Clear Bra - Pros, cons, brands, costs...

A

ATL_GTR

New member
I just purchased a new GT-R and I am considering installing a clear bra on it…but I am just not educated enough on the pros, cons, brands and costs to make an informed decision.



I read many of the “clear bra� related posts on this board, and there is a lot of good info, but I didn’t get all of my questions answered.



With these things in mind I am posting a few additional questions, and thanks in advance for all responses.



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Would you install a clear bra on your new car? If so what areas would you be sure to cover with the bra (e.g. front only)?



Which brand would you choose and why (3M, Avery, Autobahn, etc.)? Who would you have install it (X-Pel, Armorglove)?



Have you ever seen paint adversely affected by having a clear bra installed?



From what I have read a clear bra itself requires a lot of “care and feeding� in order to keep it looking fresh and so it doesn’t deter from the overall curbside appeal of a car. With costs ranging between $300 and $1,200 is installing a clear bra really a good use of $$$?



Any other feedback or considerations?



Thanks again for taking the time to respond.
 
In my never to be humble opinion, dropping $300 -1,200 to keep your car's front end looking nice for the next owner is not very cost effective. You won't recoop your cost at trade in time because most dealers (if they even care) typically have "a guy" that will touch up bumpers & hoods. The exception being if you're putting the clear bra on a car you are planning to keep for years beyond the loan/lease period.
 
It's really up to you to decide. The obvious benefit is stone chip protection and that

would be good, especially for hoods, lamps and fenders. Bumper covers will get

scraped/damaged and to have it repaired and refinished properly can be even

more costly with the film. The quality of the clear protective films and the install

can vary too... Do a little more research. I think it's a good investment overall.

And don't shop by price alone.
 
Yes; I would have it installed before driving the car at all.



3M, Venture Shield, all of these are OK. This will depend on what your installer likes working with or has available. A lot of the large sheets are ventureshield.



Won't harm the paint. Be careful the installer does not cut your paint when trimming. Let them know this upfront.



It requires no more care than paint does. Just be careful not to scuff the clear when wiping it but otherwise it is hassle free. Don't wax the bra or it will discolor. Use a synthetic sealant (ie Zaino, Rejex, etc.) Be careful around edges when wiping and waxing. A good installer will be able to fully wrap hood, fenders, etc.



I think it is a good investment. You protect the original paint and don't ever have to worry about repaints and bad paint jobs and durability of the new paint. Pristine factory paint underneath.



Cover as much as your budget can handle. Expect to pay 1200ish for something like this. Full front end, full hood and fenders and any parts of the car that jut out and are known to take damage from debris. (IE I had the rear fender on the Z06 that sticks out covered in the area that is known to take damage from debris).



Most important thing of all....Installer is the key to making it look right.

On a full hood and fender wrap they will be able to wrap around the edges so you cannot see an edge of the bra.
 
nicely timed post. just got a new passat and had it tinted and ppf'd today. did the hood, bumper and mirrors. went with 3M 24" sloped film on the hood. it has a nice curve to it so its not too high looking on the hood.



its a leased car, but the salt/sand mix in CT killed my rsx, so i dont want to drive around with a half black half primer dub.
 
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