So I’m going to have the side sills painted and have read a bunch about making sure flex is used in the paint and clear… I don’t remember reading anything about clear bra-ing it.

Has anyone used clear bra on theirs? Would it be worth while? I realize it’s not like the front end getting as much debris/rocks and stuff, but considering it’s a surface that wasn’t originally intended for paint I’m concerned about longevity.

*Mods/Admins, please leave here instead of moving to Body forum – since it applies only to 03-04 sedans. Thanks.

 

I see no point in using flex in the side sills or on the rear bumper cover. Neither of these areas should be getting hit hard enough to bend the plastic. I researched flex agent in great detail and everything I've read and also what the automotive paint store told me, was don't bother unless it's a panel like a front bumper cover. There is also a strong debate that flex agent doesn't work well and causes deflamination of the paint.

 

okay, thanks... what about clear bra - does anyone do that? Or is it worth it?... I guess the question is - has anyone had problems with painted sides chiping?...

 

i dont think the clear bra is worth it bro. I had it painted without flex agent. The shop just did cleaning and preping really well (light sanding and primer). It's been about a year and and a couple months and it's still flawless. Just make sure you keep a nice coat of wax on there when you wax your car and it's good to go.

 

I remember you were considering color matching the side splash guards too, do it bro!

 

My home-painted sills are fine after 7 months and a pretty extreme Kansas City winter. I have splash guards too though which keep rocks, sand, and debris from pelting the sills. I wouldn't clear guard the sills because of the expense alone. That's a lot of material. If you don't run with splash guards, you might want to consider putting sanded-black tape (heavy duty stuff they use on concrete stairs) around the inner edges of the sills because that area will get wrecked without a splash guard there.

 

G_Sedan-

Did you take the lower trim off the lower portions of your doors?

 

no, its still there...i wouldnt dare doing so, it has to keep something out

 

thanks for the responses guys... as for expense - I will be clear bra-ing Rookies new bumper anyway so the sides wouldn't be much more (the guy I use does touch up stuff for my car so I think I'll get decent pricing)... But it seems (from your responses) there is no point in it so I probably wont.

As for the splash guards - I have been debating on keeping them or going without... A lot will depend on where Rookies bumper lines up with the sides... I'll probably keep them. Either way I'll have them painted to match so I have the option.

 

make sure they use a plastic promotor prior to priming. I've heard that they plastic is more oily than most and you'll need that stuff to make it stick well.

I just put a bit of chipguard in the sections that face the fenders.

 

Plastic adhesion promotor is a must. In my sill painting DIY, I go though all the steps needed to make sure the paint sticks to the plastic. Painting takes less than 15 minutes for everything, but plastic prep work took over 6 hours if I remember correctly. There is lots of cleaning, scrubbing, light sanding, cleaning, and cleaning. You've got to make sure ALL the oil is off the panel or you run a very high risk of delamination.

 

Auto Explosion (that place that does Rookie, caskyline, and many others) is painting mine... I'm cetain they know what they are doing and trust that it will be done right.