Clear Bra install

[GorgeZeph]

Yesterday I had a 3M clear bra installed on the front of my Zeph. I just did the bumper and lower part because that takes the brunt of the damage. I'm hoping to keep the rock chips down with this.

I am really impressed with the work (Ultimate Tint - Vancouver) did on the installation. I could not see the lines until they pointed them out. The told me that it will seal down and be even tighter in a month.

Does anyone have experience with this product?

BTW - I know this is a appearance item. I put it in Zephyr forum because of the large area of the bumper. It makes a real good target on the road!

[pro-five-oh]

That's the good stuff. Its pretty hard to see on the lighter color cars, I think you'll be real happy. Congrats, your car is gonna look great because of it.

Learn from the older Lincoln fans here, though. To keep them from yellowing, either get the headlights done too or wax them frequently.

[Dana_15]

I've installed two of them, one on my 04 Tacoma and one on my 06 Silverado and also both sets of headlights. I have an extra sheet of headlight protection and maybe this weekend I'll do the Zephyr's headlights. The 3M stuff is great, I didn't have the clearbra on the Tacoma too long before I sold it, but I had rocker panel protection and a large piece behind the tires to stop chipping (cheap Toyota paint) for two years and they did not yellow at all. Just one tip though--do not use regular wax on it because the edges will turn white and unsightly. A wax called P21S is excellent wax and does not leave any white residue and wont stain your trim either, highly recommended.

http://autopia-carcare.com/p21-127.html

I was going to a shamless picture of my trucks clearbra....but I'll refrain ;)

[GorgeZeph]

I've installed two of them, one on my 04 Tacoma and one on my 06 Silverado and also both sets of headlights. I have an extra sheet of headlight protection and maybe this weekend I'll do the Zephyr's headlights. The 3M stuff is great

Are you doing the installation yourself???? I left it to the shop that has the computer cutter and all the experience. That means I also have a warranty. But, I wondered how hard it would be to do yourself...

Thanks for the tip on the wax. I am not even supposed to wash it for a week......

[Dana_15]

Yes I've done the install myself only because the Silverado and Tacoma had relatively flat hoods. The Zephyr seems a little beyond me due the center of the hood--the stuff isn't really forgiving. I purchase all the stuff here
http://www.clearmask.com/vehicle_page.php
Prices are a little high, I couldn't believe the prices for the headlights, I'll probabley do that this weekend or next on the Zephyr. Flat surfaces are REAL easy. If you start getting rock chips on the rockers (we haven't yet at all surprisingly) then hit it with some touch up paint then lay down some 3M clear tape. You can also buy it by the roll- MUCH cheaper. I found some pics.

Can't even see it hardly
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/dana_15/Truckpics097.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/dana_15/Truckpics093.jpg
This is what P21S can do to your hood :cool:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b101/dana_15/Truckpics138.jpg

[Nick]

That stuff is awesome. It was originally developed for helicopter rotor blades. It's been since adapted for car use with more UV stabilizers to prevent yellowing and aging. You can also purchase the stuff from 3M directly to use on your door and trunk edges. I think I might put it on the edges of the hood front fenders and the trunk opening to save them from chips. It's about $20 for a 10 yard roll with I believe free shipping.

[Sysanalyst]

Will only be a matter of time before they begin to cover vehicles completely in the stuff.

[Led Zephyrlin]

I have really been considering one of these for my Zephyr but durability was my biggest concern.

Has anyone had one of these on their car for more than 5-6 years? If so, how does it look today and was it stored outside?

When a rock hits the film doe it ever tear through?

yellowing? cracking?

[pro-five-oh]

My brother has it on three of his vettes and they don't yellow, they protect like you can't believe (a rock can cut it) , and as long as you don't wax it, it won't turn chalky or yellow.

[Led Zephyrlin]

if a rock does cut it does it look like crap?

[pro-five-oh]

It gets cut/torn and might bubble. But that would be a pretty big rock the stuff just protected your paint from. Small flying bits don't affect it at all.

[Led Zephyrlin]

It gets cut/torn and might bubble. But that would be a pretty big rock the stuff just protected your paint from. Small flying bits don't affect it at all.

Yes, I can picture it looking like hell. That is my biggest concern.

Can these be repaired or at least the bra removed and re-installed without major work?

[pro-five-oh]

The bra is made of individual pieces, so whatever part gets cut/torn would have to be replaced. Probably a lot cheaper than the comparable paint work. :)

[GorgeZeph]

I have really been considering one of these for my Zephyr but durability was my biggest concern.

Has anyone had one of these on their car for more than 5-6 years? If so, how does it look today and was it stored outside?

When a rock hits the film doe it ever tear through?

yellowing? cracking?

I figure that even if it gets damaged, I have a warranty. Not to mention that any damage to the bra would be far better than to the underlying paint. This stuff can be replaced or removed whenever you want. The instructions that came with mine say that wax is fine (although I would avoid the pasty kind that gets chalky in cracks). I see no reason not to install this. I wish I'd gotten the leading edge of the roof before that pebble did!!!!

[Led Zephyrlin]

Well, I appreciate the info on the clear bra. So it appears 3M is the way to go and having it professionally done so that you have a warranty. I think I will check in my area about getting one put on.

Thanks for the info.