To Bra or not to Bra?

U

UK2TX

New member
Ok,

you are all so helpful here :)

Do you recommend a bra?

Never had one before but this is custom made for a 2003 Harley.

If a detail and then put on then obviously remove to re-wash/apply Zaino, what do ya'll think? Any experience with Bra's and their usefulness etc.?

Nick
 

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I had a bra on my Toyota truck (my last vehicle). Useful for one off use for a long drive etc. But if you leave it on, it'll scratch, cause differential paint fade, etc. I wouldn't.



If you want to protect the front end, I would look into the clear bra's from 3M. Brad B and a number of others have them, and really like them. The best part is that you can Z right over it.
 
One word: ARMORGLOVE! Armorglove Paint Protection Film



I still have a brand new bra sitting in the box. It's a carbon fiber looking one by one of the better mfgs. If you have a Lexus SC430 and want one, PM me!



Seriously, a "clear bra" is far better than a black nasty looking thing flapping around!



I have it on the hood, headlights, fender by headlights, front bumper/air-dam, rockers, side mirrors and door cups. Best investment I made!



Regards,

Deanski
 
Deanski said:
One word: ARMORGLOVE! Armorglove Paint Protection Film



I still have a brand new bra sitting in the box. It's a carbon fiber looking one by one of the better mfgs. If you have a Lexus SC430 and want one, PM me!



Seriously, a "clear bra" is far better than a black nasty looking thing flapping around!



I have it on the hood, headlights, fender by headlights, front bumper/air-dam, rockers, side mirrors and door cups. Best investment I made!



Regards,

Deanski
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I agree. I have my black bra for my Chevy Avalanche in the box. I only used it last winter on my Colorado Trip.
 
Here's my Armorglove:



It's highlighted with polish to show where it ends, otherwise you can't see it unless VERY close.



Deanski
 

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I would have to agree you shouldn't get the bra. You'll be stuck with it since the paint that is not under the bra will fade over time. Also any dust that gets stuck under it will scratch up your paint.
 
Driving mostly hiway miles, I alternate between a bra and a bug shield to help protect against rocks, road debris and insects. I usually remove it when I get home. Nevertheless, I am thinking about getting an invisible bra.
 
I wish I had gotten a bra for long trips (I was driving back and forth to Rochester NY at least 9-10 times a year at HIGH speed while I was in college, but bras definitely don't make sense to use all the time. I never understood the logic of people protecting the paint by hiding it...why protect it if you can't see it. Add to that the uneven fading and scratching problems....
 
endus said:
I wish I had gotten a bra for long trips (I was driving back and forth to Rochester NY at least 9-10 times a year at HIGH speed while I was in college, but bras definitely don't make sense to use all the time. I never understood the logic of people protecting the paint by hiding it...why protect it if you can't see it. Add to that the uneven fading and scratching problems....
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It's like putting plastic over your couch. Bras are ugly, personally. Paint chips aren't very noticable=not as ugly. The clear stuff may be a good thing though. I don't really like how it's semi-permanent on the paint (thus I would never get it done).
 
Deanski,



Did you install the clear film or did you have it installed?



If you did it was it difficult?



And if you had it done, where? I'm not far from you (work in Danbury).
 
I find it very useful for long trips. (usually covered with bug strikes!)



I use the "Perfect Fit" bra for any road trip. Around town I leave it off.



It's very important to make sure the paint and the bra are clean before putting it on.



Also, the back of the bra should be washed with a hard stream of water whenever it shows soiling. Then air dry.



Don't put any dressing on the bra either. The pores get clogged and then it won't drain or dry properly.



I'm very careful when installing or taking it off, so I won't end up with scratches. Haven't had a scratch yet.
 
They need to invent a clear bra that is just as good as the Scotchcal but installs instantly without water and alcohol , stays on by static cling is removable and reusable. There is a material called Cleartastic for Corvettes and Mustangs but I don't think it's anywhere near as protective as Scotchcal and they don't make a clear bra of their material. Oh well, its either risk chips, get a vinyl bra or shell out the dough for the unreinstallable Scotchcal clear bra. :(
 
What's the consensus with applying a clear bra over a hood that has some imperfections already? I've got around 12K miles on my passat and have maybe 6 or so paint chips. Most of them are really minor, but the most recent one went through the primer (got have touch-up paint and am brushing up on chip repair now). I'm guessing you would need to touch up the all imperfections prior to installation right? What about other surface prep requirements?



Also, has anyone installed a clear bra themselves? The film can be purchased for around $160 from suppliers for the bumper, hood, lights and mirrors. I was quoted from $300-500 for the film plus installation.



Michael
 
Bill D said:
They need to invent a clear bra that is just as good as the Scotchcal but installs instantly without water and alcohol , stays on by static cling is removable and reusable. There is a material called Cleartastic for Corvettes and Mustangs but I don't think it's anywhere near as protective as Scotchcal and they don't make a clear bra of their material. Oh well, its either risk chips, get a vinyl bra or shell out the dough for the unreinstallable Scotchcal clear bra. :(
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Bill, Do You Have any info re the SCOTCHCAL ..Site/#etc

Sounds like a Great Idea!



Thank You!
 
I really wish material with the attributes I spoke of existed.



3m Scotchcal is the material used by Invica-Shield, Xpel, Stongard, etc. To the best of my understanding,quality is determined by how well the pieces that fit over the parts of the car are cut. If you investigate each one, you'll see some of the pieces for the hood, front, etc are not the same shape from brand name to brand name. The best fitting ones, Armorglove is mentioned here a lot, are probably the most costly.



I have the Xpel headlight guards still sitting in my trunk. I have a friend who is very good at this kind of stuff to help but he had surgery on his hand so still waitng until he can help me out. I'm not confident enough with my own ability to install because if you mess up the whole piece is ruined.



I think Eastwoodco.com has plain sheets of Scotchcal. One could manipulate to place in spots like under the doors, around the door edges, etc.



One thought I had is if Scotchcal placed on the bottom of the front bumber of some lower-to-the -ground cars, Chrysler Sebring comes to mind, would save the paint if it ever scraped against a sidewalk or dip in the pavement. The Scotchcal could be cut to shape and placed on the underside of the car, it would probably be ripped up but the paint would be saved I hope.



Excellent project for someone real good with their hands.
 
Most clear bra's ARE Scotchcal.



Here's the link for Scotchcal: 3M Scotchcal Paint Protection Film



Houseofshine: I had Armorfend in Greenwich do the install at the Lexus dealer after Lexus made an attempt (feeble at that) repair of the chipped areas. Anyway, they handle ALL the high-end cars in the area and do a FANTASTIC JOB! If you really want Armorglove, call them!



It's durable, saves paint from damage, can wax over it. This had to be pro installed as it's not for a "weekend warrior" to do. You need special tools and experience with this stuff.



Go do yourself a favor and put it on. If in time you want it removed, have them remove it, as it takes a heat gun and the right technique.



Regards,

Deanski
 
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