Clear Bra... thoughts?

MyGcoupe · 10-26-2009, 04:10 AM

I keep seeing more and more posts about clear bras and my buddy has a full body clear bra over his IS-F and is trying to get me to do it. I was against it at first but im starting to concider it more and more. (expecially with how soft our paint is and with a 08 BO) What do you guys think about clear bra'ing the whole car... couple questions I have.

1. How much should doing the whole car cost when getting it done in So Cal.
2. Which one would you recomend? (I hear about 3M a lot)
3. Does this mean the only exterior clearning that needs to be done is some soap and water? (no more polishing, waxing...?)
4. Would this effect the shine and appearance of a black car, if so how dramatic of a difference do you think.
5. If it ever needed to be removed, are there any permanent effects.

...anything else i should concider getting it done?

thanks for the Advice.

gyukang2 · 10-26-2009, 08:24 AM

I have never heard about "FULL body clear bra".

Does anyone know how much it would cost?

Any good "clear-bra shop" in chicago area!?!?!?!?!?!?

Mike P · 10-26-2009, 11:29 AM

Just talked with a local guy here in Indy. His shop can do custom cuts, he just bought a plotter. He was showing me the difference on a black car and it will dull the shine. I looked at his black Toyota truck. You could tell, but it was very slight. He said to do the front, quarters (about 2/3rds), the hood (about 1/3rd), A pillars, and roof was around a grand. If you want the entire car, I would estimate around $2,500 to $3,000. This very similar to vehicle wraps that we see for advertising on vehicles, busses and vans. It can be removed, but it also can damage the finish when it is removed. If this finish is as frangile as "they" say and you are doing this to preserve it, then removing it, to me, is not really a question unless it gets really yellow or sratched. I think removing this will damage the finish of this car, IMO.

beerme986 · 10-26-2009, 12:28 PM

full body wrap? never. clear bra is mainly to prevent rock chips and when is the last time you got a rock chip on your trunk or your roof. front bumper, side mirrors and half the hood is as far as I would ever go. If it really does dull the shine, I would advise against it too; especially if you can notice the contrast

2008G-Man · 10-26-2009, 12:44 PM

wow .... $2,500 - 3,000 you can get the car repainted after a few years of rock chips for that kinda money.

CHI-TOWN G37 · 10-26-2009, 01:08 PM

Some super exotics get full wraps, but the G is no Lamborghini. The full wrap would be a complete waste of money for this car.

HTP AutoWorks · 10-28-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyGcoupe

I keep seeing more and more posts about clear bras and my buddy has a full body clear bra over his IS-F and is trying to get me to do it. I was against it at first but im starting to concider it more and more. (expecially with how soft our paint is and with a 08 BO) What do you guys think about clear bra'ing the whole car... couple questions I have.

1. How much should doing the whole car cost when getting it done in So Cal.
2. Which one would you recomend? (I hear about 3M a lot)
3. Does this mean the only exterior clearning that needs to be done is some soap and water? (no more polishing, waxing...?)
4. Would this effect the shine and appearance of a black car, if so how dramatic of a difference do you think.
5. If it ever needed to be removed, are there any permanent effects.

...anything else i should concider getting it done?

thanks for the Advice.

I have done one full car install in 6+ years of installing. Honestly it would be a big waste of money for you to do this. Get the front end done along with the rockers and mirrors and you will be fine. You would be looking at around $3500 for the G... and Premier is the only installer in SoCal I would trust to do it. Full wraps are really only done on exotics... or for peole who have way to much money. If you fall into that category then go for it.

On a black car I would not use 3M. VentureShield is a much better film. 3M has a lot of orange peel in it and it will be very noticable on black. The film, if installed properly, will look as good as he cars finish and can be maintained just as you do your paint. A good sealant will really help the film last and will give it a good shine.

Someone posted above that film will damage the paint once removed. That is false. Why would people be using this stuff if it damages the paint??? And how would installation shops stay open??? Go with the film... you will be very happy you did. And your paint will look brand new underneath if you ever have to remove it for any reason.

kevmi2ca · 10-29-2009, 07:06 PM

Damn, wish I read this before getting 3M on my black G. The peel is very noticeable...

jdmalltheway · 11-04-2009, 02:59 PM

I wouldn't do the whole car. Did it for the front end and very happy with the results. Since you're in Cali, give premier a ring. My sister just had her car clearshielded + tinted and very happy. They just opened shop in Anaheim. Give em a ring Premier Protective Films International (aka Premier Mobile) clear bra, paint protection film, tint, auto tint, safety film, chip paint, kits, custom, car

shumby · 11-04-2009, 03:03 PM

another tip. rock picks like the rear wheel flares. the cutout for an 08 FX fender flare works 100% back there

chasemyaccord · 11-04-2009, 03:31 PM

I thought about getting one at first, but decided not to. I'd rather just repaint if it got really bad. I kept thinking to myself what if I buy the clear bra and later I end up getting into a small accident or fender bender, then I have to get a clear bra again..?

HTP AutoWorks · 11-04-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasemyaccord

I thought about getting one at first, but decided not to. I'd rather just repaint if it got really bad. I kept thinking to myself what if I buy the clear bra and later I end up getting into a small accident or fender bender, then I have to get a clear bra again..?

Well yes you would. but it is covered under your insurance policy. I do insurance jobs all of the time and have yet seen an inusrance company decline a clear bra re install. Unfortunately rock chips arent covered... and with today's soft paints you will get a lot of chips.

Mike P · 11-04-2009, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevmi2ca

Damn, wish I read this before getting 3M on my black G. The peel is very noticeable...

I was told if you clean it with alcohol, it will shine better. I was also told that the 3M poduct is being touted as the better product over VentureShield. I was told the 3M product is thicker, has a better warranty, and I was told Ven tureShield will turn grey on Black cars. I have been really debating getting this product, but I am concerned about the dull finish. For the moonlight white coupe no problem, but my black sedan?

chasemyaccord · 11-04-2009, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTP AutoWorks

Well yes you would. but it is covered under your insurance policy. I do insurance jobs all of the time and have yet seen an inusrance company decline a clear bra re install. Unfortunately rock chips arent covered... and with today's soft paints you will get a lot of chips.

Oh cool, I did not know that. Why didn't anyone tell me this before?!!?!

Switch · 11-06-2009, 09:22 PM

I had the front half done +mirrors on my 05' G35. It worked great for the first year. Deferred about 95% of the damage from rocks, (a couple of rocks did penetrate the shield), but the shield took so much damage, and looked so bad, I ended up removing it after about 18 months. I decided not to get a second shield . . . . I did not want to pay another $600. to have it done again.

10-26-2009, 04:10 AM	#1
MyGcoupe Registered User Trader Score: (0) Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 37	Clear Bra... thoughts? I keep seeing more and more posts about clear bras and my buddy has a full body clear bra over his IS-F and is trying to get me to do it. I was against it at first but im starting to concider it more and more. (expecially with how soft our paint is and with a 08 BO) What do you guys think about clear bra'ing the whole car... couple questions I have. 1. How much should doing the whole car cost when getting it done in So Cal. 2. Which one would you recomend? (I hear about 3M a lot) 3. Does this mean the only exterior clearning that needs to be done is some soap and water? (no more polishing, waxing...?) 4. Would this effect the shine and appearance of a black car, if so how dramatic of a difference do you think. 5. If it ever needed to be removed, are there any permanent effects. ...anything else i should concider getting it done? thanks for the Advice.

10-26-2009, 11:29 AM	#3
Mike P ...a stairway to seven 2009 Infiniti G37 My Garage Trader Score: (1) Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 494	Just talked with a local guy here in Indy. His shop can do custom cuts, he just bought a plotter. He was showing me the difference on a black car and it will dull the shine. I looked at his black Toyota truck. You could tell, but it was very slight. He said to do the front, quarters (about 2/3rds), the hood (about 1/3rd), A pillars, and roof was around a grand. If you want the entire car, I would estimate around $2,500 to $3,000. This very similar to vehicle wraps that we see for advertising on vehicles, busses and vans. It can be removed, but it also can damage the finish when it is removed. If this finish is as frangile as "they" say and you are doing this to preserve it, then removing it, to me, is not really a question unless it gets really yellow or sratched. I think removing this will damage the finish of this car, IMO. __________________ '09 - G37xS Sdn OB/Bl Tech/Nav/Midnight Grill/Aero & G37x Cpe MW Tech/Nav (Mods soon to come) Last edited by Mike P; 10-26-2009 at 11:36 AM.

10-26-2009, 12:44 PM	#5
2008G-Man Registered User Trader Score: (0) Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern MD Posts: 57	wow .... $2,500 - 3,000 you can get the car repainted after a few years of rock chips for that kinda money. __________________ Thanks, 2008G-Man

10-26-2009, 01:08 PM	#6
CHI-TOWN G37 Gone Old School Muscle Trader Score: (0) Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,253	Some super exotics get full wraps, but the G is no Lamborghini. The full wrap would be a complete waste of money for this car. __________________ Driving the Stang's 427 ft.lbs. of torque Never argue with idiots - first they drag you down to their level, then they beat you with experience. Do or Do not. There is no try. -Yoda

11-04-2009, 03:03 PM	#10
shumby Registered User Trader Score: (1) Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: With your mom Posts: 6,174	another tip. rock picks like the rear wheel flares. the cutout for an 08 FX fender flare works 100% back there __________________ 09 G37S 7AT/// FI HFC's/// FI Cat back/// Tint 35%7%/// 3M hood, bumper, mirrors,doordishes,headlights,rockers doorsills, a pillers,roof,rear wheel wells/// Clearplex windshield/// interior LEDs///Keyhole delete///R2C intakes///Strut Bar///BB Grounding Kit Wanted: SC

10-26-2009, 08:24 AM	#2
gyukang2 Registered User Trader Score: (0) Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 24	I have never heard about "FULL body clear bra". Does anyone know how much it would cost? Any good "clear-bra shop" in chicago area!?!?!?!?!?!?

10-26-2009, 12:28 PM	#4
beerme986 Registered User Trader Score: (0) Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 217	full body wrap? never. clear bra is mainly to prevent rock chips and when is the last time you got a rock chip on your trunk or your roof. front bumper, side mirrors and half the hood is as far as I would ever go. If it really does dull the shine, I would advise against it too; especially if you can notice the contrast

10-29-2009, 07:06 PM	#8
kevmi2ca Registered User Trader Score: (1) Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 27	Damn, wish I read this before getting 3M on my black G. The peel is very noticeable...

11-04-2009, 02:59 PM	#9
jdmalltheway Registered User Trader Score: (0) Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Jtown Bay Area Posts: 127	I wouldn't do the whole car. Did it for the front end and very happy with the results. Since you're in Cali, give premier a ring. My sister just had her car clearshielded + tinted and very happy. They just opened shop in Anaheim. Give em a ring Premier Protective Films International (aka Premier Mobile) clear bra, paint protection film, tint, auto tint, safety film, chip paint, kits, custom, car

11-04-2009, 03:31 PM	#11
chasemyaccord Registered User 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe Trader Score: (1) Join Date: May 2005 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 1,921	I thought about getting one at first, but decided not to. I'd rather just repaint if it got really bad. I kept thinking to myself what if I buy the clear bra and later I end up getting into a small accident or fender bender, then I have to get a clear bra again..? __________________ 2008 Infiniti G37S 6MT OB (11/17/07)

11-06-2009, 09:22 PM	#15
Switch Registered User Trader Score: (0) Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 50	I had the front half done +mirrors on my 05' G35. It worked great for the first year. Deferred about 95% of the damage from rocks, (a couple of rocks did penetrate the shield), but the shield took so much damage, and looked so bad, I ended up removing it after about 18 months. I decided not to get a second shield . . . . I did not want to pay another $600. to have it done again.

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