4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

blame places like the EPA for making OEM paint suppliers like dupont use water based paints

rominl

iTrader: (4)

true, but then again companies like mb and audi they have harder paints. so there is something lexus can learn from (which i heard they are)

rjm

I think you are incorrect. Water-based paint for automobiles has been mandated for several years now. I came from a Mercedes E-Class and had the same problem with the soft paint. I've had 3 BMW's since 2001 and they had/have the soft paint. I think it must be an industry-wide problem due to the EPA and the tree-huggers.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yes, ever since water based paint are enforced, all paints from all factory got softer. the paint on my 92 camry were the best hands down. but looking at oil base paint is useless now.

however, looking at the industry today, there are still difference in the paint quality among water base paint, and lexus are a bit on the soft side. mb has harder paint, and audi's paint (especially the clear) is very hard. on the other hand acura's paint are pretty bad. most good detailers can tell you that

INHOCJP

If you want to keep your front end looking perfect, a clear bra is a must.

I decided against installing a clear bra on my black GS430...big mistake. After 2.5 years of So. Cal. freeway driving, the hood and front bumper look horrible.

I took my new E63 to Areotect today to get Venture film installed on the hood, bumper and lights. They made a custom piece on for my hood (almost 30" instead of the standard 18") and custom pieces for the trunk area and lower body panels behind the front and rear wheels. Can't recommend Aerotect enough, they do fantastic work!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

hehehe, jay, good job you should check out the full hood/fender setup on my ls460l it helps a lot against chips

jettie1767

I agree, installing a clearbra is the way to go. My LS already came with it when I bought it last summer. I have bought a couple of cars since and I've also installed clearbra on them.

rjm

Can you wax over the Clear-Bra?

How about some pictures of it on the car?

What are the dealers charging for the Clear-Bra for the front of the car?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yes you can wax the clear bra no problem, just careful about the edge

just look at pictures of my car. i have full hood/fender/bumper coverage. no one could tell (really, none so far) i have clear bra until i told them

rjm

Thanks for that information. I won't even tint my windshield because I have seen so many that peel after a period of time and look terrible. Can that happen with a clear bra?
Also, how much would I expect to pay to have a clear bra installed on the front part of my LS460? Does the price vary from place to place?
Thanks for any info.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

tinting windshield, it depends on the shop. a lousy shop, what can i say. but the shop i go to, they have done a lot of front windshield as well, i have yet to see one bubble or peel.

in any case, same for clear bra. if done right, they won't peel unless someone go and "tackle" it. cost it's hard to say, probably depends on region as usual. in socal, i guess around 600 you can wrap the front "minimally". like me wrap the whole front (full hood/fenders)? prepare at least 1 grand (and make sure the shop is good coz' it's full piece)

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

hey RJM - not sure if you had a chance to find a shop locally so if you're still looking - there are A TON of clear bra installers in Texas.

check out the list here: http://www.clearbrafilms.com/texas