Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post - Paint-chip touch-up and then clear-bra? Or re-spray and then clear-bra? Or neither?

ruxtpin · 12-22-2013, 10:48 PM

Aye - My fellow Z owners, I'm in a situation where I'd like to gauge what others would do. I've had my Z for about a year now, it's still in fantastic condition all around, less than 10k miles, when I don't have it out it gets garaged, etc. Shortly after purchasing the Z I found out about clear-bras for and figured it'd be a good way to protect my investment.

After several quick detailings over the last couple of months I noticed a number of rock chips/pits on the front bumper and leading hood area. I expected these - stuff happens - but I'm unsure of the best path to take.

Option 1: I could find a body shop or cheap kit to repair the rock chips/pits as best as possible, and then have the clear-bra installed. I'm unsure if the clear-bra will highlight these imperfections and make them look worse (air bubbles, etc), or make them less noticeable.

Option 2: Get a full respray on the front bumper and hood, and then have the clear-bra installed. Problem in this situation is cost.

Option 3: Forget both options above and keep the car as clean as possible in-between drives as I do now. I mention this option because there's a high chance that in 3-4 years I'll trade the Z in for something new.

Any thoughts on what you'd do in my situation? Or recommendations?

12-22-2013, 10:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
ruxtpin Base Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Atlanta Posts: 22 Drives: 2014 VW GLI Rep Power: 13	Paint-chip touch-up and then clear-bra? Or re-spray and then clear-bra? Or neither? Aye - My fellow Z owners, I'm in a situation where I'd like to gauge what others would do. I've had my Z for about a year now, it's still in fantastic condition all around, less than 10k miles, when I don't have it out it gets garaged, etc. Shortly after purchasing the Z I found out about clear-bras for and figured it'd be a good way to protect my investment. After several quick detailings over the last couple of months I noticed a number of rock chips/pits on the front bumper and leading hood area. I expected these - stuff happens - but I'm unsure of the best path to take. Option 1: I could find a body shop or cheap kit to repair the rock chips/pits as best as possible, and then have the clear-bra installed. I'm unsure if the clear-bra will highlight these imperfections and make them look worse (air bubbles, etc), or make them less noticeable. Option 2: Get a full respray on the front bumper and hood, and then have the clear-bra installed. Problem in this situation is cost. Option 3: Forget both options above and keep the car as clean as possible in-between drives as I do now. I mention this option because there's a high chance that in 3-4 years I'll trade the Z in for something new. Any thoughts on what you'd do in my situation? Or recommendations?