Hi everyone, I've searched all the threads and cannot find an answer to this specific question:

I've got a clear bra concern. Those of you that have the clear bra installed on your bumpers, does the 3M film still get visible nicks on it when stones hit it?? I'm asking because I want to know if it is as noticable as stone chips on the paint. (I have super black btw).

I would imagine that the film will show nicks and indentations when hit by large debris. Now, I know that the purpose of the film is to protect the paint itself, but if I'm going to see my 3M film all messed up over time which will look ugly anyway on black....I might as well just refinish my bumper every 4-5 years.

What do you think....I'd appreciate any help. Thanks!

 

i personally don't see the purpose in the clear bra. it costs $600-700? for the material + install and the purpose is to protect your bumper, so that you don't have to have it repainted; repainting is costly i guess?

i get my bumper repainted for $50 and it's happening about twice a year ... so, if this trend keeps up, it's going to take atleast 6 years to equal the cost of having a clear bra installed.

that's not worth it to me.

 

$50 to refinish the front bumper cover? That's very, very cheap. Most shops will charge around $250-$300.

 

i can get my front bumper and hood done for $200....

 

my sideskirts, bumper, fenders, including minor body work, and having the paint blended into the doors are currently bieng painted for $175

rule #1 of bieng a car enthusiest, make friends with painters

 

From what I've seen, most small stones don't leave noticable nicks in the clearbra...I'm sure a larger projectile could possibly do it, but I haven't encountered that problem yet.

--D.J. (fellow SuperBlack owner with ClearBra)

 

You may see some nicks on the clear bra over time, but the clear bra is more a peace of mind thing to keep you from going nuts over the crap Nissan paint and every little rock that hits your car.

I think it's better than nothing..

 

Damn, i wasn't sure how much the clear bra costed....but if it IS $600 and up, i would rather just have the hood/bumper repainted after a few years.

 

Just have it repainted. The clear bra will still show the large stone chips.

 

That's what I figured....the last thing I want is to install the clear bra....and have it looking disgusting over time.

Is there anyone who's brave enough to show pics of they're battered clear bras. I would imagine this would really show up on black Z's.

 

Getting my 3M bra, hood, and mirrors done tomorrow. Cost of material and install is $300. This is done by a shop (don't remember the name) recomended by my Nissan dealership and not a fly-by-night shop. Have seen their work and have been impressed. The small stuff that can chip the thin paint on the front won't usually put any nicks in the film and the film will also protect your paint from the acids on the insides of all the organics that tend to collect on those surfaces. Worth it in my opinion.