Ok, as many of you know I had a little incident during the Mohawk drive, anyway I'm getting my front repainted via insurance and am contemplating getting the 3m done. I know some of you have it. I've been searching posts and it seems pretty split. My dad has it one his corvette and the install was pretty good, so if I get it done, I'm not worried about the install process. What are your thoughts? Hey it's a rainy day.

 

the professional cost of installation plus the bra will be almost equal of the respray of the front end.

BUT - if you don't want to go through the hassle of dealing with chips and waiting until your front end looks like crap to do a respray, its worth it.

the installation and quality of the cut of the clear bra is the most important. the cut meaning look at the edges and see how close they are to the actual edge of the front end. some cheaper ones wil have a big gap

 

I agree - with Julius i will never again waste any money on a clear bra - the intaller cut the nose on my 04 (most folks may never see it but i did)

and they tend to bubble if the install isn't perfect

i'd just re-spray the nose

 

I'd say get it. But thats just me. Like you said, its 50/50 on the board here. But like Steve said its all about the install.

 

I'd say get it. It's expensive, but as already mentioned will save your front end. I would check with your body shop to see if it's OK to apply over fresh paint though.

 

Great point Mikey

most places want the paint to "cure" before installing the bra - i know this beause of the two noses put on my 04 - 2 weeks to a month after paint

 

If I do get it done, I plan on having it installed in the spring. Once the car is finished at the bodyshop it's coming home to sleep for the winter.

 

Me no likey... I don't like the way it feels when washing/waxing the car, and makes for more time to really get the wax off around the boarder. I have seen it look pretty good some cars, but wonder if it will discolor or make the paint look different oncer removed?

 

My dealer wanted $1,200!!!! for it. That is nuts! How many repaints can I get for that?

I rather opt for a non clear bra and deal with putting it on and off and making sure it is clean each time. I have used these in the past and have had great success. They just take alot of work to make sure they do not damage your car. Keep the car and the bra clean on both sides at all times is the secret.

The other option is to not worry about it and repaint when it gets bad.

 

Your dealer is a SERIOUS rip off artist. I think when I bought my car I was quoted either $400 or $600 for a clear bra. I didn't get it though.

Vinyl bras are also effective, but as you said take a lot of work to make sure they don't damage your car (plus they're UGLY ). Another caution I'd like to ad about vinyl bras is if yours ever gets wet take it off and let it dry off the car. Otherwise, the moisture can enter your paint and make it foggy.