LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017) Discussion topics related to the current flagship models LS460, LS460L and LS600H

3m Clear Bra

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-27-08, 06:12 PM
  #31  
rjm
Lead Lap
 
rjm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 706
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

I hate to resurrect an old thread, but I saw a clear bra for the first time today. It was on a dealer's car that came up from Houston. The car was Obsidian Black with a very light coat of dust on it and the clear bra was VERY visible. I thought it looked terrible. The edge of the bra stood out very visibly. I was told when the car was cleaned up you could hardly see it. So, when you wax your car with a bra on it, doesn't that make the edge show up?
Old 03-27-08, 06:18 PM
  #32  
cliffud
Former Vendor
iTrader: (3)
 
cliffud's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: away from keyboard
Posts: 5,700
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

rjm, most clear bra owners don't use the compound wax when getting close to the edge. the best way to take care of the edge is to use a sprayable wax to prevent wax build up along the edge. if there is some wax build up, i'm sure removing it can be done with a few toothpicks, just don't let it sit forever and harden up.
Old 03-27-08, 08:22 PM
  #33  
1NewLexIS300
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (2)
 
1NewLexIS300's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: California
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

just did our obsidian black LS with full clear bra 3 days ago from Premier Mobile Group.

Great job and can barely see it.

Its all about the installer..........
Old 03-27-08, 09:27 PM
  #34  
rominl
exclusive matchup

iTrader: (4)
 
rominl's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Lovely OC
Posts: 81,673
Received 190 Likes on 148 Posts
Default

the trick is to put masking tape over the edge when you wax
Old 03-28-08, 12:07 AM
  #35  
Luxofreak
Lead Lap
 
Luxofreak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: WA
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

I didn't go the 3M route. Went with Venture Shield instead. Here's the thread with pics:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=288349
Old 03-29-08, 05:19 PM
  #36  
rjm
Lead Lap
 
rjm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 706
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

A clear bra on a Lexus reminds me of my Great-Grandmother who had all of her living room furniture covered in a clear plastic covering. And the fact that it is necessary on a Lexus because of the soft, inferior paint that they are using really steams me.
Old 03-29-08, 07:09 PM
  #37  
rominl
exclusive matchup

iTrader: (4)
 
rominl's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Lovely OC
Posts: 81,673
Received 190 Likes on 148 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by rjm
A clear bra on a Lexus reminds me of my Great-Grandmother who had all of her living room furniture covered in a clear plastic covering. And the fact that it is necessary on a Lexus because of the soft, inferior paint that they are using really steams me.
that's pretty biased comment isn't it? i see clear bra on almost any other brands too, including lambo and ferrari. it's a type of protection, but not coz' lexus has soft paint (which i agree)
Old 03-30-08, 08:26 PM
  #38  
grda
Driver School Candidate
 
grda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 3m

Had my LS installed with the 3M clear bra and it looks awesome. Had my hood and fender and side mirrors done. The installer I used was awesome.
Old 03-31-08, 06:24 AM
  #39  
rjm
Lead Lap
 
rjm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 706
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by rominl
that's pretty biased comment isn't it? i see clear bra on almost any other brands too, including lambo and ferrari. it's a type of protection, but not coz' lexus has soft paint (which i agree)
Of course it's a biased comment. You either like them or you don't. I just happen to fall into the latter category. But what bothers me is that they are necessary in the first place because of the soft paint they are using (which, I think, you apparently agree). My choice would be to drive without the bra installed, and when I go to sell the car, have it professionally touched up. I just simply don't like the looks of the thing on the car. I think it cheapens an otherwise very attractive car.
Old 03-31-08, 11:23 AM
  #40  
Mike_TX
Lexus Test Driver
 
Mike_TX's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TX
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

It's worth pointing out that Rominl said he has the whole hood covered ... that would explain why no one can tell it's been bra'd. The ones that show are the ones done the usual way - front quarter of hood - and the cutline DOES show. It's just a matter of how badly it bothers you.

I happen to be one of the people it does bother (as does the price ). My own solution is a good paint detailer once a year or so. For $100., I can get the whole front end returned to stock condition. And BTW - black shows chips a lot worse than my Smoky Granite.

.
.
Old 04-01-08, 05:45 PM
  #41  
garyr
Pole Position
 
garyr's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NJ
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

My car is at the dealer today to have the 3m clear shields installed. If I've known what I know now I would have done this from day one.

$600, complete front end, fenders, mirrors, rear rockers and rear trunk lid shelf.
Old 04-01-08, 05:47 PM
  #42  
cliffud
Former Vendor
iTrader: (3)
 
cliffud's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: away from keyboard
Posts: 5,700
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

garyr- sounds like a good deal! good job!
Old 04-02-08, 06:58 AM
  #43  
garyr
Pole Position
 
garyr's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NJ
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

That's dealer cost, they are not marking it up.......They usually tack on 20%.

Cliffud, I clicked on your link and tried to contact someone in my area but after repeated calls I could not get him to call me back.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CalMike
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
78
06-01-19 08:05 PM
nighthawk
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
12
10-03-06 07:35 AM
Bengalfang
Automotive Care & Detailing
12
06-19-06 06:02 AM
CVsIS250
GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009)
13
04-10-06 11:47 AM



Quick Reply: 3m Clear Bra



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:32 PM.