NNickB

I was thinking about buying one. I plan on using it only for long road trips. Is it easy to install? Uninstall? Does it protect the car? Anyone selling their used one?
I'm trying to play it safe since I will be driving a few thousand miles next month on a road trip.

potmilkz

if you have oem aspec lip, it wont work

SeismicGuy

If you are talking about those black leather-looking things they used to call a bra (the more proper term these days is mask), I have used these on past vehicles without any ill effects. It also improves the looks on certain vehicles. For example, I had a 1981 Audi 5000 Turbo in metallic dark grey that looked sort of mild mannered. However, it came with a bra from the previous owned and with that installed it totally changed the look of the car in a good way. Same for a 1986 BMW 3-series I owned and ditto for a white 1990 Maxima.

The main complaint I have heard is that keeping the bra/mask on will damage the paint. NOT SO if you are sensible in keeping it clean beneath the mask and remove it every so often.

potmilkz

you do know there is something you can do to prevent it from scratching.. its called blue tape..

ive done it before.. i blue taped my whole front end before i put on the mask. i know in rainy weather it gets wet, but it will dry.. blue paint will protect your paint from scratching due to the debris that falls inside the gap of the mask..

Acura2010

Why not invest in the 3M Chip guard film? It's invisible, and it's permanent. IMO i've seen a 4G with the nose mask and it looks Awful

Teddybear

this is crazy talk... we dont need that stuff, we already have a shield at the front. lol

Edit: oh wait... op has 2012... LOL jks


forreal though, anytime u put anything on ur paint u will get small scratches. no matter how often u clean it.
3m is nice for the first few years, but it'll look obvious when it or ur paint fades from UV light.

potmilkz

sorry, but i cannot justify paying 400+ to just get the front 3m clear bra for it to fade.. when repainting a bumper cost less than half that.. if someone backs up into your bumper your loosing your 3m clear bra + your bumper and that can be costly.

NNickB

Thanks everyone for the great feedback!
I will take my trip without a nose mask. Im sure it will be fine!

Sgt128

I wish someone had some photos of a 4g with one on it!?!?

EMAN2012

You can buy racers tape. It looks like duct tape, comes in different colors, and does a great job protecting your car. I used to use it when I did track days with my Porsche back in the day. I actually just ordered it in 2" and 3" widths to protect my car (especially during the winter) on long highway trips. The tape comes off easily and won't damage the paint. Summit Racing sells it.

Teddybear

it's also a bish to remove once it gets to the point of being faded.
then when u remove it, there will be a huge difference in shade between the area it was on, and the rest of the car. Worse on darker cars obviously.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Nick, I know your question was for a 4G TL, but I've got one for my 3G and like it.

It takes about 15 minutes to put it on. The material looks like carbon fiber. But I only use it for road trips, not in town....

ohsixMTee

iTrader: (2)

I put a nose mask on a brand new Nissan Altima I had quite a few years ago, it was honestly inside a few highway trips that I started noticing scratches along where it rest on the hood. Think of all the constant banging the mask will do as you drive....no thanks. You're better off touching up a spot or two from time to time, at least you won't have crazy scratches to deal with. The nose mask I installed was a genuine nissan part, extremely soft underside and bolster (edge that made contact with the hood). Not saying Nissan makes quality parts, just simply that it was not a cheap aftermarket one.

Best of luck.

markk2

You could try this:

HTML Code:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/surface+protection+film+mini+roll.do?sortby=ourPicks&page=3

Ac Man

I have both, the clear bra and the full nose mask, but I only use the nose mask when I hit the highways on long road trips. I don't like doing everyday driving with the nose mask on, which is why I have the clear bra, so I can get that invisible protection. The 4G TL actually looks pretty good with the mask on, and it doesn't take very long to put it on once you've done it a couple of times. As for the scratches, I have the clear bra, so obviously I don't have a problem with them, but my I had full nose masks on my 2005 TL and my 2003 Accord and never had any issues. The key is to keep the mask free of debris and little pebbles. If the inner part of your mask is filthy, then yes, your gonna get scratches, or if you're not careful and rub the clips from the mask on your paint, then of course your gonna mess it up!

NNickB

I appreciate all the info guys! Like I said earlier, I am leaning towards not purchasing a nose mask or a clear bra. Thanks for assisting me in making my decision!