3M Clear Bra

jfaisten · 07-17-2008

Anyone have experience with the 3M clear bra? I used on Porsche before and it seems that it would be a good add for our cars. From the design, the front fender and hood looks like they would pick up a lot of rock chips. I found a place locally that will do the work, I'm too type A to do it myself, and they want $675. Seems pricey but still a good add if it saves the front end from chips. My car is competition orange and that's a hard color to spot in on chips.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

01 Cobra SC · 07-17-2008

i was looking at as well, but then i noticed a BMW 750 with it on and it was pretty obvious..... could be because the lack of maintenance but it made the hood look dated....

**jim293** · 07-20-2008

I have it on my Saleen and love it. No problems with it. You cannot even see it unless you are really looking for it. If you can afford it do it. It is a bit pricey but worth the cash.

jfaisten · 07-21-2008

Just the kind of input I'm looking for -- thanks

**jim293** · 07-22-2008

This is nothing you would want to install your self. They say you can but I am like you. I want it perfect. Well worth the money to have in installed.

jfaisten · 07-22-2008

I have an appointment this Friday to have it installed. I know I'll feel better driving on the Xway with some protection. I'll post some thoughts and hopefully a picture or two after the job is done.

**jim293** · 07-23-2008

Jeff you will not hardly be able to see. it and what a difference. No rock chips and if it gets jacked up just go and have them put another piece on and you are ready to rock. Let me know how you like it.

Stang19 · 09-05-2008

Hi guys - I have a 2004 Mustang that has Perma Plate but no clear bra. The finish looks great and I've loved the Perma Plate over the past four years; however, it doesn't protect from road dings. I just bought a new 2008 Mustang GT in the Vapor Silver Metallic color and I am considering the Clear Bra but I have a few concerns - wondering if someone can help. Here are my questions:
1) I wonder how it will look on this color.
2) Will it take the Perma Plate off
3) If you really don't like it and have it removed - what does the adhesive do to the finish? Is it such a "permanent" addition to the car that once it's on you pretty much have to leave it on because of damage to the paint/clear coat from either the film or the adhesive?

Thanks!

jfaisten · 09-05-2008

Greetings.
I think the clear bra looks very good on silver.
Sorry, but I don't know what Perma Plate is
According to the installer and the 3M web site, removal is not an issue. No need to heat it, just pull it off. I've never done it so I can't say this for sure.
You may want to go to Rennlist.com -- it's a Porsche web site -- go to the forums and the 993 area and do a search on clear bra -- tons of information and people with experience with this product.
In my humble opinion, you can't go wrong.

Stang19 · 09-05-2008

Jeff,

Thanks for the info and the website - lots of good info and I'm pretty much convinced. I drive about 130 miles a day so it will pay off.

Thanks,
Steve

Stang19 · 09-15-2008

Guys - I've decided to do the Clear Bra. Does anyone know about or have any experience with either Inspire Auto or Sticker City? Inspire actually comes to you as a mobile service and installs it. Just on the surface this seems like it could cause problems (i.e. not being in a dust-free garage, etc.). Sticker City is in Sherman Oaks and does it at their site and is quite expensive. Any thoughts?

jfaisten · 09-15-2008

I don't have any experience with either outfit. I found a very good installer -- drove to his house as he operates out of his garage. No dust free enviorment but the job looks very good. Further, he travels to dealerships and installs on their sites -- so, dust or installation in a garage or your home for that matter doesn't seem to be a problem
Good luck

**jim293** · 09-16-2008

When I had mine put on the guy did it right out of his garage and it turned out fantastic. So how do you like it now that it is on?

jfaisten · 09-16-2008

It's great -- I've pretty much stopped worrying about rock chips on the Xway. I do a lot of freeway driving and that really concerned me. It's hard if not impossible to match the competition orange paint.
I get some polish build up on the edges that's a little difficult to remove. Have you run into that?