paradigm

i posted this over at autopia and haven't had a response yet...thought i'd try here.

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i'll be working on a black 03 VW beetle w/ a DuPont or 3M (owner doesn't remember the brand) clear bra on it. he said the clear bra was damaged when someone (cough...wife...cough) used a BRILLO pad to remove bugs off the front of the car.

any recommendations on repairing this (if it's even possible?)???

i haven't seen it yet, but wanted to begin researching...

thanks!

Hawhyen51

IMO, the chances for a successfull repair looks pretty slim. I think it's gonna be difficult to repair. I don't think you'll have enough to work with considering thickness (8 mil). Assuming it is 3M, it has a clear coat layer and you can find the thickness specs here. I don't know if a plastic polish (Plexus) will help, but worth a shot.

paradigm

thank you very much for replying...this info is perfect. if anything, this will help me set his expectations. i have ordered some Plexus to try on it...if it doesn't work, no harm no foul.

i'm pretty excited about working on this vehicle...because the owner also has a porsche that he wants done. finally...a sweet car to detail and it's NOT BLACK!!!! hehehe

BRH

I also just screwed up my clear bra, by using Tarminator on it. Went to the Acura dealer (where I had the Autobahnd installed) and was told to try Megs Gold Class Liquid Wax on it. I tried a bit by hand, and it seemed to help - a bit. My next step is to try applying some of it with a PC. I've got nothing to lose since the Autobahnd installer told me that if it didn't work, he'd replace the damaged piece at no charge!

TOGWT

To remove minor scratches in the film, tape the edges of the auto mask when polishing the vehicles paint, use a high speed buffer (white foam pad only) and lightly glaze over the material. It is important not to apply a lot of pressure to the film as this may lead to burning of the surface. Use a Q-tip and some isopropyl alcohol to clean out the edge (See also http://www.mmm.com)

Maintenance and Care- polish the paint and the clear plastics separately, tape the edges with masking tape. It has a clear coat so it can be cared for like a clear coated paint; use (Plexus® Plastic Cleaner, Protectant and Polish) for maintenance and to remove any finger marks / smudges (avoid the use of abrasives)

PTO

Do clear bras get scratched really easily?

stogie1020

Paradigm,

tell your friend to start with a divorce, and if that doesn't work, move up to a .45 and a shovel.