Clear bra
6/24/13, 08:58 PM
#1
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Clear bra
So ive been doing some light research and all quotes im getting on clear bras are running $900-$1300. Is this average? I know its a good investment, but im not sure what these things look like after some years in the hot Florida sun. Any have any good/bad experiences with them long term and also is that a average price?
6/24/13, 09:50 PM
#2
V6 Member
I just had my 2014 done with the mirrors and about 1/3 of the way up the hood and fenders. It cost me almost exactly $1,000. I don't know about the Florida sun - I'm in PA but I had done the Infiniti G37 coupe I traded in on the Mustang and after 5 years, I had no stone chips in the front bumper. The covering was starting to peel on the bottom edge of the spoiler but that was more from scraping curves than the coverings fault - That shouldn't be a problem with the Mustang since the covering only goes to the black plastic edge and not over it. Also the Mustang is higher (atleast until I start messing with the suspension) so it should clear curbing better. What i also noticed is bug splats are much easier to get off the polyurethane coating than off paint. The only drawback i see is getting wax buildup at the seams and detailing swabs will take care of that. I'd say it is a good investment especially if you are planning on keeping your car long term. I'm thinking of also doing the door sills and in front of the rear wheels, and headlights. These are relatively flat so i should be able to do these by myself - Amazon sells the bulk film and it's not that expensive. It's the precut kits and labor / expertise that run the price up but my installer did a very good job so i think it was money well spent.
Scott
Scott
6/24/13, 11:41 PM
#4
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Good info, definitely considering dropping the cash. Need to check the reviews on place called tint world. I've been referred to them by a couple of people.
6/25/13, 05:36 AM
#5
I Have No Life
I think I did a thread or two in the last couple years highlighting my clear bra. Put it this way:
1) I have it on ALL my vehicles, my current 3 and past 2.
2) I will never ever ever ever buy another new vehicle if I can't drive off the lot with it already installed
3) on my previous cars, after 4 years or so with it, it was still like new (depends on the care you give it, obviously)
1) I have it on ALL my vehicles, my current 3 and past 2.
2) I will never ever ever ever buy another new vehicle if I can't drive off the lot with it already installed
3) on my previous cars, after 4 years or so with it, it was still like new (depends on the care you give it, obviously)
6/25/13, 11:06 AM
#6
Legacy TMS Member
If you do decide to get it get it as soon as possible as stone marks already in the paint still will show. I had mine done the next day. Check out Llumar paint protection as the manufacture spot checks installations of its sellers.
Last edited by dusman59; 6/25/13 at 11:15 AM. Reason: spelling
6/25/13, 12:49 PM
#7
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I'm with FromZto5 on this one, we have had it on three cars now and I love it. It is not very noticeable, protects the front and it does seem bugs are easier to clean.
6/25/13, 06:49 PM
#11
Shelby GT500 Member
I hate seeing the lines too, so I had the entire front 1/3 covered: the entire hood, entire bumper, headlights for track protection, both front fenders to the door and the side view mirrors. There are already scars in the film from rocks, which means it's kept at least a few chips away. It's worth the money.
6/25/13, 09:28 PM
#12
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Comes off extremely difficult, and overspray is a real *****
6/25/13, 09:32 PM
#13
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6/27/13, 02:17 PM
#14
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I have clear bra on the entire front fenders, hood, bumper, headlights, mirrors, A-pillars, first 10 inches of the roof, full doors, splash areas on the rear fenders both in front and behind the rear tires, and the trunk loading area. I would say it is over 3/4 of the car. It was a little under $3k after tax and some special car care products from these Speed Shield guys in Dallas. They did a great job and the Shelby was harder than their usual stuff because they had to trim the material around all of the stripes.
I have had it on the track and driven it quite a bit on sandy/dirty roads on windy days and it has kept my paint looking wonderful. There are a few seams/edges that I wish had been done a little better as they have a little dirt under them, but overall I am very happy with it. Next time I have a car done I might consider removing some parts to make it easier to wrap around to avoid seams.
It is well worth it, and it will save me big moneys on not having to do a paint job down the road. Having the full doors done has even prevented some minor door dings (non-denters).
I have a rock chip right above my driver's window on the roof and now I am kicking myself for not doing the whole car!
I have had it on the track and driven it quite a bit on sandy/dirty roads on windy days and it has kept my paint looking wonderful. There are a few seams/edges that I wish had been done a little better as they have a little dirt under them, but overall I am very happy with it. Next time I have a car done I might consider removing some parts to make it easier to wrap around to avoid seams.
It is well worth it, and it will save me big moneys on not having to do a paint job down the road. Having the full doors done has even prevented some minor door dings (non-denters).
I have a rock chip right above my driver's window on the roof and now I am kicking myself for not doing the whole car!
Last edited by Forkmachine; 6/27/13 at 03:28 PM.
6/27/13, 03:39 PM
#15
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Today I sprayed on Plastidip clear and glossifier. Keep in mind, this is a trial, and my first attempt. It is to see if it can protect from small rocks but I intend to pull it right off before my favorite time of year, Woodward Dream Cruise! I am semi-pleased with the results but I need practice, for sure. Here are some pics
6/27/13, 03:50 PM
#16
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I just had mine done with the Xpel ultimate self healing film. Cost $1000 for hood, fenders, full bumper, a pillars, headlights & door cups under handles.
www.prestigeautoarmor.com
www.prestigeautoarmor.com
6/28/13, 08:48 AM
#17
Cobra Member
I just had mine done with the Xpel ultimate self healing film. Cost $1000 for hood, fenders, full bumper, a pillars, headlights & door cups under handles.
www.prestigeautoarmor.com
www.prestigeautoarmor.com
I got my full bumper, 18" of hood and fenders, mirrors, and lights and fogs. He also wrapped the edges so other than the edge where it stops on the hood and fenders you can't see it (and even that is near invisible). All for $900. Plastidip is cool but as you can see in the pics, there is a big difference in final appearance.
autopaintguard.com is one of the few Xpel dealers in Florida. Xpel requires they go through the Xpel training but even then doesn't mean a good install. A buddy of mine had his m3 done by an Xpel dealer and it is just "ok". Mine was a bit more $$$ but is flawless. Ryan at APG is an even bigger perfectionist than I am. I was sold when I saw the 458's he works on.
Last edited by typesredline; 6/28/13 at 08:50 AM.
6/28/13, 08:57 AM
#18
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Xpel Ultimate is the only way to go. It is by far are a superior film.
I got my full bumper, 18" of hood and fenders, mirrors, and lights and fogs. He also wrapped the edges so other than the edge where it stops on the hood and fenders you can't see it (and even that is near invisible). All for $900. Plastidip is cool but as you can see in the pics, there is a big difference in final appearance.
autopaintguard.com is one of the few Xpel dealers in Florida. Xpel requires they go through the Xpel training but even then doesn't mean a good install. A buddy of mine had his m3 done by an Xpel dealer and it is just "ok". Mine was a bit more $$$ but is flawless. Ryan at APG is an even bigger perfectionist than I am. I was sold when I saw the 458's he works on.
I got my full bumper, 18" of hood and fenders, mirrors, and lights and fogs. He also wrapped the edges so other than the edge where it stops on the hood and fenders you can't see it (and even that is near invisible). All for $900. Plastidip is cool but as you can see in the pics, there is a big difference in final appearance.
autopaintguard.com is one of the few Xpel dealers in Florida. Xpel requires they go through the Xpel training but even then doesn't mean a good install. A buddy of mine had his m3 done by an Xpel dealer and it is just "ok". Mine was a bit more $$$ but is flawless. Ryan at APG is an even bigger perfectionist than I am. I was sold when I saw the 458's he works on.
