I had it all set up to get the full clear bra kit installed next week...Then, just as I was giving him my info, he asked if I had the aero kit installed...I said no, I have an aftermarket front bumper....OOPS....instead of $385 for just the bumper, it is now $475...and instead of $590 for the complete install, it is $750!
I can get my front bumper painted for $250! For all of those who are not math geniouses...I can get two front bumpers painted for the price of one clear bra install...That just doesn't make sense...Anyways, I guess I have to just keep looking around for the right price...If anyone has had aftermarket front bumpers clear-bra'd for less than I was quoted, please let me know so I can talk to them...thanks

 

either way, the price that he would have quoted you is based off the stock front bumper. usually, the installers have the clearbra pieces pre-cut to the stock bumper specs. having an aftermarket bumper will make it more difficult for the installer. usually they have a computer program that cuts the pieces for them for each specific car. however, i don't know if they would have a program for aftermarket bumpers.

but what you say about the cost of the clearbra isn't worth it if painting the bumper only costs $250 makes a lot of sense. however, what is the quality of a paint job that is that cheap? i always assumed that for a quality paint job with clearcoat, it would cost much more than that.

 

Painting just a bumper shouldn't be bad at all. Relativly easy job. 250 - 300 should be about average, anything more than that is a little ridiculous.

 

I had my bumper painted by a custom body shop that does tons of show cars...I know the quality is good...

 

Here are some thoughts for you to consider:

1. First of all, depending on who your installer is, the clear bra can cost more than 2 paint jobs as you have said. But are you willing to have the 1+ week of down time while you get your bumper resprayed each time?

2. While your bumper is unprotected, does it bother you to have all those paint chips?

3. After getting your bumper repainted, you will probably pick up some more chips on the way home from the shop. Is this worth your trouble?

4. How long are you planning to keep your car? By constantly respraying your bumper, sooner or later you'll notice a difference in color between the parts that you sprayed and the parts that haven't been sprayed.

IMO, if you don't mind having paint chips, than don't get the clear bra. And in this case, why would you even want to respray anyways if it doesn't bother you?

Anyways, when you are searching for installer, from my experience, you really get what you pay for. So make sure the installer you find is reputable and experienced. Especially when it comes to custom work.

 

I never said the rock chips don't bother me....Cuz they do! They bother me a lot! But not enought to spend $500 for a film that will probably still accumulate rock chips and start to peel after a while...I am guessing that I won't need a paint job every year...I was thinking like every 3-5 yrs...I don't think I get that many rock chips, but I don't know since I have only had the bumper on for a month...I just have to find the right person who will install for a reasonable price...

 

to each their own. but personally, i think the clearbra is great. on my first 03 coupe, i had installed it myself and it was a great investment. after two years, i had only one chip which was caused by a huge rock that penetrated the clearbra. the film also still looked like the first day it was installed--no peeling, wrinkling, yellowing, etc.

 

Z2G...do you know what brand film was used?

 

on the first install, i had used 3m film. on my new 05, i had it professionally installed (didn't have the time to do it again myself) and i believe llumar film was used. apparently, llumar is better than the old 3m film which was prone to yellowing.