So when I got my new 05 vert I thought that the perfect compliment for the legend lime color would be a nice black bra.....so I went out and purchased one of the Wolf brand bras and boy was I a happy camper. That was 2 months ago.....now I have a different opinion....although the front end bra does give that car a very nice look today I noticed that the bra is wearing the paint off of some high points around the front edges. Specifically...the Wolf Brand Bra uses plastic tabs that fit between body spaces (headlights and body panel for instance) and when the wind gets caught up under the bra those plastic tabs tend to move. That back and forth motion has worn the paint off of those body panels wherever those tabs are located.

Do all of the bras on the market use the same system for keeping the bra in place. I really like the look but will go back to the naked braless look in a heartbeat if no solution is found.

 

Norm,there is a clear invisible paint on kind.I have not been a fan of black bras since the 80"s though..JMO

 

ALL bras will cause some light scratching, etc. on the paint, because it is placed on top of the paint (obviously). The same back and forth movement that you stated with the tabs actually occurs with the whole surface that the bra touches (if it is removed and then re-installed frequently). But, if you leave it on for a long period, you may get some paint fade.

Either way, it's going to be a "lose-lose" situation in terms of paint.

 

I have never been a big fan of bra's on cars or women! they tend inhibit their natural beauty and excessibilty....

 

I have heard the choir and see the error of my ways.....although it may have been an okay idea at the time it has proven to be a disaster in the making. Now that I have my stripes on I can officially retire the bra and go for the clean look......after a few paint touch ups that is.

 

did you always leave it on ? I had one for my 05 and only used for highway trips for chips and Never had a worry and like some leaft on for ever with the crap build up under Yuck. now it does not fit on th 07 GT/CS so I'll maybe turf it

 

Left it on this winter because they put that red lava rock down on our roads when it snows or freezes and I didn't want to have to deal with rock chips ans such....now with it warming up I should only have to deal with rain and that I can handle.

 

I had a Colgan bra, the only brand I'd consider using, on my Focus and had some clouding issues with the paint. That was one reason I shied away from using on my Mustang. I have one of the 3M clear bras but haven't applied it yet. I need it to warm up here or else find someone to do it for me that has a heated workspace. When they put down the rock salt here it's like getting pelted with meteorites going down the freeway.

 

I had a Ford front end mask on my 05 for about 6 months and NEVER had a single scratching or clouding issue. Personally I really think many of these problems are due to a number of factors including climate, humidity, and leaving the bra on the car for months at a time without removing.

I took that cover off every week when I washed the car. I'd also clean off the bra. Once the car and bra were dry I'd put the bra back on the car. Maybe this process won't work as successfully outside of Arid-zona but it worked fine for me.

 

BTW it's "accessability"

 

No ****! Chuck, I realize that. It's called play on words!..

 

DOH my bad

 

you could also check out the clear coat bra's. those are supposed to be really good. for the car guys

 

Get a clear bra.... 18 months and not one chip and no one knows its there..... Yes its on there...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ng2047edit.jpg

 

Ditto - I have been running the Ford bra since purchase one year ago and have not had any issues. Granted last year was the driest year on record in AZ. I dusted the car off a few times a week. I also washed the bra in the gentle cycle a couple of times during the year.

I haven't had any issues with the plastic flaps damaging the paint. The Ford bra is tight as all get out. The first time I put it on I almost thought it wasn't going to fit.

If I am lazy I will only put on the hood bra and not bother with the bumper. I've received more damage to the hood when the bra's off than on. (one nice chip on the vinyl stripes through to the paint, not sure how I'm going to manage to fix that now.)

 

Well I finally got the bra off today for a good inspection of body underneath...not as bad as I thought it was going to be...but I did notice some wear on the new stripes I put on....I think I will just leave it off a while let her air out....then after a good wash and dry ...a little wax and then I can really see what I got......but I am looking at those clear bras....anyone recommend a good dealer

 

I would also look into a clear 3M bra. They are invisible unless you are just a few inches away and hold up to scratchs, etc. My local tint shop quoted me around $200 for one with install.