Car Bra Protection Question!

[NeoS281]

Which car bra is better? The OEM Saleen bra or the 3M clear mask? I heard the Saleen Bra scratches the paint. But I worry that the 3M bra will come off easy. Thanks for your input!

[islander033]

I vote for the clear 3M one, I don't dig the other type much.

[Bruce]

I have the Clear Bra on vehicles since 2000 and love the protection it gives the frontend, behind the wheelwells and the rear view mirrors.
I have five cars protected with Clear Bras now including the PJ.
I have not had any of them come undone or come off the car but have to have pieces replace that took rock or debri shots. The paint has always been perfect underneath them.

[NeoS281]

Originally Posted by islander033

I vote for the clear 3M one, I don't dig the other type much.

Agreed!

Originally Posted by Bruce

I have the Clear Bra on vehicles since 2000 and love the protection it gives the frontend, behind the wheelwells and the rear view mirrors.
I have five cars protected with Clear Bras now including the PJ.
I have not had any of them come undone or come off the car but have to have pieces replace that took rock or debri shots. The paint has always been perfect underneath them.

Thanks! That was very helpful! Now I just need to find the best supplier.

[Bruce]

Try this link: http://www.xpel.com/

[NeoS281]

Originally Posted by Bruce

Try this link: http://www.xpel.com/

Thanks bud! I actually went with Clearmask! The testimonials were very encouraging! I ordered the AeroGuard 3M for the front fascia and headlamps!

[NeoS281]

Just went to a paint and body shop and got really bad feedback on the 3M covers. Does it turn yellow after a couple years? I know yellowing is normal in the first 30 days. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Greg Wackett]

A friend has it on her white car for over 3 years now, no yellowing.

[jaiasmit]

Anyone make kits for the Heritage series cars like the H281, PJs, or Dan Gurneys?

[NeoS281]

Originally Posted by saleenlocator

A friend has it on her white car for over 3 years now, no yellowing.

Thats more comforting to know!

Originally Posted by jaiasmit

Anyone make kits for the Heritage series cars like the H281, PJs, or Dan Gurneys?

go to: http://www.clearmask.com. I couldn't find the PJ/Heritage bra covers on the site however they can make it at your request. More than likely at the same price. Bruce recommended http://www.xpel.com and he has a PJ.

[Jim D.]

Keep in mind that generally the installation process is not for the faint of heart. You're probably best off going with a local professional who can install it properly, but at least be sure you have an assistant if you're going to try and do it yourself.

Another good brand is Starshield Armor.

Most you'll see use one of the several 3M vinyls available.

Keep in mind that you will probably want to remove your bumper numbers, lay down the clear bra, and place new numbers on top of the clear bra. You can order replacement numbers from Speedlab at 800-888-8945.

And do expect to replace the bra every few years of normal driving. They are there to protect the paint, but do take some abuse themselves and eventually will need replacing. Scratches are a little tough to polish out, so expect that. Nicks will stay there. But compared to an $18K paint job, they are a great option. A local owner has one on his Rainbow car and it's barely visible beyond 6-10 feet.

[WickedS281SC]

Went on a cruise this past weekend - where there was alot of bugs out. After the drive I was able to wipe off all the bugs and they came off pretty easy with the clear bra. However on one spot where a bug hit it left a small yellow spot, i initally tried to clean it off but it looks like it dyed the clear bra - Has anyone ever expirenced this ????

[Greg Wackett]

Contact Mark at Performance Autosport he might have some suggestion 804-784-8851

[Jim D.]

Originally Posted by WickedS281SC

Went on a cruise this past weekend - where there was alot of bugs out. After the drive I was able to wipe off all the bugs and they came off pretty easy with the clear bra. However on one spot where a bug hit it left a small yellow spot, i initally tried to clean it off but it looks like it dyed the clear bra - Has anyone ever expirenced this ????

I would take a few drops of quality car wash, undiluted, and let it set on the stain for several minutes, and then rub it lightly with a warm damp cloth and wipe it off and see how that does. If that doesn't work, try the same thing a dish soap. If it's cold out, mix up a warm strong solution of either and see if that helps. If you want to use a stronger all purpose cleaner, spray some on a soft microfiber cloth and wipe it gently, but test it in an inconspicuous area first.

Generally speaking, you can lightly clay and polish the clear bra material. Use mild polishes as the material does not respond exactly like paint, and a mild plastic polish with some finesse may get rid of what may be an impregnated stain -- then again, it may not.

The maker should have included some care information, but generally it's one of several 3M materials that are used -- some are softer than others.

On a regular basis, we use Mothers FX SynWax on the cars at work that have clear bras -- a ZR1 and a Porsche GT3 among others. FX SynWax has synthetic polishes and is completely safe. You might also try FX Spray Wax before a road trip.

Try the least-aggressive method first, as attempting to remove the stain with a polish may leave a result worse than the stain itself, so be careful.

[Jim D.]

I did some checking around, and though it seems sometimes bug stains eventually fade away, it's probably best to address them immediately.

You might try dabbing a little with a soft cloth any of following:

• Isopropyl Alcohol
• A solution of distilled white vinegar with water (about 1:1 to 1:3) -- this is also good for water deposits, by the way.
• You could also try Wesley's Bleche-Wite on a soft cloth, and rinse/wipe with a separate sudsy damp cloth.
• Meat tenderizer (I'm guessing liquid), colorless, with water

I have not tried any of these, but they sound sensible and I'd probably try them before I'd try anything abrasive.