Nose mask on 370Z

[southwoodmike]

Hi All, I had a nose mask on my 1990 300ZX and it kept the front end paint like new for 24 years. So when I bought my 2016 300Z I saw one of the factory options was a nose mask. Thought I'd go retro and ordered one. Since I had put my 300ZX nose mask on and off hundreds of times, I figured I could do it for this car. I got the thing 99% on but the last clip on both sides inside the wheel well would not clip on to anything. I thought it might be missing some hardware. My 300ZX did have buttons installed inside the wheel well so the mask could clip on. Does anyone have experience with the 2016 300Z nose mask? This is the new one piece design (nothing on the hood).
Thanks, Mike

[Nixin]

Why not go with a clear bra and preserve the clean lines and paint quality of your 370Z? I also used nose bra's on my vehicles in the past and the bras tend to damage the paint also.

[LA370z]

I would go with the clear nose bra. That's your best option.

[southwoodmike]

Yeah, I am kind of getting used to it without the nose mask. You don't see many cars anymore with them even though they do work. I never drove my 1990 300ZX in the rain (or snow) so it never got wet. It only came off when I washed the car. The problem is if the mask gets wet and you leave it on or if it is not properly installed and flaps against the paint. I may just leave it off as I don't plan to dive my new Z in the rain either. It might look a little too retro with it on anyway!

[POS VETT]

Whoa, that was a blast from the past.

[RumbleFish]

Just like a beautiful woman, the Z looks better without a bra

[TexasChuck]

I have both. The clear gets nicks and cuts, but saves the paint, for sure. BUT the nicks and cuts really show and that bothers me. Can't even half way repair it. The Cover Craft Bra, WITH the clear bra, really saves the paint without the bra (and dirt and bugs) damaging the paint. (I'm not sure I made this clear.)
So.. The fabric bra is tough, but with dirt and bugs under it , it can...will damage your paint. The clear paint protection (bra) gets nicked and the nicks show. I use both on road trips. JMHO.
Cheers

[Austonian]

I have one, it works for me.

[kenchan]

if u get XPEL ultimate it will self cure small scratches and indents by applying heat (usually the sun is enough).

[Blk_Z34]

Originally Posted by Austonian

I have one, it works for me.

I have one on mine as well. I know some z owners dislike having it on... but works for me, too. My z is black so it does not look too bad.

[southwoodmike]

Looks nice. Did you have to add any additional hardware snaps under the wheel wheels? I could not get the last part to connect anywhere.

Thanks!
Mike

[SouthArk370Z]

Everyone I've known that used a bra quit after seeing the long-term damage done to the paint. Easier to fix a small chip than repaint the whole thing. YMMV

[southwoodmike]

Well, taking it to the dealer on Saturday to let them install it. I don't know what magic they have that I don't. It needs something under the wheel well to secure the last hook. I've been taking it on an off a 1990 300ZX for 24 years. Yes, they definitely do work to keep the nose nick free and like new. The one draw back is that you have to take them off it gets wet and they it must fit snug. I do not drive my Z in the rain (or even if rain is expected)!