Clear Bra
03-09-09, 07:55 PM
#1
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Clear Bra
Am about to pull the trigger and get a clear bra put on both of my LS's and wanted to get your opinions on what to look for, how long they last etc. One of our sponsors features them and I'm going to check them out but wanted some experience first.
Thanks,
Thanks,
03-09-09, 08:06 PM
#2
I've got it on mine since the car was new. Been 5 years now (car is 2004) and no issues of it peeling or turning yellow. The cars got the full front, both mirrors, door handle slots, and door trim. It was a Lexus dealer add on, but basically an outside company comes in and installs it for them.
03-09-09, 08:12 PM
#3
I understand shrinking the clear wrap down to a cars that's "new" with perfect paint, but what happens when you shrink it down onto a vehicle that has either paint chips, touch up that is above the surface, or just scratches. Wouldn't there be "bubbles" underneath the bra from the imperfections?
I too was thinking about getting the clear bra, but my hood has two touchup spots that raise and didn't think the clear would work.
I too was thinking about getting the clear bra, but my hood has two touchup spots that raise and didn't think the clear would work.
03-09-09, 11:31 PM
#4
I understand shrinking the clear wrap down to a cars that's "new" with perfect paint, but what happens when you shrink it down onto a vehicle that has either paint chips, touch up that is above the surface, or just scratches. Wouldn't there be "bubbles" underneath the bra from the imperfections?
I too was thinking about getting the clear bra, but my hood has two touchup spots that raise and didn't think the clear would work.
I too was thinking about getting the clear bra, but my hood has two touchup spots that raise and didn't think the clear would work.
It's recommended that the clear bra be put on after the chips are fixed. I had one on my LS400 and where the bra didn't protect the bumper was an outline of chips. Most of the highways in KY are falling apart because of salt and other winter chemicals, so we get tons of rocks. Ill be painting my bumper soon and installing a clear bra.
They ARE worth the money.
03-10-09, 04:06 AM
#5
I am a big believer.
Clea Bra is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
I have it on my LS430 (had it on the last one too). I did hood, bumpers, small section of front quarter panel, mirrors, door jams, and areas behind wheels that get splashed.
Most installer say, "don't do bumpers, because they are easy to res-hoot." I don't want to wait until I havea chipped up bumpers and re-shoot it. Besides, it's actually cheaper to clear bra the bumper than re-shoot it. Many installers are lazy and don't want to screw with it.
3M guarantees against yellowing, etc. You'll love it.
I have it on my LS430 (had it on the last one too). I did hood, bumpers, small section of front quarter panel, mirrors, door jams, and areas behind wheels that get splashed.
Most installer say, "don't do bumpers, because they are easy to res-hoot." I don't want to wait until I havea chipped up bumpers and re-shoot it. Besides, it's actually cheaper to clear bra the bumper than re-shoot it. Many installers are lazy and don't want to screw with it.
3M guarantees against yellowing, etc. You'll love it.
03-10-09, 08:27 AM
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you should call a dealership or local shop in your area and ask them... in my opinion its a local thing, sorta like tint. you really wouldn't tell someone in NY that there is an awesome tint shop in CA, but maybe recommend a certain tint material,, so in this case someone mentioned 3m which i also had on my last car and it was good, but after about 9 years started turning yellowish...
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03-10-09, 08:39 AM
#9
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well, thats not what i was saying, but this tint shop i stopped by a few months back here actually does do the clear bra as well as tinting.
i was basically comparing a tint shop to a shop that would do clear bras... but calling a tint shop in your area and asking them for some info would most likely yield positive results.
i was basically comparing a tint shop to a shop that would do clear bras... but calling a tint shop in your area and asking them for some info would most likely yield positive results.
03-10-09, 08:43 AM
#10
Have any of you tried to order the Clear Bra kits and do the install yourself?
I saw the 3m kits online for $210. If its not too difficult I might try this instead of paying $550 to get it done at the shop( parts and labor).
I saw the 3m kits online for $210. If its not too difficult I might try this instead of paying $550 to get it done at the shop( parts and labor).
Last edited by LRoy430ul; 03-10-09 at 09:45 AM.
03-10-09, 09:27 AM
#13
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Thread Starter
I'm having my 2 cars done today based on the answers I've gotten. $450 per car will include the front bumpers, headlamps, hood about 1/2 way up and the side mirrors. It will be the 3m stuff and I watched them do it on another car and decided I'm too picky and inexperienced to do it myself and wouldn't want to ruin it and waste the material I had to buy. I'll leave it to the pros and take their guarantee on the job. I like the peace of mind.
03-11-09, 04:36 PM
#15
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Its Done
Just got the cars back and am very pleased with the results. Can barely see the line on either color (05 is the flint mica) and they say that the very tiny bubbles will smooth out with within a couple days. 
Glad I didn't attempt this as even tho these guys do this for a living every day, it took them nearly 6 hours on the 05 because of the bumper sensors and 4.5 hours on the 02.
Glad I didn't attempt this as even tho these guys do this for a living every day, it took them nearly 6 hours on the 05 because of the bumper sensors and 4.5 hours on the 02.
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