OK, I'm picking up my Twilight Blue X next week, and I'm not sure if I should get a clear bra. What do you think? If "yes," then how far up the hood should I go? Also, I live in the Northeast, so the car will see some nasty sheeeet each winter.

 

You'll be sorry for sure if you don't "bra", clear or otherwise. Most "standard" clearbra's run to the top of the headlight lenses, across the hood. Go higher if you can.

My $0.02.

Sport Sedan Fan - 2004 6MT Sedan
Sport/Navigation/Premium/Aero; "Invisiguard" Bra, Madico Onyx Tint
Obsidian Black/Graphite & "Titanium"
SHE'S SILVER & BLACK - GO RAIDERS!

 

I think of it as a must do mod now! After getting it on my car before I picked up the car (dealer had it installed already) I decided to do the wifes sedan. I bought a pre-cut 3M pattern off a lady on eBay who sells a bunch of it. I figured that even if I screwed the whole thing up 4 times (I didn't) I would still be ahead of the game. I had quotes from 600-800 to have it professionally done. Hers goes up the hood about 17 inches ot so. Looks dynamite - although it is hard to see when you are 4-5 feet away!
Good luck with your new ride!

2004 Sedan -- 3M Clear Bra - Bought on eBay and DIY -- Rocky Mounts bike racks!

 

IMO, It's the very first thing you should do.
Modern automotive paints do not stand up the way older solvent based paint used to.
This is one of the most common new car complaints (all makes)

<font color=blue>04 Silverstone G35, 5AT, Prem, Aero
ES100 225/45-18 front 245/40-18 rear
Borla TD, Z-tube, Eibach, 35%Tints</font color=blue>

 

Here is another "yes" vote for the clear bra. I do a fair amount of freeway driving, and my old car's nose [all the leading edges - bumper, hood, headlamps, etc.] were pitted / chipped from rocks and such. I had the clear bra put on within the first week of getting my G35 and it seems to be working fine - no issues so far. For my install, the material cuts across the hood in line with the top of the headlamps.

 

OK, looks like I'm getting a clear bra. Now, should I have the dealer install it, or would I be better off going somewhere else. What's a reasonable price to pay? Also, if I have the dealer do it, is the price negotiable?

 

Depends on the installer, and the type of install. Mine includes the headlights (double thickness), door edges, door cups, hood/bumper/front lip (bumper is one solid piece). All edges were wrapped, except for the tiny part near the corner. It was 965 with tax. Outstanding job, even though I already had 1 chip. You can get it much cheaper, but whatever route you go, I would check out the installer's work before you decide. Mine was more expensive than most because of the wrapped edges, one-piece bumper, and llumar/3m film.

-Chris

 

Depending on the dealership... they will have at least 35 to 50% markup on the clear bra. If you get a really cheap quote from the dealer it probably means you are paying too much for the car & he is just trying to close the deal.
FWIW I would get it done by an independant (recommended) installer.

<font color=blue>04 Silverstone G35, 5AT, Prem, Aero
ES100 225/45-18 front 245/40-18 rear
Borla TD, Z-tube, Eibach, 35%Tints</font color=blue>

 

Mine was done by a local 3M / Ultra Shield installer in Phoenix and cost me $400. Film is 12 mils thick and cover the front bumper and lip, hood to the top of the head lights. Head lights film is 40 mils thick and can take a 1" wide rock at 100 mph guaranteed. Also have the standard film on the front of both side view mirrors. Shop around... I did and it paid off big.

Tony B.
2003.5 G35 Caribbean Blue Sedan

 

Excellent (, and timely) advice! My dealer just quoted me $649(!) for the 3m product. I'm off to the Northeast forum to look for recommendations on local installers.

Thanks, again....

 

My brother had his TL done for $500, came with full front bumper and partial hood coverage, side view mirror coverage, and plastic headlight covers

2003.5 Brill. Silver/Willow 6MT sedan, Premium/Winter/Navigation

 

I purchased an X in late April and had same dilemma. After reading all posts here, it seemed a necessity to have a clear bra. Well, I never got around to it, but have no regrets thus far. My car is diamond graphite (if it means anything). After 3k mostly highway miles, I have yet to have a single chip (I am knocking on wood as I type this). Not sure if improvements have been made to the paint on newer build dates?
One thing to consider is how long you will be keeping car. As I have a tendency (vice) to swap about every three years, I am gambling that chips won't be too bad. I do consciously avoid following too close behind trucks on the highway.

<font color=blue>Northeast Mass
04 X - diamond graphite/charcoal
purchased 5/04, Z-Tube, rear lip spoiler</font color=blue>

 

I have yet to see a customer or car dealership come back unhappy w/ the product.

Certified Window Tint & Detailing Specialist
3M / VentureShield Paint Protection Film Dealer
Madico Window Film Dealer
syu@machiii.net
2003 AT Sedan / 2004 6MT Coupe

 

Shoulda... coulda.....didn't... crying now.

So many scratches and pits... i hate gravel haulers.

SoCal does not have friendly roads.

Get the clear bra before it's too late!!!

-T

P.S. i was rock free until around 5k... then they started attacking!

'03.5 Sedan 5a: BS/G, Prem, Aero/Body, Sport, Nav
Click for MODS or Vote at Online Showoff

 

The rock haulers lulled into a false sense of security till you broke 5k, now they are going for broke.... Sorry to hear it. But don't feel bad I broke the windshield the first time I drove my wifes car....

2004 Sedan -- 3M Clear Bra - Bought on eBay and DIY -- Rocky Mounts bike racks!