Clear Bra Installation Potential Issues

Amj2020

I was really considering putting a clear bra on the front end of my Z. Its all aftermarket with Fuji front bumper and vented fenders, and amuse everything else. The installer is one of the best around and he basically said straight up if the body shop skimped on any prep work there is a high likelihood of the paint lifting when they install the bra.

A lot of you guys have custom cars so I was wondering your takes on it, pros and cons. I mean I could always have it repainted but that would be annoying. With the car being black, and me NEVER driving it because its so damn low and eats gravel for a living, I think its worth the risk. I could theoretically just let it get damaged from rocks and have it repainted every other year or so, but its more of a garage queen which hardly gets used.

I just value a lot of your input here to see what you think or to see whether or not you guys have experience with this topic.

Anyone ever seen the paint lift during a clear bra install, I certainly have heard of it during a removal. Thanks in advance! I would say TIA but in my field it means a stoke, so not the best abbreviation ever!

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2012 Magnetic Black 370z | Fast Intentions CBE | Stillen G3 | Motordyne ART | H&R Coilovers | Work Emotion | Fujimura | Uprev | Amuse| GT-R Start

ZHighlander

While I haven't seen paint damage, I have heard of it from the pros in the vehicle repair industry. But that varies with a lot of factors, like your installer said. So, it's not always a given.

While the concept of the bra is nice, most of those pros I've talked to suggest to "not" use clear bras and just consider using touch up paint. But then again, if you end up getting crap load of chips from your setup... not sure if constant touch up paint would be ideal for you.

Certainly sounds like a pretty big risk though, considering the price of the full front bra (which I assume you'll be getting, cuz the half-hood bra gets noticeable), and potential repainting if it doesn't work out.

That's just my 2cents anyway.

TerribleONE

Never heard of people having problems like that installing but I am not a expert.

Sounds like the reward isn't worth the risk to me since a clear bra isn't exactly cheap.

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Amj2020

Im looking at over 2k for the clear bra install on the front end. This is all with the associated risks. Im not against touch up and have had some success with dr colorchip, but I literally have not used the car because all of the winter rocks and sand is still on the roads here in ny.

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2012 Magnetic Black 370z | Fast Intentions CBE | Stillen G3 | Motordyne ART | H&R Coilovers | Work Emotion | Fujimura | Uprev | Amuse| GT-R Start

Darwins Child

Let me guess. "This is Africa", right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keAzXQtuzf4

BTW, installing 3M film can be a DIY job.
3M Ventureshield Clear Bra Paint Protection Film Kit Fits 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo | eBay

I bought and installed such a kit myself on an '05 Lexus LS430 and the result was professional-looking. The only key to doing the job right is preliminary research and education and, during the application, dogged persistence.

Good luck.

TexasChuck

The film will still tear from the gravel, and the paint not chip. The tear becomes very visible. On mine, a piece of bark off a log truck tore the film and dented the aluminum hood slightly. The dent is more noticeable because of the tear in the film.
Cheaper to replace the film ($200) than paint the hood ($700-800).

ChaseZ

If the film will tear from rocks or not largely depends on the quality of the film. The 'better' 3M stuff is thin and hard, the cheaper being the opposite of that. I've had both and will go with the better stuff every time. FYI Nissan dealer quoted me $895 installed for the better stuff just a couple weeks ago. That's in Canadian dollars too so lop off 20-25% ehatever it is right now for exchange. 2k is insane.

mults

This is from the FAQ section from my installer...

Clear bra Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Q: Will Paint Protection Film harm the painted surface if the film is removed?
A: If the film is properly applied to a fully cured painted vehicle, it can be removed without damaging paint surfaces beneath the film.
Warning: If the paint protection film is applied to a repainted, older or not properly cured paint there is a slight risk of the paint being peeled off.

Q: Can Paint Protection Film be applied over a vehicle that has had the paint touched up?
A: We recommend that any repainted surfaces on your vehicle be professionally painted and fully cured before applying paint protection film. If the paint protection film is removed, it is possible that any incorrectly touched-up or painted areas could peel off. The film will protect the area until the film is removed.

Q: Will the paint smear if Paint Protection Film is applied over a newly painted vehicle?
A: The paint on a newly painted vehicle must be cured according to manufacturer's recommendations. Your body shop should be able to provide you with this information.

Q: Can you paint or apply a clearcoat over the Paint Protection Film?
A: No, this is not recommended and is at your own risk. Film is supplied with an OEM-approved clearcoat which is not formulated to be over-printed, painted or clearcoated.

Q: Can I cover the whole vehicle with Paint Protection Film?
A: It is possible, but the application may be difficult and expensive. This product is really intended for the most vulnerable areas of the vehicle. If you really are considering having most of your vehicle covered, please take a look at the Porsche GT3 example on this page. The entire car was covered with the 3M clear bra material. It is possible, your entire car is
protected!

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mults
40th Anniversary 'Z', 312.06HP/260.58TQ (Dynosty EcuTek Tune)
Build Date/Number: 1/27/2010 #706
Berk HFC + CBE, R2C CAI, Clear Bra, Cleveland Z Club

MacCool

Clear Bra for the front quarter of my Z cost me $600. Worth every penney. Rock chips haven't fazed it, but more important to me is the fact that bugs wipe right off with a wet microfiber towel, even after they've seen sitting on the thing for awhile.

RumbleFish

Anybody try one of these kits?
Precut Clear Paint Protection Film Kit Bra for Nissan 370Z 2009 2012 | eBay

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F.I. CBE V2/Stillen G3 CAI/GTM 25R OC/EcuTek tune (Specialty Z)/ KW V3's/Stillen Sway bars/SPC rear camber kit/Z1 FUCA/Mich. PSS4S 255/35-295/30

N8GTOL

My clear bra saved me from having to repaint my whole hood. I took a piece of metal off a semi right next to my highlight. The bra took a beating and even tore through in a little spot. A little PDR and some Dr.Color touch up paint with a new bra and looks good as new. No evidence of rock chips either after 40k miles. Using VentureShield.

kenchan

i can see the paint peeling off with the bra during removal but why they would have issues put it on, no idea. especially if they are going to use a roll, there is very little stretching involved while applying.

kenchan

sounds more like dey just dont want to do it cause no pre-cuts available. lol

2011 Nismo#91

Don't see it mentioned, but like vinyl wraps it should be replaced in 4-5 years or you will have a very difficult time removing it if you have to for what ever reason. These plastics have plasticizers in them which break down over time and even faster when exposed to UV light. When the plasticizers break down the plastic becomes very ridgid and essentially you'll be removing one tiny piece at a time.

Amj2020

Hahah Kenchan might be right, They keep commenting how this is a "custom" job and has to be all "hand cut". This all came with the later information that 50% of all aftermarket paint peels off during the installation of the PPF. I just hate sending the car to the body shop for paint every freaking two years or so. Going to go for the PPF, I guess if it screws up the paint I can always do a matte black wrap (always wanted that).

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2012 Magnetic Black 370z | Fast Intentions CBE | Stillen G3 | Motordyne ART | H&R Coilovers | Work Emotion | Fujimura | Uprev | Amuse| GT-R Start