Clear bras...questions and advice sought...

YNOT

YNOT

Poorboys Rules!
So we just got this brand new Edge Sport about a month ago. After 6 years of bugs and debris, the front of our previous SUV was a disaster.

I looked into getting a 'clear bra' installed and the one local place I checked into so far wants $575+ to do it. They apply it to the front bumper, lower bumper, front sides of the fenders, hood and mirrors. Sounds like a nice deal...except for the price.

Does anyone else have experience with these things? Is that a 'reasonable' price? Is it worth it to have done?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Clear bras certainly aren't cheap, but IMO they're worth the price especially for someone who has a bit of automotive OCD.

That said, if I were having one installed I would seek out and insist on XPEL Ultimate film -- it is self healing and has stain resistant properties that to me are must-haves.
 
I got the hook up on mine since my friend is a Xpel installer but if I think the price you have is reasonable.
 
Are the people using "pre cut" clear bra material or are they going to use a sheet and custom-cut it to fit much nicer than a "pre cut" one?

I have had several clear bra's on that many cars over 13 years now,and there are no cheap ones, unless its either a good friend or someone using very cheap material and installation methods..

Good luck with this !
Dan F
 
Like detailing the skill of the installer is critical. The things to look out for are:
Does the installer have a plotter to cut custom patterns? Only the best guys have these and they add inches all around as compared to kits that are to the edge. this allow them to wrap the edges for a better look. Dirt will not collect on a wrapped edge while it will if it is up to the line. you cannot wrap every edge.

Make sure that the installer is skilled enough to not cut your paint with the razor as he trims you film. Go to the shop and inspect his finished work. Go to a local cars and coffee and the guys with the nice rides know who does the good work. Look at their cars and make you determination. Look for straight seams w/o irregular edges.

Let the installer know that you know the pitfalls and spell it out. Are you licensed and insured? Because if you cut up my paint I dont want it fixed, I want a new one. The good guys won't be scared off-the hacks will!

We are lucky to have a great shop in town that did mine a few years ago. I have venture on the hood as the scotch guard would not cover 100% and scotch guard on all other pannels. The scotch guard is more durable and had a clear coat top coat so it can be better polished and corrected, the venture has less orange peel and is alittle more delicate. Sine I did my car I understand that the top of the line Xpel is the new top of the line in the industry but do your research I am out of the market so I am not up on the latest and greatest. Most guys push their film anyway so get independent opinions from guys that are happy with the product and install.

Good Luck and your price seems fair to me if it is the right guy to do the job.
 
Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, I do believe this place uses Xpel and they've been doing it for 15+ years supposedly. He said the pieces are cut to shape to fit the make/model of vehicle.

I'll probably ask around a bit more to see who other people have used locally. I'm not sure I wanna spend that much, but then again, I washed her last night and I had to scrub on some bugs, so in the end, it's probably worth the money.
 
YNOT said:
Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, I do believe this place uses Xpel and they've been doing it for 15+ years supposedly. He said the pieces are cut to shape to fit the make/model of vehicle.

I'll probably ask around a bit more to see who other people have used locally. I'm not sure I wanna spend that much, but then again, I washed her last night and I had to scrub on some bugs, so in the end, it's probably worth the money.
Click to expand...

A clear bra will not save you from cleaning the bugs any easier. In fact you will be forced to use the least harsh chemical on them and soak them off.

The main purpose of a clear bra is to save you from road rash and chips. I suggest doing the edges of the car that get hit by wind as you drive the parkway and area that are splat zones (Area where the tires kick up stones)
 
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