[ceb]

Need some thoughts on clearbra.

While I like the basic concept of a clearbra and have had it on several cars now, I find it a bit distracting when you detail the car.

The finish of the clearbra is always different from nicely waxed paint and the things that might polish out of paint tend to stay on the clearbra.

I notice the distraction more on my current Monaco blue paint and the real problem is really the hood piece. I'm currently looking at a new car and am deciding if I should clearbra it again.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

If I would do it again I would get the clear bra that goes over the entire hood instead of 1/4 up.

[Bobble]

I wish I had done the clear bra but like Jeff said I would do the whole front clip, hood, bumper and fenders, The material does polish out and you can get QD made specifically for films. I've got about 10 chips over 3 years of driving SoCal freeways. Pisses me off every week when I wash it.

[bimmertt]

paint chips will bug you more.

[Ridonculous]

If you don't like to spend countless hours detailing your car, go ahead and do clear bra, but do more coverage (i.e. full hood, etc.).

If you like to detail your precious gem, then I suggest not to get the clear bra. You'll enjoy your car more after you make it shinnier than a new car off the production line.

Rock chips will happen, but if you have the patience to detail, then you have the patience to fill them in...or just get the front bumper and hood resprayed in a couple of years.

[ceb]

Good advice about the full hood coverage. I guess I'll do that next and get schooled on properly cleaning that stuff.

[jkrig]

Kinda depends on how much and where you drive but, Ill never own a car without one again, its absolutely worth the 500+ you wil spend, especially when you go to sell/trade, thats the first thing mentioned when I sold my last car ..rock chips..I was going to trade it in but the dealership wanted to dock me nearly 2000 for a respray of the front end due to rock chips, ended up selling privately but that option is not ideal for everyone.....

[spanner1751]

I got a clear bra done on my car shortly after delivery. I'm still debating whether I did the right thing or not. I had full hood coverage to eliminate the line 1/4 way up. The lines on the fenders are noticeable from most angles, but I expected that. There are also several noticeable swirls in the plastic film that didn't disappear when the film dried.
I should take it back to have those corrected, but taking the car back to to the shop is a major inconvience.
The front of the hood on my last car, an E46, was covered with rock chips after five years, and I avoided following trucks as best I could. My GF's 2007 E92 has only a few chips on the hood, and she tailgates like mad. So, damned if you do and damned if you don't.
So, was I slightly paranoid about getting my new baby damaged? I guess so, but I got a few rock chips on the windshield between the time that I picked it up and had the clear bra put on, so I figured it was only a matter of time until the hood got dinged.
Also, the work cost just over $1,200 here in Hawaii, which made it an even more costly decision.

Tom

[tibra1]

I am not for it..over time dirt will get under it and cause a yellowing and cannot be cleaned..I have seen it on a lambo and several beemers..I just wash frequently and use a good wax..

[jkrig]

Bumpers,1/4 hood, and mirrors were enaough for me....a side note, most installers warranty agaist yellowing and cracking for several years (4 on mine) I was sold when I arrived to drop mine off for install shortly after I purchased the car and and older gentlemen was there picking up his new E-class coupe......his wife dropped him off in her 2001 slk which he told me he had a clear bra installed when it was purchased new and it still looked great....so take it for what it worth

[67R60]

I had a clear bra on my 08 335xi. The job was sloppy and then over the years dirt lines showed on the door edges, front bumper, and other locations. I decided not to do a clear bra on my 2011 335d and I am happier without one.

That said, if you get a really good installer and you hate rock chips, you may want to get one. I debated for months and decided against it. Good luck on your decision.

[SilverII]

go for it

[f30er]

I bought my car in Jan of 07. Looking back, I shoulda gotten a clear bra...now, I'm looking for some place to repaint my whole front bumper since the rock chips are just too many to touch up.....

[jmen11]

Don't even hesitate, do it. I'm one of those that regret not getting the entire hood done, but is definitely worth it.

[ooobanana]

If you'll be spending a majority of your time driving on the freeway, I would definitely get it to avoid rock chips. Sadly, I've learned the hard way.

[Concentric190]

whats the average cost of doing this? 80% of my commute is all highway.

[san6279]

I'll probably never own a car again w/o putting clear bra on. Can't stand rock chips. Have had it on one car now for 5 yrs. No yellowing and front end still basically looks brand new. Yes, lines can be seen a little bit, but much better than the alternative in my opinion.

[ceb]

Originally Posted by Concentric190

whats the average cost of doing this? 80% of my commute is all highway.

Depends on how much you want covered but a full install (bumper, front part of hood, front part of fenders, mirror caps, areas behind wheel wells, top of rear bumper) is about $600-$700. A proper install takes a full day or so.