clear protective "bra" opinions mmmmmm

[twastheglow]

And because I can't resist in other people's threads, please feel free to make off color comments. LOL


I'm strongly considering getting a clear bra installed on my BMW (front bumper, partial hood/fenders and mirrors). The car has a brand new paintjob and I'd like to keep it nice. I guess my concerns lie with how it will look after a wax/polish job. Will it look alright? Will any of the car look a little "off" due to the difference in surfaces? I just want people's opinions as to whether they would do it or not...money aside.

[Kerplunk105]

Hee hee hee.

[BugEyeGuy]

I know a couple kids that got clear bra's for their STi's and R32's, it's an excellent way to keep that new paint job nice and I don't think it should **** up the over all color even after a fine buff and wax, I think it's a good idea Mike I want one for my bugeye at some point too.

[twastheglow]

I know a couple kids that got clear bra's for their STi's and R32's, it's an excellent way to keep that new paint job nice and I don't think it should **** up the over all color even after a fine buff and wax, I think it's a good idea Mike I want one for my bugeye at some point too.

I had my S13 repainted about 2-3 years ago and the fronts all fubar now and it really makes me sad.

I really like he paint job on the BMW so I naturally want to keep it nice. I'm just wondering how the protective film will look after a wax job in comparison to the rest of the car. Will it become more noticeable, will it look the same as the car...etc?

[evogsrviii]

if done right, it should be virtually invisible. i think 3m has a wrap that you can use.

[twastheglow]

if done right, it should be virtually invisible. i think 3m has a wrap that you can use.

I know when first applied it will be virtually invisible.

My question is more geared toward car washes, waxes, polishes. After I wax my car and it's super shiny etc, will the film have the same shine or will it not look the same since it's plastic?

Also, when waxing the car, would I wax where the film is or only the paint?

[BugEyeGuy]

yeah if installed right it won't make a difference even after a wax job it'll look good all around my buddy would always do his R32 and he had a clear bra I never noticed any problems. I have heard it's quite expensive but like you said it's worth preserving the paint!

[twastheglow]

yeah if installed right it won't make a difference even after a wax job it'll look good all around my buddy would always do his R32 and he had a clear bra I never noticed any problems. I have heard it's quite expensive but like you said it's worth preserving the paint!

I've already looked into cost and that's not an issue. It's less than having the front of my car repainted and that's the way I'm looking at it.

[BugEyeGuy]

He just wax and buffed the whole car even where the bra was color looked good all around this was on a bright Red R32 as well.

[BugEyeGuy]

I agree dude it's totally worth it after I repaint my car i'm getting one for sure!

[Elliott18t]

i don't believe it would be much of an issue on a white car if any.

[olletsocmit]

i dont think that they look good. I hate them, but if i were to get one, i would prob just get a black one.

[evogsrviii]

dont know if you checked this site out but here you go...

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Scotchgard-PPF/Home/For_the/Consumer/FAQs/

[twastheglow]

dont know if you checked this site out but here you go...

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Scotchgard-PPF/Home/For_the/Consumer/FAQs/

Interesting, thanks.

Although I've heard not-so-great things about 3M. :wink:

[TrboChicsRock]

I don't think they look that great and I've seen a few on white cars and they always look yellow. My guess is from the sun/heat, so if it's a car that's kept garaged it may turn yellow at a slower pace.

[twastheglow]

I don't think they look that great and I've seen a few on white cars and they always look yellow. My guess is from the sun/heat, so if it's a car that's kept garaged it may turn yellow at a slower pace.

That's what I've heard about 3M and why I'm staying away from their products.

[Protege v2.5]

this is me just making an assumption so you can dismiss is I'm wrong but I would think over time the edges of the film would get a funky build up of dirt, debris etc.

[twastheglow]

this is me just making an assumption so you can dismiss is I'm wrong but I would think over time the edges of the film would get a funky build up of dirt, debris etc.

That's probably a possibility, but I take care of my cars and usually wash and wax them weekly. But good point nonetheless.

[DPancoast]

The color changing probably has A LOT to do with the initial application of the bra. If there is ANY possibility of anything getting under it over time, it's bound to change color. I mean it's kinds like a "seal"... If it's not airtight then it will deterioate fromthe inside out probably.

When I worked at World Wide Stereo, the owners Porche had one and I neve noticed it until I was wiping the car down real good and felt it with the rag. I think it's worth it, just make sure that the initial app is as good as it can be and take care of it which by the sounds of it you will.

[CarbonIS]

shades of gray just put one on my front bumper and you can't even tell it's there, it's amazing

[R_Rambo]

i hear good things about them, keep us posted when you decide to do this i really need to get mine done subaru paint is ftl its getting re-painted again this spring so im really interested in this