Becasue of a body shop error, I am getting a new front bumper for my S2K. I am considering purchasing a clear bra, but was wondering how good they really are. I mean, if a rock hits the front of my car while I am doing 90, will the rock really just bounce off without a scratch or will it just tear through the bra? I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars only to find that I have a ripped up clear bra with pieces peeling off my car after 2 years. Then you will have to start calling my car a "viper" for the peeling skin... get it, ha ha ha. Ok, bad joke. Any suggestions?

 

ask my mom, she'll know....

 

If you get hit with a rock @90mph, there isn't much that will help you. So what do you want? The 3M film to be scratched or your paint? With the film, your paint will most likely survive the hit. Without it, the paint will have a really deep chip at those speeds. Until they invent Star Trek "shields", you gotta pick, but I think you're asking too much and expecting too much. I don't believe you will be satisfied with either alternative. (Just a guess.)
My film has been on for over 2 years and it has taken a lot of good hits. The film is only damaged in 2 of those places. The rest were "incidental". When there are enough noticeable hits on the film, I'll replace it. But that might not be for several years yet. At least I'll know that I won't have to worry about the brand new paint matching the old slightly faded paint.

 

Xviper, I have thought about this for my Berlina Black. Chips have not become a problem (yet), but I really have a lot of problems with bugs. Does the clear stuff help with this, is it easier to clean? Also, does it look Ok?

 

Chips WILL become a problem sooner or later. It will not help with the bugs. Zaino 1 works best for bugs.

You can only see the bra if you're standing right in front of the car.

HIGHLY recommended.

 

We who drive in the winter basically gravel blasted everytime we drive. After 3 months of it, not a scratch on the 3M film. It is highly recommended.

 

Sumtoc2, In addition to what Woodson said, understand that black cars are a PITA to begin with to keep pristine. Next, is red like what Woodson has. You have to decide which you can put up with more - chipped paint in a very short time or "blemished" 3M film but taking more time to get that way. The one black car we have in our Calgary group has been sandblasted real good. The owner will one day fix and repaint the front end. Once that is done, I think he will immediately put on the 3M film. He has seen the 3 cars of ours that have the film and has made his decision accordingly. Perhaps this will give you a hint.

 

Can anyone recommend a shop in the Los Angeles area that installs this?

 

Check this out:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...threadid=100707
I cannot vouch for this guy. Do your homework first.

 

works GREAT. I've twice hit blown 18 wheeler tires doing 65. all it did was left some grease mark on the clear bra... it rubbed right off. without it, I am bet it would be toast.