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      12-13-2011, 01:19 PM   #1
BeamingE39
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Clear Bra?

I was thinking about only doing the bumper, is it really neccessary to do the hood and fenders as well? The angle of the hood on the M3 makes it seem like rocks will either hit my bumper or windshield.
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      12-13-2011, 01:36 PM   #2
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The thing with rocks, etc. is that you never know how or where they will hit. Depends on how big of a gambler you are. I wouldn't hesitate to install one. I did the entire hood on my car.
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      12-13-2011, 04:04 PM   #3
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I did the bumper, fender, hood, and roof (mirrors and lights included). It's been a year and a half now, and the bumper and the area behind the wheels seem to get most of the hit.

I actually end up hitting a tire tread and damage and stain the bra 3 months ago... the re-wrap was expensive since there's a cost to take the original off. It was good since the original wrap didn't look good and insurance took care of it. The 2nd time = perfect and got premier to blackout on the tail lights as well. They hook you up with discount if you keep going back to them.
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      12-13-2011, 04:21 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NAForever View Post
I was thinking about only doing the bumper, is it really neccessary to do the hood and fenders as well? The angle of the hood on the M3 makes it seem like rocks will either hit my bumper or windshield.
Yes
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      12-13-2011, 07:02 PM   #5
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Yes you need to cover the hood and fenders. The bulge in the hood will take damage for sure.
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      12-13-2011, 08:18 PM   #6
BeamingE39
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You guys know how much a complete front-end clear bra jobs gonna run me?
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      12-13-2011, 09:05 PM   #7
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Prices vary depending on the shop.
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      12-14-2011, 08:05 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NAForever View Post
You guys know how much a complete front-end clear bra jobs gonna run me?

To have it "Done right" look to spend $1,200-$3,000 fyi.
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      12-14-2011, 08:19 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NAForever View Post
You guys know how much a complete front-end clear bra jobs gonna run me?
Should be around 1500-1800. Its not that difficult of a car to install film on and from the windshield forward it doesnt require very much material. if you pay $3,000... well you are getting ripped off.
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      12-14-2011, 08:58 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NAForever View Post
I was thinking about only doing the bumper, is it really neccessary to do the hood and fenders as well? The angle of the hood on the M3 makes it seem like rocks will either hit my bumper or windshield.
I like raw paint personally and would rather repaint every 3-5 years than have a clear bra...but that is just me. If rock chips bother you, then do it. Front fenders have basically zero damage on my car after 40k miles FYI - bumper and hood both have sustained damage. Best to do both in their entirety if you want them perfect.

Good luck!
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      12-14-2011, 09:01 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Singletrack View Post
I like raw paint personally and would rather repaint every 3-5 years than have a clear bra...but that is just me. If rock chips bother you, then do it. Front fenders have basically zero damage on my car after 40k miles FYI - bumper and hood both have sustained damage. Best to do both in their entirety if you want them perfect.

Good luck!
Paint is ok as long as you are willing to deal with possible paint match issues and the downtime associated with having paint work done. Also, when it comes time to sell the car, you will likely get people questioning whether there was damage you are not telling them about. Clear bra seems a no brainer to me, but I am pretty meticulous on how my car looks so I could just be too anal about it.
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      12-14-2011, 09:01 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Auto Concierge View Post
To have it "Done right" look to spend $1,200-$3,000 fyi.
Just as a point of reference - repaint of all 3 areas will cost more or less the same amount.

Also OP - you may wish to cover the side skirts. My car has sustained a fair amount of rock chips in front of the rear wheel. Very hard to tell on SSII, and does not bother me personally, but I mention it since you may want to protect the area.

Good luck!
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      12-14-2011, 09:03 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
Paint is ok as long as you are willing to deal with possible paint match issues and the downtime associated with having paint work done. Also, when it comes time to sell the car, you will likely get people questioning whether there was damage you are not telling them about. Clear bra seems a no brainer to me, but I am pretty meticulous on how my car looks so I could just be too anal about it.
Concur. If you have a good shop, then it is not an issue. I have a guy that matches everything perfectly with PPG paint. Another shop does a great job with Standox.

Not selling this car : )

All valid points though - totally agree!
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