Clear Bra FAQ
09-08-2004, 09:34 AM
#5
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Hurry up already with the pictures. 
I brought my car home a week ago yesterday and have not taken it out of the garage until I get mine put on. Unfortunatly there is only one installer in the area and he is on vacation.
Looks like it might be a good business to get in to.
I brought my car home a week ago yesterday and have not taken it out of the garage until I get mine put on. Unfortunatly there is only one installer in the area and he is on vacation.Looks like it might be a good business to get in to.
09-08-2004, 10:24 AM
#6
Senior Moderator
It's invisible
If you can take a picture that shows the clear bra, then it wasn't put on correctly. LOL
It is supposed to be invisible unless you have your nose right up against it.
I have it on my NBP and posted pictures here. You can't see anything after it settles down and the moisture goes away - like window tint.
In fact, as a joke, I told my friend that I took it off while he was standing at the front of the car in the garage with all the lights on.
He believed me and said it looked better without it. (Of course, it was still on; he just couldn't see it)
The only thing you should be able to see is the edge where it stops... if you are up close and looking for it. Also, it has a little orange peel (3M). Other brands are glossier with less orange peel but haven't had the test of time like 3M has. (Venture, Llumar)
XP
It is supposed to be invisible unless you have your nose right up against it.
I have it on my NBP and posted pictures here. You can't see anything after it settles down and the moisture goes away - like window tint.
In fact, as a joke, I told my friend that I took it off while he was standing at the front of the car in the garage with all the lights on.
He believed me and said it looked better without it. (Of course, it was still on; he just couldn't see it)
The only thing you should be able to see is the edge where it stops... if you are up close and looking for it. Also, it has a little orange peel (3M). Other brands are glossier with less orange peel but haven't had the test of time like 3M has. (Venture, Llumar)
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09-08-2004, 11:16 AM
#8
I'll post pics in about 2 hours.
It should cost about $660 for hood, fenders, whole front bumper, and mirrors. I know this one place that charges over $1K for it installed.
It should cost about $660 for hood, fenders, whole front bumper, and mirrors. I know this one place that charges over $1K for it installed.
09-08-2004, 05:28 PM
#9
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Here's my SSM w/ an X-Pel clear bra, hood, bumper, fenders, mirrors and door edges.
http://acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92041
http://acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92041
09-09-2004, 09:55 PM
#10
Here are the pics.
Sorry it took so long. I had to wait till it stopped raining.
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showt...420#post940420
Sorry it took so long. I had to wait till it stopped raining.
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showt...420#post940420
09-09-2004, 10:13 PM
#11
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how noticeable is it in person, i am not sure if the camera causes it to be more noticeable or not? i am thinking the darker the car, the more you'll see it. i am supposed to be getting the clear bra installed on my wdp tomorrow. i am hoping it will blend in better on a white car, but after seeing those pics, i am kinda rethinking it. are you satisfied with the way it looks?
09-09-2004, 10:17 PM
#12
I'm satisfied with the way it looks. I took those pics to show how it looks. At certain angles you see it and other angles you don't. You can't see it if your not close to the car.
I'm sure your installer has clear bra on his/her car also. Ask to see his/her car if you still can't make up your mind.
It's better to have a clear bra than to have chips in the paint.
I'm sure your installer has clear bra on his/her car also. Ask to see his/her car if you still can't make up your mind.
It's better to have a clear bra than to have chips in the paint.
09-09-2004, 11:47 PM
#18
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To those who are thinking of any of the 3M protection film companies. It IS noticable period! Light colored cars will show it the most while darker cars hide it the best. White is the worst color for the film. I know because I have it on my white Civic. However, it looks 10x better than the old black vinyl alternative. Also, when it rains you can not have a regular nose mask since dirt will get underneath and scratch the paint. The 3M film stays on all the time giving you protection all the time. It's well worth the money but don't think for one second that its invisible. Also, make sure you use the 303 Aerospace Protectant. It's kind of like armorall but blocks harmful UV that can discolor the film over the life of the product.
09-10-2004, 07:33 AM
#20
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Clearbra owners, please help me with these questions.
I bought my TL back in December and these are the questions that I didn't get a satisfactory answers from the clearbra people.
1. How will the clearbra hold up over the year in extreme temperature environment? I'm concerned about temperatures below freezing of above 100F.
2. Will there be any discoloration, especially in darker cars such as the NBP?
3. Would any chemical (soap / wax) cause problems like peeling or fading?
Some of you clearbra owners probably have had your clearbra on for most of summer and especially in the heat. How well has it held up? Your answer (from experience, not speculation) would be greatly appreciated by all of us prospective buyers.
I bought my TL back in December and these are the questions that I didn't get a satisfactory answers from the clearbra people.
1. How will the clearbra hold up over the year in extreme temperature environment? I'm concerned about temperatures below freezing of above 100F.
2. Will there be any discoloration, especially in darker cars such as the NBP?
3. Would any chemical (soap / wax) cause problems like peeling or fading?
Some of you clearbra owners probably have had your clearbra on for most of summer and especially in the heat. How well has it held up? Your answer (from experience, not speculation) would be greatly appreciated by all of us prospective buyers.
09-10-2004, 10:13 AM
#22
Senior Moderator
Repost
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usually, people are concerned that the unprotected paint will fade faster than the area protected by the clear bra. In any case, it doesn't happen.
Neither does the clear bra leave marks on the paint like a regular bra that is loose and moves against the surface.
A clear bra is semi-permanently affixed to the paint almost like an additional, thick, clear coat. It is urethane 8 mils thick. You can hardly see it unless you have your nose right up against it. It doesn't change the look of the car. It is removable without damage to the paint.
Ferraris, G35s, and a few other cars have some areas protected with clear bra from the factory. Our local Lamborghini dealer will not deliver a new car without it.
The film was developed by 3M in Desert Storm to protect the helicopter blades from being eroded by the sand they were exposed to. Today, it is used extensively in the production of aircraft.
Negatives? There are a few dust particles that were trapped under my bumper piece. I can see them when I am cleaning/waxing the car up close. Others have never noticed them. I can live with them considering I will never have stone chips there.
Cleaning? Just the same as the painted surfaces. Use the same wax/polymer sealant as the car or Plexis. The film is usually guaranteed for the life of the car.
Usually, people are concerned that the unprotected paint will fade faster than the area protected by the clear bra. In any case, it doesn't happen.
Neither does the clear bra leave marks on the paint like a regular bra that is loose and moves against the surface.
A clear bra is semi-permanently affixed to the paint almost like an additional, thick, clear coat. It is urethane 8 mils thick. You can hardly see it unless you have your nose right up against it. It doesn't change the look of the car. It is removable without damage to the paint.
Ferraris, G35s, and a few other cars have some areas protected with clear bra from the factory. Our local Lamborghini dealer will not deliver a new car without it.
The film was developed by 3M in Desert Storm to protect the helicopter blades from being eroded by the sand they were exposed to. Today, it is used extensively in the production of aircraft.
Negatives? There are a few dust particles that were trapped under my bumper piece. I can see them when I am cleaning/waxing the car up close. Others have never noticed them. I can live with them considering I will never have stone chips there.
Cleaning? Just the same as the painted surfaces. Use the same wax/polymer sealant as the car or Plexis. The film is usually guaranteed for the life of the car.
09-10-2004, 11:07 AM
#25
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mikelee - I would be concerned about doing the headlights. I know 3M doesn't recommend it. There are other products out there specifically for lights. (can anyone help with a name or experience?)
09-10-2004, 11:19 AM
#26
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Illustration
Originally Posted by Brewmaster
mikelee - I would be concerned about doing the headlights. I know 3M doesn't recommend it. There are other products out there specifically for lights. (can anyone help with a name or experience?)
Also, this is the Rustoleum Epoxy 2-part garage floor that I got from Home Depot.
09-10-2004, 12:42 PM
#27
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Invinca shield also sells a 20ml 3m product specific for the headlights, but it is different from the clear bra ...
(and the flake in your garage floor makes it xtra-special)
09-10-2004, 02:56 PM
#28
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Brewmaster
Invinca shield also sells a 20ml 3m product specific for the headlights, but it is different from the clear bra ...
(and the flake in your garage floor makes it xtra-special)
Check this closed thread for more postings on clear bra. I closed that one so we could all be on the same page here instead of repeating the same Q & As.
A Similar Thread
09-13-2004, 10:29 AM
#29
Senior Moderator
Safe!
I had a good save yesterday.
I was passing one of those nasty dump trucks that haul crushed stone or dirt. I try to get by them before they hit a seam in the road and shake all their debris onto the road.
This was on I-95.
I was just behind when it hit a seam, shook, and dumped a bunch of cinders in front of me. I saw them bouncing towards my front end and heard some soft hits. None hit the windshield.
At my destination, I saw several marks on my bumper's clear bra. I brushed them off with my finger. There were no permanent marks.
I am certain that, if I din't have the clear bra, I would have several paint chips on my front bumper.
I was passing one of those nasty dump trucks that haul crushed stone or dirt. I try to get by them before they hit a seam in the road and shake all their debris onto the road.
This was on I-95.I was just behind when it hit a seam, shook, and dumped a bunch of cinders in front of me. I saw them bouncing towards my front end and heard some soft hits. None hit the windshield.
At my destination, I saw several marks on my bumper's clear bra. I brushed them off with my finger. There were no permanent marks.
I am certain that, if I din't have the clear bra, I would have several paint chips on my front bumper.
09-13-2004, 03:28 PM
#30
Racer
I got the headlights done when I had the bra done (window tint, too). I 've had no problems with any of it. What would be the problem with doing the headlights? This is the first I've heard of that.
On my ABP TL the bra looks great but the edge is much more noticeable than I expected. However, I'll live with it, knowing the pain under it is protected. I found a few nicks in the windshield the other day. I'm sure there would be nicks on the nose as well if not for the bra.
On my ABP TL the bra looks great but the edge is much more noticeable than I expected. However, I'll live with it, knowing the pain under it is protected. I found a few nicks in the windshield the other day. I'm sure there would be nicks on the nose as well if not for the bra.
09-13-2004, 04:08 PM
#32
never stops!
Originally Posted by Pro Street
Will the clear bra shine as good as the regular paint using the high end polishes to get a real wet/glossy look?
09-13-2004, 07:16 PM
#34
When you get the clear bra installed make sure to request the whole bumper piece. There are two different pieces. One only covers part of the bumper and the other one, which costs more, covers the whole bumper.
10-05-2004, 03:44 PM
#36
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Originally Posted by wbkoc
I just got a quote for the Xpel product for my TL. $480 for the hood, extended bumber kit and mirrors. Is this a good price?
That said, as long as the kit is installed to your satisfaction with a good urethane film(not vinyl/pvc) and you installer stands by his work and warranty then yes that would be a very good price indeed!
Jeremy
10-12-2004, 10:58 AM
#37
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I had mine done for $120. Just the hood though. Mine is 3M, not XPEL. I've washed and waxed the car plenty of times. You cannot notice the clear bra unless you are up on the car or if there is dust along the edge of the bra and non bra area. I should of had the bumpers, fender and mirror done, but didn't think of it at the time. Oh, I have a WDP by the way and it hides the bra very well if you ask me
10-12-2004, 09:41 PM
#39
Senior Moderator
Same difference
Originally Posted by CJITTY
I had mine done for $120. Just the hood though. Mine is 3M, not XPEL. I've washed and waxed the car plenty of times. You cannot notice the clear bra unless you are up on the car or if there is dust along the edge of the bra and non bra area. I should of had the bumpers, fender and mirror done, but didn't think of it at the time. Oh, I have a WDP by the way and it hides the bra very well if you ask me
10-13-2004, 01:37 AM
#40
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Originally Posted by Willie
6mtV6
Can I have the name and phone number of the place you had your clear bra done? By the way how much did it cost?
Thanks in advance for the info.
Can I have the name and phone number of the place you had your clear bra done? By the way how much did it cost?
Thanks in advance for the info.
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