spring and summer when the bugs are out to keep them out of the radiator. Since the entire front end is covered in clear bra it will be a good addition.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 30,055
Likes: 351
From: Big Red Ne
I would never put one on my car just to prevent minor dings that you will probably end up getting anyway.. You can get them even at slow speed in town. Dirt and moisture are going to get under them no matter how tight they fit and they are never going to be perfectly clean.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,829
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From: Las Vegas Nevada
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Southwest Florida
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
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From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I've never understood this. A mile is a mile, as far as front end exposure is concerned, generally speaking. What's so dangerous about a road-trip or the highway? I've never noticed any more dings on the front after a road trip than I would get after the same amount of miles from everyday use.
And I have a helluva lot of both kinds of miles.
And I have a helluva lot of both kinds of miles.
On the highway with the higher speeds, rocks and debris are my concern. Had an SUV throw up a peice of shredded tire that caught the lower part of my front bumper. The steel belts in the chunk cut through the paint. A quick trip to the auto body shop fixed the damage. So I got the bra to help protect against another incident. It may not protect it completely but it will lessen the damage.