I recently bought a used 2005 G35 with 17k miles. The front end (bumper) has some small pit marks from normal wear and tear. I want to put on a clear bra to protect the front end from further damage. Is it ok to add the clear bra now (i.e. over the not completely perfect finish) ? Did any of you wait until you had several thousand miles on your car before you had a clear bra installed ? Thanks for your replies.

 

You don't need to wait any time before installing. Certainly with 17k miles, there's no concern that the paint ain't dry yet . Get it on asap. It will protect the nose from those inevitable road rash stone dings.

 

Damn, 17k on an '05, that owner must drive a lot!

 

i have 30 miles on my 05, i'm a bit scared to add more miles to it O.o

 

I think you should. That way you wont have any additional damage. There is your proof that the paint on the G does not fair well against rock chips.

Christopher

 

my whole front clip is ruined from driving from wyoming to iowa (i go to wyotech here in wyoming for autobody and street rod fabrication) i highly reccomend getting it before it kills your paint, and paint only takes about a month to fully cure anyways.

 

I'm getting tired of hearing how the paint on the G35 is bad, it's not any worse than any other brand, a rock hit's paint at 70 mph = a chip, no matter what the badge, my '04 had very few chips, and sometimes it's like driving in Iraq here!

 

I have 25K on my '05. And yes I do drive a lot. But so far no problems. Still on original tires and everything.

 

Hmm... I'm going to disagree with some of you guys and say that you can easily get a quality respray of the front bumper cover for roughly $300, and apply the 3M film about 2-3 months afterwards (paint dry time). This is ONLY applicable if you are quite sure you could maintain a chip free front end during the dry time. Real bottom line is -- how bad are the chips you have now. Just giving another point of view. I paid $900 at time of new purchase of 05 6mt sedan and dealership botched 3M install, and even put a razor cutter to a one-inch section of paint near the headlamp! They have promised to repair, but I now think I would have gotten a high quality, perfect job at a tint/body shop if I handed the guy 900 bones!

 

Welcome Slate, Why not get the bumper repainted to freshen the look, then get the bra on new paint?

You'll notice every chip thru the clear bra.
As far as C/B going on fresh paint.....no worries, the paint is baked and hardened and shouldn't be any problem having the bra applied to it.

Talk to your local installer for details, costs and time involved.
My M took about 4 hrs total to do the whole front end (no headlights, and 1 foot up on the hood), and they threw in the side mirrors.
G/L

C.

 

What is the going for the price of the 3M clear Bra??