clear bra survey...

[toothysaw2]

found a few scattered posts about clear bras. mostly good feedback, but some people seem to not like it. thinking about gettin one for my gf's new car, and really wish i had known about them before i bought a black car!

so here's a poll for future searchers...

clear bra: yay or nay?

maybe some pics or comments too.

[artinmoTTion]

Have it on both of our Audis, wouldn't go without now.

The quality of your installer is key, do some interviewing and see how they do it. Better installers these days do a nice job of wrapping the plastic around grill openings, etc. so that its edges are harder to see (and don't build up wax and road grime over time). Most installers get a kit laser cut from a computer file, which is nice for them, but leaves creases and edges that are more visible than if an installer tucks, custom cuts, and wraps using a single sheet of the plastic.

For lowered cars, or cars naturally lower to the ground (my TT, for instance), it's virtually essential to have one of these, particularly if you live in an area that likes to use coarse gravel on the freeways in the winter instead of salt, like where I live, or there's just generally a lot of crap on the roads to be kicked up in front of you.

It's much easier to replace the fabric than repaint / replace the bumper, and I've happily gone through several sets of plastic now where the clear bra saved the paint.

Drive on a clear road at night with your brights on for a while, get the car hit by as many bugs as possible, and then take a look at the front end. See where things hit your car, then you'll know what to cover. For instance, I knew that things hit the leading edge of the hood and the roofline of the TT, so I had an extra 1" strip placed in those places, without needing a wider strip on the front of my hood. (I think the wider strip on the front of the A4 hood is probably necessary. Then a few weeks after getting the car, a fine gentleman in front of me cut laterally across an entrance ramp and kicked up a rock that cracked not only the windshield, but made a nice impression (and chip) on the A-pillar as well. Nice. The first revision of the clear bra on the B7 will include the A pillars as well.

Hope that helps some.

[Allmine]

I understand the principle and like the idea very much. BUT I have seen too many clear bra's that after a certain amount of time in the sunlight and etc. the color of your hood will look different from the area that has the bra on it. Also I personally don't care for the "line" on your hood that the bra creates. I have seen a white audi brand new and with the bra installed after about 6 months ( this guy also has some OCD issues with cleaning his car ) so its clean like 99% of the time. When you look at it you see a distinct black looking line that actually is the seperation between the bra and the hood where the bra stops. Like I said I love the idea and would do it in a hearbeat to protect the rock chips but hate the look of that black line. Maybe the installers here just arent that good but unless you have a black car I'm not too sure..... My 2cents... [:)]

[EuroA4]

What line? :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/EuroA4/2008%20Avant%20S-line/IMG_3792.jpg

[nick71692]

it is a little more visible I just recently got to see a 2007 997 gt3 with it installed and it was visible where it was. I think on colors like the black you can easily get away with it.

[EuroA4]

it is a little more visible I just recently got to see a 2007 997 gt3 with it installed and it was visible where it was. I think on colors like the black you can easily get away with it.

You're right...I was just showing that when its super clean its hard to see in pics. You can definately see the bra when its on...especially after its been on for a while and exposed to the elements, but it protects the paint big time...and for someone like me that drives alot to work its better than a new paint job every couple of years.

[EMAXX]

I didn't have one on my first car and the front of the car got beat up. It had 20k miles on it, mostly highway and the bumper was thrashed.

On my Audi, I decided to get a clear bra and all I have to do it rinse it off, and maybe rub a couple of bug guts off it every once in a while. It's saved me from a couple rocks chips too. If you drive the highway enough, it'll more than pay for itself.

[B6QTRO]

I should of done it when I bought the car, that is going to be the next thing I get done once I get the small rock chip/marks fixed on the hood and fenders

[retrohasen]

I will never own another VAG product without Clear Bra installed. Audi / VW paint is just too soft. I had it on the black avant and on the new white one and it is not that noticable.

[AudiWxGuy]

Is the clear bra easy to clean? I just had my bumper repainted and i'm very close to buying this for my car in the very near future.

[EuroA4]

I would not suggest a DIY. Take it to a shop that specializes in clear bra installation.

[Glassnpowder98]

My bumper is pretty much thrashed with rock chips, so I definitely wish I had a clear bra... One of these days I'm going to get it repainted and immediately put a clear bra on. Just need to decide if a new body kit will get thrown into the mix somewhere down the road...

[OceanBlueB7]

What line? :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/EuroA4/2008%20Avant%20S-line/IMG_3792.jpg


Exactly. My hood is done in one piece. The grill was custom cut. You just can't see it. The only lines you can see are on my fenders, where I chose not to have done in their entirety.

[RedS-line]

unfortunately, the bra will not prevent you from getting rock chips in your windshield, which seems to be my bigger problem....

[akasch]

nay I hate mine I should have done either without the hood or done the whole hood. After parking outside this summer it doesn't match quite right. The line across the hood bugs the hell out of me and if the car gets any dust or dirt on it the line is really distinct. I recommend not getting the hood or getting the whole hood done

[B7A4Sport]

I've said it before, I'll say it again, NEVER would I go back and change my mind to NOT get the clear bra. Already I got hit-and-run brushed on the front of my bumper, and the clear bra completely protected me.

What the above people are saying is key tho; the quality of install makes ALL the difference. I went to a great shop, and also got tint there, so they were very willing to do an impeccable job.

Post back when you set up the appointment! [race]

[akasch]

I understand the principle and like the idea very much. BUT I have seen too many clear bra's that after a certain amount of time in the sunlight and etc. the color of your hood will look different from the area that has the bra on it. Also I personally don't care for the "line" on your hood that the bra creates. I have seen a white audi brand new and with the bra installed after about 6 months ( this guy also has some OCD issues with cleaning his car ) so its clean like 99% of the time. When you look at it you see a distinct black looking line that actually is the seperation between the bra and the hood where the bra stops. Like I said I love the idea and would do it in a hearbeat to protect the rock chips but hate the look of that black line. Maybe the installers here just arent that good but unless you have a black car I'm not too sure..... My 2cents... [:)]

+1 I'm exactly like that guy, white car ocd and all haha

[clcsocal]

No one has mentioned the cost. What will a good job cost? Is there a difference in the products used, like window tinting?

[AudiWxGuy]

When I call I've been quoted in the 500-600 area.

[ibiski]

I had clear bra on my last 3 cars and it's definitely worth it. I have it on white now and although it's noticeable, it doesn't bother me one bit. There's also a new thing out there which is a spray-on bra, but I have no experience with it. Anyway, if anyone from Chicago area wants a good deal on bra installation, let me know.

[Doctor]

unfortunately, the bra will not prevent you from getting rock chips in your windshield, which seems to be my bigger problem....
+1

[akasch]

No one has mentioned the cost. What will a good job cost? Is there a difference in the products used, like window tinting?

I paid like 320 for everything including mirrors, but I'm friends with the guy so I dunno

[shamrok]

yay with a caveat...

I bought my car used with ~40k miles on it, and the ClearBra was installed by the original owner when he bought it. Now, 55k miles later, it's held up, but the edges are discolored. There are also areas where there is material that sticks up ever slightly (sharp curves), and they are filled with dirt, so it's kind of ugly.

I'd like to take it off at least my hood and mirrors, but scared that they will be discolored. It does the job and protects against rocks and such, but I think the dull look over time is kinda lame.

[Tiesto]

What's the point of having it to keep your paint looking nice if your paint has a goofy looking piece of plastic over it?

[KMHPaladin]

What's the point of not having a goofy looking piece of plastic over your paint when you could have a pockmarked bumper that looks like a 16 year old's acne-ridden face?

I drive 20k miles a year on New Jersey roads, mostly highways, and paint takes a beating from all the debris thrown around. In my experience, non-factory paint tends to be worse at this, so getting a new bumper makes it even more important.

When I got my bumper I waited a month and drove it as minimally as possible and then had it done with 3M film. I was looking closely at Ventureshield - I had 3M film applied years ago to my B5 and wanted something less obtrusive - but my installer convinced me to go with the 3M for a bumper. We talked for a while about it and based on his experience with cars that take more of a beating, I went with the 3M.

So far, no regrets at all. I didn't get my hood done since it was already 35k miles along, but you have to look extremely closely to notice there is any film on my bumper. There was a little edge lifting after the installation but I went back and he trimmed them down. No problems.

In short, if you live in an area where rock/stone/salt chips are an issue and can find a good installer - they make a big difference - who'll do the job at a reasonable price, unless you have an aesthetic objection, there is absolutely no reason not to do this.

[EuroA4]

Exactly. My hood is done in one piece. The grill was custom cut. You just can't see it. The only lines you can see are on my fenders, where I chose not to have done in their entirety.


Just to clarify my hood is 1/3 done...not full! My pic was to show that when its super clean and relatively new the line can't even be picked up in a photo.
[up]

[Stormin]

I love mine. My last three cars have all had one, and I don't think that I would own a car (any car) without one now. I hate rock chips, and the clear bra has saved me quite a few times.

[Alkemix]

From what I've seen for clear bras, i've come to the conclusion... Always clear bra white cars cause on white it is invisible at all times, no matter how clean/dirty the car is. The darker the car, the more visible the clear bra. On black cars, it is only invisible after a wash, and I'd speculate that stops being true after a while. On black, you can't see the clear bra as a passing driver, but you'll see it as a passing walker by. Looks like a thick clear sticker ridge line on your car hood. The black car paint and the poor light refraction of the edge of the sticker, where it is cut, contrast and become visible.

It doesn't make sense to get one though ONLY if it's true that the paint fades differently under the bra than on the exposed parts, cause then you'll have to repaint eventually anways and that just defeats the purpose. [drive]

[apatchin]

unfortunately, the bra will not prevent you from getting rock chips in your windshield, which seems to be my bigger problem....

They actually have windshield skins and they work pretty well, might not stop from chip but less damage and no splitting. Most tint/3m places carry it.

http://www.prolinestyling.com/index.htm (http://www.prolinestyling.com/index.htm)

I wouldnt go without a clear bra...ever! if you care about your car, you just paid a lot of money for it, spend 500-700 dollars and keep it looking good. its a small amount for keeping your car looking nice.

I bumped up the contrast to be able to see the 3M line...
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/543/medium/audi-5594.jpg

[TooLow2.0T]

I'm glad I got mine. I don't like the line sometimes, but it's still better than having the whole front end peppered with rock chips, especially since the line is only visible from certain angles. I know it's saved my paint. Next time I'm just going to have the whole hood done.

[Louis J.]

Nay. To me, the logic of the clear bra is like the logic of those old folks who cover their couch with vinyl to keep it clean.

I've seen a number of highline cars with clear bras and they look like the front end was resprayed and left with heavy orange peel. That's the good jobs...the bad jobs or old jobs look like a drayed up sticker that has crystallized over the paint with the edges peeling. Looks terrible and I'd rather have a a couple of good touch up spots to cover rock chips than a terrible finish covering my entire front end to protect it from those rock chips. If you live in areas where it snows and sand or salt is used in the winter, I rather pay my $300 deductible and get insurance to pay for a front-end respray and a new windshield...that's what insurance is for.

But if you must have it, at least get the entire front end done...entire bumper, entire hood and the entire front fenders to the seam adjacent to the door. That line from partial jobs looks awful.

Hope this doesn't offend anyone...just my $.02.

[MOFSTEEL]

http://www.sheknows.com/graphics/emoticons/stupid.gif

[Arclight]

I'm a big fan of the clear bra. I personally use Lamin-X and actually installed it myself... Not going to lie, it's tedious and time comsuming and if you are not a perfectionist, probably better to pay someone else...

I have a white car and the clear bra started turning yellow/brown over the past 4 years. It wasn't too obvious until I installed my Abt body kit....very noticeable color difference between the top factory bumper and the Abt lower spoiler. (Since no one makes a kit for an aftermarket spoiler, I actually created my own w/ a roll of Lamin-x protective film)

I contacted Lamin-x regarding the discoloration (and sent photos) and they actually stood behind their product and warranteed out my clear bra. They sent me a brand new kit which I have been installing piece by piece. The hood took 3 hours the other day...

The paint underneath the film looked like new when I peeled off the old pieces. You could actually see where the hood had "oxidized" or discolored where it was not protected...it took lots of polish to bring it back up to speed (and my car is garage kept and washed weekly!). A clear bra is the way to go.

[akasch]

So when I stayed in Cali I had to park outside everyday for a couple months and it really changed the color of the clear bra so for anyone thinking about I'd say park in a garage. Heres a pic after like 5 months its starting to discolor and the line is becoming more distinct (This is after clay and wax)
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll76/alexkaschmitter/DSC02963.jpg

[KOU]

Is the clear bra removable?

[VZWalex]

What's the point of not having a goofy looking piece of plastic over your paint when you could have a pockmarked bumper that looks like a 16 year old's acne-ridden face?


ROFLMAO [up]

[SEXICÄN]

I have it on my car $200 and worth every penny!

I have a black car and it was after a year and a half i put it on.

[9audi4life9]

Yay, BUT - I just had my RS4 done and hated it!. The reflection was night and day where the bra stops. I had it done at the dealer and it costed me about $1500 for everything up to the door. My car's black, so I guess that's why it was so noticeable to me. I had the dealer sub contractor redo it 2 times and it still stuck out like a sore thumb. There were finger prints, dirt under the bra, etc.

I had my Q7 done at a company called premier mobile in Fremont and they were outstanding. It did cost me about $2000 to do about the same parts (entire hood, entire front, lights, mirror back side, door edges, front nose, and a few other areas), so when the finance manager told me it would be $1500, I told them to do it. Now after 2 trips and so much time wasted, I ended up getting a refund and brought it to my first company. It came out just like the Q7 and very happy with the results. It came down to the installer. Lesson learned, do it and do it right. If you're in California, I wholeheartedly would recommend Premier in Fremont - www.premiermobilegroup.com

[toothysaw2]

thanks guys. this thread has been very informative so far. hopefully it will come in useful for future searchers.

i think i will suggest it for my gf's car. too late for me though unless i repaint first... next time around though i think it's a go though.

[Mr. Chang]

Yay, BUT - I just had my RS4 done and hated it!. The reflection was night and day where the bra stops. I had it done at the dealer and it costed me about $1500 for everything up to the door. My car's black, so I guess that's why it was so noticeable to me. I had the dealer sub contractor redo it 2 times and it still stuck out like a sore thumb. There were finger prints, dirt under the bra, etc.

I had my Q7 done at a company called premier mobile in Fremont and they were outstanding. It did cost me about $2000 to do about the same parts (entire hood, entire front, lights, mirror back side, door edges, front nose, and a few other areas), so when the finance manager told me it would be $1500, I told them to do it. Now after 2 trips and so much time wasted, I ended up getting a refund and brought it to my first company. It came out just like the Q7 and very happy with the results. It came down to the installer. Lesson learned, do it and do it right. If you're in California, I wholeheartedly would recommend Premier in Fremont - www.premiermobilegroup.com

I definitely agree. I had Sam and his guys at Premier perform the work on all of my cars and I can't be happier. You pay a little more, but the quality of work is so far and beyond better than any I've seen. If they are in your neck of the woods, get it done. Before I used them, I never liked the look of the clear bra. Now I'm a clear bra believer.

[B7A4Sport]

Is the clear bra removable?

Yes, but you should also have professionals do this.

Another great place in the San Fran Bay Area is a tint/mod shop called Total Eclipse in San Rafael, CA. I paid $900 (which they put on my dealership financing) for materials and labor for the front end, mirrors, and door-handle cups; on dolphin grey, the line on the hood is pretty visible up close no matter how clean/dirty it is, but they honestly cut it in a way that strangely compliments the car's lines.

There isn't one air bubble, loose edge or mis-cut area; I will try to take some up-close pics of the edges just to show how precisely they cut, too. To the guy who said he paid only $200 for it, that seems ridiculously cheap and I'd be skeptical as to the quality of both the materials and the install. That may be while you're having problems.

[B7A4Sport]

Here's some up-close pics of mine:

(In these two, you may notice a part that has been scuffed from a damn hit-n-run, paint is totally protected!):

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/rnewton1984/IMG00118.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/rnewton1984/IMG00124.jpg

Here are more angles, and keep in mind this is with me literally inches from the car; from a normal distance, the lines are near invisible:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/rnewton1984/IMG00119.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/rnewton1984/IMG00120.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/rnewton1984/IMG00121.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/rnewton1984/IMG00123.jpg

[SEXICÄN]

$1,500!!! YIKES

I paid $200

[tmqv34]

I got 3m clear bra on my car and it works. got it on my door handles, hood, fenders and headlights and front bumper. for about $350 i think.

[rayiish]

I'm for Neg also. Not only is there a noticable line and expensive, when your car gets older it tends to fade in color a bit and thats when the color gets extremely noticeable. So unless you plan on selling after like 3 or 4 years, dont do it! my two cent.

[cstarky15]

I'm a nay, if the car gets dirty the line stands out like nothing else. Yes there are ways to clean it but i just don't like it. The bra still gets rock chips and sooner or later you will replace it. so do you paint your hood every 3 years or replace the clear bra?