Im really wanting to put a clear 3M bra on my bumper and hood. I got a quote from an installer and it was around $700...too much to justify. I then found a precut kit on ebay for $150. I called a body shop and they said that they have never done that, but could probably take care of it.

Does this sound like a good idea? Anyone else got a clear bra?

 

Mine has it but needless to say... I pretty much need to repaint the entire front of my car due to rock chips (right after I bought the car construction began on the only major highway in/out and they left lanes open that were milled... god that was painful). In short, I'm not convinced they're worth it.

 

if that body shop does not have technicians who have installed clear bras before, i wouldn't trust them to do it. if anything, tint guys would be better, but even then, it still doesn't mean they can put it on right. look for someone who is actually trained in putting on clear bras.

 

$700 is a pretty good quote compared to what I paid. Just know that the longer you wait, the more chips that will happen. Once the clear bra is on, it defeats the purpose if there are already chips underneath it.

 

700 is about what these go for, like pat said go with the tint guys or someone who specialize in this because if they don't do it right it could bubble up.

 

talking from experience, find someone that specializes in installs.. my dad used to install clear shield and window tint and it is not easy...

 

my car didnt come wit it, and over time has minor chips here and there, of course cuz G35 have chipping issues, but my plan is to just git it painted when it becomes a major appearance problem.

but i dont think to many spots know bout clear Bras

 

get the clear bra its a lifesaver. the ebay kits arent to bad, ive seen ppl that have purchased the ebay kit, but they knew how to apply it, that is the key!

 

The problem is that not all kits are precut the same so if u happen to get a bad precut due to the heat or an old batch that shrink over time then u are screwed. U cant stretch the film too much or u will see the marks. Shell out the 700 and get it done right the first time. It will cost u over 1100 to respray both fenders, hood, and bumper at a good paint shop. Unless u dont care then u can spray it at MACCO for 299

 

Ebay is the worst place to buy Paint Protection film and tint for that matter. 99% of those kits are junk and 95% of them are not even a proper urethane film that is made for that use. The film most of these guys are trying to pass off is a vinyl that has been damaging paint. It doesn't last either. If you do get the real thing then good luck getting a good pattern. They all suck. $150.00 for a kit is going to buy you junk anyways. This is not something you want to go cheap on. You could probably find a better price though. Just look at the dealer locators for Venture Shield and 3M and shop around.

 

+1 And do not go with a tint guy. The two films are completely different and I have had to replace a lot of kits that tint guys have messed up. Find a good installer and use a good quality film. You wont regret it. Cheaper is definately not better in this case.

 

Agreed.

 

I paid $700 for my 3m kit installed by a licensed 3m installer. That way I get the 5 year warranty . Its totally worth it. I have no rock chips whatsoever, and I no longer cringe when I'm on the highway and I hear small rocks hitting the front of my car. It will cost you at least $1200 to have your bumper refinished.

 

I am asking this question in mulitple "Clear Bra" threads in hopes someone can answer it.

I've had my G35 for almost a year now and am planning on getting a clear bra on just my front bumper. My question is after it's installed and when I go to wax/detail my car, will the rest of the car be shinnier/glossier than the front bumper (where the clear bar is installed)?!

Thnx in advance.