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There have been a lot of posts and discussion on clear bras here in the last 6 months or so (use the search feature). Almost universally, they are well-liked and seen as a good investment. Some owners are leery of sticking something like that on their finish but we haven't really heard any horror stories. They are a bit expensive to have installed and aren't beyond the DIY capabilities of many, so that's your call depending on your abilities. There are two major makers of the film, 3M and somebody else (sorry, brain freeze), and both seem to be equal in quality.
3M is the best product to use. We do almost every Z we have at the dealership. Make sure you find a good installer, because they are custom cut. Do to the installer they can come out perfect or horrible. They will keep you from having paint chips and dings in the bumper. I remember my 03 Z had horrible paint dimples and paint chips, due to the large flat surface of these cars. They are a great investment. Plus you never have to deal with taking off a bra and putting in back on, which is a pain in the azz.
We had one installed the day after we picked up our ZR. It's the best investment we have made so far. We only did the bumper and side mirrors. Thats what seems to get the most damage . Also if you just do the bumper and not the hood it seems to hide the edges better. Only issue as stated above, wax can stick at the edges a little. This requires a little extra work to remove, but well worth it. Check w/ your local dealer to see who they use for tinting Most tint shops also do the clear bra's and you want someone who has worked on Z's before.
We had one installed the day after we picked up our ZR. It's the best investment we have made so far. We only did the bumper and side mirrors. Thats what seems to get the most damage . Also if you just do the bumper and not the hood it seems to hide the edges better. Only issue as stated above, wax can stick at the edges a little. This requires a little extra work to remove, but well worth it. Check w/ your local dealer to see who they use for tinting Most tint shops also do the clear bra's and you want someone who has worked on Z's before.
Tint shops are usually the worst installers because they do not specialize in clear bras. Find a real clear bra installer... one that only does clear bras and see some of his work. 3M has too much orange peel to it and does not hold up well in hot climates. I have seen it craze and crack after a couple of years. VentureShield Ultra and ClearMask AR are much better films and come with lifetime warranties. And to avoid the "edges" everyone worries about spend a little extra and do the full hood and full fenders. Paint today is very weak and film is a great way of protecting it... keeping your car looking new for much longer.
Tint shops are usually the worst installers because they do not specialize in clear bras. Find a real clear bra installer... one that only does clear bras and see some of his work. 3M has too much orange peel to it and does not hold up well in hot climates. I have seen it craze and crack after a couple of years. VentureShield Ultra and ClearMask AR are much better films and come with lifetime warranties. And to avoid the "edges" everyone worries about spend a little extra and do the full hood and full fenders. Paint today is very weak and film is a great way of protecting it... keeping your car looking new for much longer.
I didn't know there were other companies, but I will agree on the oragne peel on 3M. Escpecailly black
So, if the concenses is that 3M, which I thought was the best, has problems, what other material should I request? There are so many out there and how do you know if the dealership is trustworthy? I am having an issue with seeing the line and don't want my entire hood covered...any thoughts?
You have to do the whole hood in order not to see a line. I would just do the bumper and side mirrors and i think you will be happy. As for the 3M, can't comment good or bad yet.
I do a lot of full panels (hoods, fenders, doors) and they are a little overkill. Most of my clients that want the full panels done are very wealthy and are not worried about the cost of the installation. It does give the cleanest look but as far as protection goes... most of the damage will occur on the front thrid of the hood and fenders, the bumper, and the rocker panels beghind the wheels... depending on the model of the car.
i too am thinking about this due to our bug prob here in south LA. Yeah u can wash your car/bumper every night when you get home, BUT its dark, my car is black, and yes i will admiot im not a car wash god, my bumper looks like crap one year in and needs repaint. Ill prob get the entire bumper done when i repaint.
Also, no ne has mentioned getting a strip to go right above the windsheild..??? I find that to be a problem area more than the side view mirrors.
clear bra
