Deros

iTrader: (1)

I have been reading about the Clear Bra film that can be put on the front hood, bumper, side view, etc. Has any done it? What do you do to maintain it? Also, if I do get it, should I detail the paint first?

Thanks for the input.

PHML

iTrader: (33)

good question...maybe TrendyTodd can chime in on this.

seangworld

there's a clear bra?

808e90

Putting on a clear bra is no easy task ... They can cost as much as a paint job too.

chrisyano

I don't know about the protection value, but the ones that don't cover the whole hood are pretty visible at the cut-off line.

Deros

iTrader: (1)

The cost for an IS350C is about $1200. Protect the paint or repaint? How much is a paint job any way?

seangworld

more than $3000.

ISBU

I ordered my clear bra online and installed it myself. I would say its good to have but if you don't like the lines across your hood then don't get it.

seangworld

gotta pic?

TrendyTodd

iTrader: (6)

I think we're talking about clear bra on the front end, not the whole car. Painting a hood and bumper definitely doesn't cost $3000, but it could run in the $1200 range, depending on who you see and what you do.

Is this clear bra going on a new car or used? Sounds like you're asking if you should clear bra or re-paint. In this case, I would re-paint, then protect it with a clear bra. If you're putting it on a new car, clear bra would protect it from having to re-paint.

Personally, I don't like the clear bra because it looks ugly, fades (no uv protection), edges will "lift" in time, and is a pain to keep clean. On the bright side, it does protect against rock chips.

Deros

iTrader: (1)

It is a new car. Really it is not the price but the maintenance and the possibility of having to replace it if some knuckle head comes by and decides to try to peel it off.

Anyway I decided not to go forward with it. Look at my wife's 2006 GX 470 and it doesn't seem to have any noticeable paint chips after 4 years.

Deros