How Much Clear Bra do you Really Need?
 

I've never had a clear bra, but am getting one installed on Tuesday. Here are my choices (it's Venture Shield Ultra):

1. Full front bumper, headlights, 24" up hood, side mirrors: $600
2. Everything in #1 plus full hood, A-pillars, ~1 foot on front of roof: $1000

For those who have had bras in the past, which would you go with?

Chances that you will need option 2 are pretty low but if it does happen, it could cost more than additional $400 to fix. I went with 1 though. I don't drive among too many trucks in my area but if you are near port, I would go for #2.

i have option 1 + right behind the doors and still to this day have not run into any problems anywhere. it's all in what you what though. good luck with your choice

I went with option #1 an am very happy. I got RoadBlock here in the Chicago area which installed ventureshield. Option 2 seems like a waste to me. A rock or pebble isn't going to hit your hood past the 24 inches is it?? I also got the mirrors done and it all looks great. It really helps in removing bugs as well from the front bumper.

I've got Option 1 minus the headlights - no problems.

I'm getting the entire bumper, hood, fenders, lights, a-pillars, and mirrors done. I want the lines to look as clean as possible, and I figure with driving ~60 highway miles a day, I'm better safe than sorry. My quote was a bit higher $1200, but that is using Venture Shield which has a lifetime warranty.

I made a mistake...it's actually Venture Shield Ultra.

I also drive ~60 highway miles each day. Does anybody with option #1 drive on the highway a lot? Does option #1 protect enough?

Personally, I think it would protect enough. I just didn't want to have lines on the middle of my hood and fender. edit: I just noticed your #1 didn't include partial fenders? You should definitely get that done.

I'm not sure how Venture Shield stacks up with the rest, but they are owned by 3m. The other interesting thing is, they are the only company that gives a lifetime warranty, all of the rest (including 3m's own brand) only give 5 years.

What are "partial fenders?"

Meaning, not covering the entire fender (i.e. Partial Hood)...

I'll ask about that. That makes sense.

It looks like I'll probably go with option #1. The guy seems pretty reasonable and has a fair amount of experience. I asked about tinting the windows at the same time and he said he'd do it for an additional $100 since he was doing all of it at the same time. That's a deal!

Lemme get this right..people are spending $1200+ to protect against possible damage that will cost them the same amount of money :stirthepot:

I have less than option 1, full bumper only. I drive the interstate daily, to and from work, and lot's of damn trucks, lol (port town). I have been saved many a time, and have ZERO incidents on the hood, headlights, or mirrors. Obviously that could change, but 99% of the airborn stuff seems to hit the bumper.

John

How about this much:

YouTube - Missing Persons - Words

Clearmask also offers a lifetime warranty. I have been installing that film for years but am now transitioning over to VentureShield Ultra. I really think is a great film with the least amount of orange peel out there. I also like it becaues I do a lot of full hood full fender wraps and Venture is one of the few films that comes in widths up to 58".... which is need to wrap panels with.

same amount of maney as????? You didnt finish your statement.

And yes people that want to keep their car looking new do pay that kind of money. They wont have to deal with getting the paint resprayed every couple of years to keep the car looking good. many of the paints today are difficult to match and I have seen a lot of situations where the car has had to go in the shop multiple times to get it right. Now only does respraying kill your resale value but it is also a lot of time you are without the car. Replacing one headlight along is about the cost of an install... so it pays for itself many times over. And with a lifetime warranty... how can you go wrong?

I would recomend #2, Full hood is the way to go. I got my Nismo done, Bumper, full hood, full fenders, mirrors, side skirts, & around rear wheel well. You dont even know its on the car, & it gives you a little peace of mind when driving on the highway. Almost forgot . I also got the headlights done as well.

what if you decided to remove it? would the color look different? or would it be hard to remove?

The guy that did mine, says he removes it with a heat gun. Im sure it's a little tough to get off, but he says it won't damage the paint,(also. it's a lifetime warranty) as for color fade I don't think it would effect it. it's clear.

clear bra advice
 

I clear bra'd my 370Z, I advise covering the entire hood and fenders, this way if applied well nobody will know its there. partially covering an area leaves very noticable lines. you wont be happy with the results. I would not partially cover the roof neither. all or none. The car is too nice to half step it for the sake of saving money, you'll regret it. Keep me posted on your decision.

I just contacted a local installer/shop of speedshield. My brother works at Park Place Lexus in Plano (one of, if not the, top dealers around) and it's the company they subcontract for their customers.

Bumper, Partial Hood, Partial Fenders, Mirrors: $700

Bumper, Full Hood, Full Fenders, Mirrors: $1,100

The do good work from what my brother has heard and their site has some great info and pictures. I spoke with the owner at length and he was very helpful and knowledgable.

This particular shop is somewhat partnered with a detail shop too, and I was quoted about $165 for a full Zaino-style detail including a Dawn wax strip, clay bar, and polish. The car has to have the wax stripped before the installation anyways and they fact that I can have them clay my car at the same time is that much better. Plus once the bra is on, the detail company can then throw a couple layers of polish on it and I'll be double protected, plus lookin quite purdy.