C5 "Bra"
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
C5 "Bra"
Well I was thinking about getting a "Bra" for my vert but on second thought I decided not to for the reason that as you drive the "bra" might wear on the paint. This is kind of a conundrum, rock chips and bugs also wear on the paint. Was just looking for opinions from those that have or have not had a "bra", which is worse or if the "bra" does or does not wear on the paint? Don't want to trade one problem for another! Thanks in Advance!!
#2
Team Owner
I have a GM factory bra for my '02 but I really don't use it a lot; just for trips. I also have a NoviStrech bra and it gets more use than the GM one.
The GM bra certainly works well as the material is thick and has a liner inside. The problem with the liner material is that it can hold moisture and that could cause paint issues if the bra isn't removed frequently and allowed to dry. It could also cause some mildew to form.
The NoviStretch bra is lightweight and the material is more like a screen so any moisture trapped can run off and air flowing over it while driving will aid in drying the material.
Both bras use snaps that replace screws that hold the front fender liners in place. Turns out that both bras use the same snap locations so they are "interchangeable".
You may want to look at ClearBra or similar products. It's a clear plastic material that is glued to the nose of the car. It will protect against small rocks, dirt, and other debris.
The GM bra certainly works well as the material is thick and has a liner inside. The problem with the liner material is that it can hold moisture and that could cause paint issues if the bra isn't removed frequently and allowed to dry. It could also cause some mildew to form.
The NoviStretch bra is lightweight and the material is more like a screen so any moisture trapped can run off and air flowing over it while driving will aid in drying the material.
Both bras use snaps that replace screws that hold the front fender liners in place. Turns out that both bras use the same snap locations so they are "interchangeable".
You may want to look at ClearBra or similar products. It's a clear plastic material that is glued to the nose of the car. It will protect against small rocks, dirt, and other debris.
#3
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Nov 2014
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Well I was thinking about getting a "Bra" for my vert but on second thought I decided not to for the reason that as you drive the "bra" might wear on the paint. This is kind of a conundrum, rock chips and bugs also wear on the paint. Was just looking for opinions from those that have or have not had a "bra", which is worse or if the "bra" does or does not wear on the paint? Don't want to trade one problem for another! Thanks in Advance!!
#5
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I have run a GM bra on all three of my C5s (covering more than 15 years) and have never experienced any paint damage. It is an easy on/easy off product and really does protect the front end of the car, all at a very reasonable cost. I will say that I do not keep it on should I get caught in the rain.
#6
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Look into Expel Ultra clear wraps. They are virtually invisible and provide great protection. If you are doing only the nose, it can be done very reasonably.
#8
Instructor
Thread Starter
OK, I just want to thank all that have responded to my ? and have given me some insight from experienced "bra" owners.
#9
Safety Car
I have Speed Lingerie bras and mirror covers for both of my cars. They fit really snug, zero movement. I have tested them into the low triple digits, great fit, no marks on the paint.
#10
Team Owner
I have run a GM bra on all three of my C5s (covering more than 15 years) and have never experienced any paint damage. It is an easy on/easy off product and really does protect the front end of the car, all at a very reasonable cost. I will say that I do not keep it on should I get caught in the rain.
This . . . . had both with no problem - - just take them off to clean once in awhile and never run in the rain.
#11
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Memphis Tennessee
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SpeedLingerie, perfectly matching my 50th Anniversary paint !
Just be sure to take it off either before or immediately after traveling in the rain.
Quality piece and worth the $$$
Just be sure to take it off either before or immediately after traveling in the rain.
Quality piece and worth the $$$
Last edited by ALLEGRO; 12-23-2017 at 10:52 AM.
#12
Le Mans Master
I don't remember the brand but it was nylon type material and came in C5 colors. It is still working great, which leads me to recommend the NoviStretch. Also there is a spray on protective coating that works like the clear bra. It bonds to your paint after spraying on from an aerosol can. When you feel like it you can remove it by washing it off. It is a 3M product.
#15
Drifting
I have the clear bra and the front bumper is still like new on my 2001. Previous owner applied it many years ago and it has held up very well. The only way you can tell is there is a fine line going across the front.
#17
I was thinking some clear wrap / applique or a bra. This will be a brand new "factory" paint job. It appears on this list that "where two or more are gathered, there will be 49 opinions."
Is the factory C5 bra really that good?
Thanks for any feedback.
Cheers, and Merry Christmas, Happy 2018 to all.
Mike
Last edited by TomcatMike; 12-23-2017 at 02:46 PM. Reason: Add signature
#19
Originally Posted by grampi50
After seeing this, and several other similar videos, I would never think about using a strap-on or clear bra again...
#20
Burning Brakes
I had a clear bra on my motorhome. If not treated with 303 or a similar product mold can grow under it, especially in hot humid areas. Once you see it, it's too late to do anything about it but remove it. These newer wraps I hear are different, but some RV owners I knew had paint come off when the clear bra was removed.