To CLEARBRA or Not to CLEARBRA>>>>

[DoNDoN]

I got to see a friends AW M3 today with the clearbra and would not do it. The color is really yellow.

[Thinker23]

Originally Posted by DoNDoN

I got to see a friends AW M3 today with the clearbra and would not do it. The color is really yellow.

What brand did he use? By the way loving those BBS

[Captain Slow]

Originally Posted by Thinker23

What brand did he use? By the way loving those BBS

Ventureshield. The bra wasn't on the front, just the rocker pannels, and the lower quarters.

[Thinker23]

I'll see what happens in the next few months

[pogi_1]

hows the bra now?

[Buschy]

Clear bra it, even if it turns yellow its still better then rock chips and you can change it to a new one over time.

[M3twins]

Good installation is key to how good the clear bra will hold up over time. For those with peeling on the edges and dirt accumulating in those areas, this is due to incorrect installation. The edges have to be thoroughly heated (with a heat gun) during installation or the film will lift and dirt WILL accumulate there. Even properly installed film requires some normal maintenance. After a month or so of curing time the film should get a good sealant and wax, which helps to prevent the fading/yellowing mentioned, although I've never
seen this on the 10 or so light colored cars that I have had the 3M product installed. To me the extra effort is worth keeping the showroom look!! Just make sure that your installer will warranty parts and labor against yellowing. All authorized 3M installers are required by 3M policy to do so! I am a firm believer in the product and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. I also have an expert installer who does the best job I have seen for a great price in the (SF) Bay Area.

[firewired]

I have had mine done professionally several times. Has anyone had any experience with:

http://www.invisiblemask.com/search.html

They warranty their own film with a lifetime warranty or you can go with the 3M for 5 years.

[Silverstone]

Personally i dont like them. they make the car Look horrible. yes they protect ur car, but whats the point of putting something on the car that will make it less attractive.

i say no...yes we care about our cars but i believe these little chips that u might get are memories of fast moments... .

leave it as it is .

[major_kusanagi]

well put. who's your installer? I've had Jeremy at invisiguard do several cars of mine. His craftsmanship is pretty amazing.

Originally Posted by M3twins

Good installation is key to how good the clear bra will hold up over time. For those with peeling on the edges and dirt accumulating in those areas, this is due to incorrect installation. The edges have to be thoroughly heated (with a heat gun) during installation or the film will lift and dirt WILL accumulate there. Even properly installed film requires some normal maintenance. After a month or so of curing time the film should get a good sealant and wax, which helps to prevent the fading/yellowing mentioned, although I've never
seen this on the 10 or so light colored cars that I have had the 3M product installed. To me the extra effort is worth keeping the showroom look!! Just make sure that your installer will warranty parts and labor against yellowing. All authorized 3M installers are required by 3M policy to do so! I am a firm believer in the product and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. I also have an expert installer who does the best job I have seen for a great price in the (SF) Bay Area.

[inmotion]

I've had mine done by premier and can attest to the requirement of having someone very experienced to do this. They have worked on all of my cars and the only one that they did not touch was my Range Rover Supercharged and it is a night and day difference to premier's results. My R8 V10 will be coming in very soon and they will be the first stop. 2nd would be to to BBI for a tune.

[tuco44]

I have seen other AWs with the clearbra, and I don't care for the look after it's been on a while.

My new AW sedan will not be clearbra'ed.

[M3twins]

Originally Posted by major_kusanagi

well put. who's your installer? I've had Jeremy at invisiguard do several cars of mine. His craftsmanship is pretty amazing.

Willard with Speedshields. Great guy with a really good attitude and really a craftsman. He takes his time to do it right, will do it over if its not right the first time and can fix little issues that can occur (e.g. bubbles, trapped lint etc). 3M authorized and offers the standard 3M warranty.

[Moxie]

Originally Posted by tuco44

I have seen other AWs with the clearbra, and I don't care for the look after it's been on a while.

My new AW sedan will not be clearbra'ed.

I had my heart set on it until the BMW service adivsor told me that I shouldn't because of all the reasons previously mentioned.

[johnL]

Originally Posted by inmotion

I've had mine done by premier and can attest to the requirement of having someone very experienced to do this. They have worked on all of my cars and the only one that they did not touch was my Range Rover Supercharged and it is a night and day difference to premier's results. My R8 V10 will be coming in very soon and they will be the first stop. 2nd would be to to BBI for a tune.

If you're going to get this done, I'd only go with the best. Fortunately these guys are are the best and they were in my neck of the woods. I've seen horrible clear bras which is why I've stayed clear of them in the past. After getting my clear bra by Premier, I can't imagine not having it on any of my future cars.

Inmotion, any new toys lately?

[saildoc]

I got the Xpel full bumper and front of hood up to the bulge done as well as the mirrors. It is hard to see the edge on the hood-but you can see it. So what? A rock chip will bother ther H*ll out of me. It came down to a choice-rock chips or a faint edge of the clear bra. Now my sphincter tone is much more relaxed when I am behind a semi or pickup truck. My two cents...

[PYSpeed.com]

Just curious, do you guys use regular cleaners for your clear bra?

[quality_sound]

I'll post a front pic later but here's my clear bra after 2 years. They yellowing was there from day one BUT it depends on the shade. my old supervisor has a GLI which has just a touch of yellow in it and the bra is invisible. On mine you can only see the bra from certain angles. But it looks exactly the same now as it did the day I had it put on.



Eric - Yes, you can use regular cleaners, polishes, and waxes on it.

[m3p40]

I don't like them on a white car. Every one I have seen has a VERY obvious yellow tint and ruins the whole look of the car IMO

[foosh]

Originally Posted by Eric@PYSpeed.com

Just curious, do you guys use regular cleaners for your clear bra?

I've had the 3M product on a number of vehicles (C6 Z06, Lotus Elise, Audi RS4 and even my diesel pusher, Class A RV) for years, and love it. Those who have noted that installation is essential by a very experienced professional are dead on.

As for care, you just treat it properly like the rest of the car, which involves regular washing with a car wash product, and keeping a protective coating like wax on it. It will last years if properly installed and cared for. I certainly wouldn't use abrasives or harsh chemicals on it.

If it is a daily-driven car with a lot of exposure, it is certainly worth the price. After 3-4 years, it is easily removable, and the most vulnerable parts of the car will be pristine. The cost of a quality respray is significantly higher.

I can only speak for the 3M product, and other similar products may not be of the same quality or durability.

[markymarc1979]

Just my 2 cents. For the same price as a clear bra you can repaint the front of your car 2 or 3 times.

[Nawaaz]

No clear bra for me, and I'm happy that way.