Does anyone have any experience with a clear 3M protective film that people typically put on the nose, mirrors, and lower hood of their cars? I'm not sure if it's the same thing as a "clear bra" that I hear people talk about sometimes, but it's supposed to protect covered areas from rock chips, etc.

The dealer from which I bought my Z will put it on the car for about $400, and my favorite body shop in my hometown will do it for $400-$600. Would putting something like this 3M film on my car be a good investment (especially since most of the car's time will be spent on the highway/Interstate), and is $400-$600 a reasonable cost?

 

I have used the 3m clear bra on my 05 350z and it works great. I can drive on the interstate and tailgate without worrying about getting any dings/ chips on my car. I had a professional intall it for me. I tried to do it myself at first but later on the bumper was so difficult i had to call someone in to help me install it. You are much better off getting someone to do it for you before you waste your money while trying to do it yourself. And 400-500 is reasonable for the bumper, hood, mirrors.

 

Yeah, this is something I would definitely plan on having a pro do. How hard is it, based on your experience, to remove bugs from the areas that have the clear bra on them? And do you wash, wax, etc. the covered areas just like you would any other part of the car's body?

 

I had my 3M clear bra done 2 weeks ago on my fenders,hood, front bumper, headlights, mirrors and door edges. I paid $695. They did an excellent job. I waxed the bra and now I can hose or just wipe the bugs right off! Its the best investment i've ever made next to my Valentine 1 radar detector! lol.

 

Well the bumper is the hardest to put on because you are trying to put something that is flat on to something thats has curves meaning this will require some stretching. You would just remove the bugs just like how you normally would. Also you can wax on top of the film just like if it was part of your car. Trust me, this is a great investment. I got this installed 2 weeks after i took delivery of the car to minimize the chances of any dings, so better get it done asap.