What do people think of Clear Bra Paint Protection?

mick · 03-05-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zsteve

Well if it stops chips from rocks that are hitting the car at the speed of light why dont they just make the final clear coat this stuff from the factory. LOL.

haha. this reminds me of the scene from the movie "iglourious basterds" where brad pitt says a “Deal is too good to be true,” well it probably is"

HTP AutoWorks · 03-05-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zsteve

Well if it stops chips from rocks that are hitting the car at the speed of light why dont they just make the final clear coat this stuff from the factory. LOL

But really what makes it so strong as to not allow a chip from a sharp rock colliding at a couple hundred miles per hour. I cant watch the video right now as youtube is blocked at my work place so I will watch it tonight.

It is what the material is made out of. It absorbds the energy of the rock and spreads the impact out over the surface. Its very durable from punctures... but if the rock is large enough it can go through the film along with the panel. Its not bulletproof but will stop rocks from damaging your paint. This stuff has been on the market for about 20 years. So if it didnt work it would not still be around.

Auto manufacturers do not provide this from the factory because it takes a long time to install. Some cars do come with it in areas already... Porsches in front of the rear wheels, Ford GTs along the rocker panels... just to name a few. But those areas are simple flat areas that do not take any skill or time to apply the film. A full bumper is much different and takes much more time. Then there is the cost for applying it.

HTP AutoWorks · 03-05-2010, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

haha. this reminds me of the scene from the movie "iglourious basterds" where brad pitt says a “Deal is too good to be true,” well it probably is"

Mick its not like this stuff just came out. 20 years on the market and still going... plus the military still uses it on their aircraft and helicopter rotors. So its been tested and works. The reason why you probably dont know much about it is because normally it is applied to high end cars due to the cost. Sure there is a market out there for lower end vehicles but most people that buy a 20-30k dollar car arent going to spend another 800 to protect it.

Like I said, a Google search will provide you with years of testing results, data, and customer reviews on the product. if your interested do a search.

Zsteve · 03-05-2010, 05:50 PM

A couple of things I did see in the video was he didnt fully wipe boths sides of the panel so the uncovered side look more damaged than it really was cuz it still had dirt on it. Also they really didnt give a closeup look at the covered side afterwards before they peeled away the film. When peeling it away I did see some damage on the film that if this was applied to a car would look like road rash a little on the car. It did protect the underside though and is probably a good thing to get. Does it yellow after awhile?

HTP AutoWorks · 03-06-2010, 01:03 AM

No the newer films do not yellow. And if they do they are warranted. VentureShield, which is what I primarily install, is warranted for life from yellowing, cracking, fading, or peeling.

There are numerous other videos on the web demonstrating the durability of the film. The video was not a gimick... and if you really want to critique one, you will always find something that doesnt satisfy your curiousity.

Zsteve · 03-06-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTP AutoWorks

No the newer films do not yellow. And if they do they are warranted. VentureShield, which is what I primarily install, is warranted for life from yellowing, cracking, fading, or peeling.

There are numerous other videos on the web demonstrating the durability of the film. The video was not a gimick... and if you really want to critique one, you will always find something that doesnt satisfy your curiousity.

I wasnt saying it was a gimic I just pointed out that I saw damage on the film when they peeled it off. I was meaning that that damage would look like road rash on the car, admiting that the paint would be OK but you would still see what looks like damage while the film is on the car. Im sure it works well to a point but I was just pointing a couple of things out.

FricFrac · 03-06-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTP AutoWorks

You know normally I do not reply to posts where the individual is clueless as to what they are talking about, but this time I need to step in an correct this statement. Paint protection film was designed for millitary use on aircraft. It will EASILY stop a stone at 50 mph from reaching the paint. In fact, here is a video that shows rocks being projected at speeds of well over 100mph at a painted steel plate. Watch it and learn something. Notice no tearing in the film and no damage to the paint on the protected surfaces.

YouTube - 3M Gravelometer

I personally have had clients take their car down to the Texas Mile where they are runnning at speeds over 200mph and they are not getting any damage on their vehicle. A lot of my customers track their vehicles (at speeds I am sure are over 50mph) and guess what??? No rock chips. Yes you can potentially get a rock chip where you dont have film... but you typically tend to cover areas where you get the most damage. If that isnt enough, well get the entire hood, entire fenders, bumper, rocker panels, rear wheel impact areas wrapped and dont worry about it. The install will cost much less than having those areas repainted and you wont have to worry about having the paint matched, being without your vehicle while being painted, and having to repaint again once the chips start accumulating.

I really suggest you do some research before you get on here making ridiculous statements thats are based on uneducated opinion... not facts. A google search will bring up numerous videos, test results, and customer comments backing up how well the film holds up.

I'm clueless? That's a bold statement - but since I'm so ignorant would you care to back that up with a guarantee? I'm always a little leary about people who have a financial intrest posting on a hobbiest web page. I'm sure if this is the miracle film you claim it is you would never need to pay out a claim. Giving a guarantee would only bring you more business and make you even more money since you should never have to pay out. So are you willing to personally back up your statement and tell me that you'll pay for any rock damage under any 3M film I get applied on my car?

ryanboy · 03-06-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTP AutoWorks

Rick Anstandt @ BodySkins is excellent. He uses 3M and VentureShield film, Xpel and Proform Designs patterns (the best on the market), is mobile, and has VERY good prices. I have known Rick for a few years and seen his work personally... and will vouch for the quality of his workmanship. Give him a call at 847-530-8443 and tell him Thom from HTP sent you. He will take good care of you.

thank you! ill give him a ring and give your regards:-)

ZYGOTE · 03-06-2010, 05:23 PM

Fwiw, the clearbra films are not the be all, end all. I had the clearbra on my previous vehicle and will never get one again. Before I sold the car, the buyer asked me to remove the film and upon doing so, not only was the paint where the film was brighter than the rest of the car - but there were several areas where rocks had penetrated through the bra and damaged the paint. I can guarantee that if all the 370 owners pulled off their clearbras right now, 99% would find damage underneath.

The product does have some merits, but it will not make your car invincible from damage, only minimize it some areas.

antennahead · 03-06-2010, 09:58 PM

I traded a 2006 350 on my 370, the car was 2 1/2 years old. I drive the interstate to work daily. After one year the front bumper looked like it had been shot with a shotgun, chip city. It was horrible, I hated it. The 370 had a clear bra professionally installed right after I got it last March '09. You can't tell it is on the car, the install is so good. As of today the front bumper is perfect. You can tell when smaller rocks and pebbles hit it at speed, because there will sometimes be this little spot of "dust" where the impact was, rock shattered....... no damage to the bra, or as far as I can tell, whats underneath. This is obviously a personal choice for everyone, but after the way the 350 looked, versus how the 370 now looks (like new), I am a sold customer. I have zero yellowing also, as I said, you can't tell it's there.

HTP AutoWorks · 03-07-2010, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FricFrac

I'm clueless? That's a bold statement - but since I'm so ignorant would you care to back that up with a guarantee? I'm always a little leary about people who have a financial intrest posting on a hobbiest web page. I'm sure if this is the miracle film you claim it is you would never need to pay out a claim. Giving a guarantee would only bring you more business and make you even more money since you should never have to pay out. So are you willing to personally back up your statement and tell me that you'll pay for any rock damage under any 3M film I get applied on my car?

That is ridiculous to even post that. You are in Canada and I am in Texas. Like I am going to repair your paint damage if you get any rock chips. I wont even have any clue on wether you actually get film installed in the first place... and wouldnt put it past you to damage your own bumper just to make a claim. Look you need to read my posts above before making another post. Your only making yourself look bad here. Film has been around for about 20 years... and if it didnt work people wouldnt still be buying it. DO SOME RESEARCH. Its very simple. Type the word "clear bra" into Google and read up on a topic before you go making claims.

And to be honest I could care less wehter you get it or not. I have no financial gain to make from you... so go ahead and live with rock chips. I will sleep well tonight either way. But if you want to learn a little something and keep your car looking new, then join these discussions ask good questions and listen... not make comments on something you do not have a clue about.

HTP AutoWorks · 03-07-2010, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZYGOTE

Fwiw, the clearbra films are not the be all, end all. I had the clearbra on my previous vehicle and will never get one again. Before I sold the car, the buyer asked me to remove the film and upon doing so, not only was the paint where the film was brighter than the rest of the car - but there were several areas where rocks had penetrated through the bra and damaged the paint. I can guarantee that if all the 370 owners pulled off their clearbras right now, 99% would find damage underneath.

The product does have some merits, but it will not make your car invincible from damage, only minimize it some areas.

99%. Interesting. So your say paint protection film has a 99% failure rate. How in the world would paint protection film manufacturers stay in business with a 99% failure rate??? Again its not bullet proof... and if a rock is big enough it will damage your bumper. But it would do EVEN MORE damage had you not had the film. And as far as the paint being "brighter" the film is optically clear, so it doesn not block UV rays. The only reason why the paint under the film would be brighter is if you didnt properly take care of the uncovered surfaces of the car... and your paint was oxidizing. The brighter paint was actually what your car looked like when you first got it. So I am guessing there was some length of time there where you were not properly taking care of the paint... thus causing it to look dull. So why is that a mark against having film???

Look people if you dont want it, dont get it. But there are thousands of posts out there of people praising film and how it has saved their paint. You would be hard pressed finding a Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche driving down the road without it... unless they do not have access to an installer (and in that case they will fly one in to install film... I went to 37 states last year for installation work). So there is a reason why they are paying good money to have it done. Because it works... and more than just 1% of the time.

370zlove3 · 03-07-2010, 03:31 PM

HTP, do you know any good places in San Antonio that install these clear bra paint protection?

Right now I'm looking at here:
http://www.xpel.com/products/dealers...mit=Search+%BB

Also, what other parts are important to protect other than the bumper and hood?
Is covering the roof of the car worth it even though you are limited in money?

zlance · 03-07-2010, 06:35 PM

Done anyone have any recomendations for an installer in Southwest Florida?

Z-WHIZ · 03-08-2010, 08:52 PM

I have a few very small chips on my hood and fender. Would it be possible to to touch those up and then install the bra? Or is that not reccommended?

03-05-2010, 05:50 PM	#184 (permalink)
Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 3,298 Drives: the 2 balled club Rep Power: 21	A couple of things I did see in the video was he didnt fully wipe boths sides of the panel so the uncovered side look more damaged than it really was cuz it still had dirt on it. Also they really didnt give a closeup look at the covered side afterwards before they peeled away the film. When peeling it away I did see some damage on the film that if this was applied to a car would look like road rash a little on the car. It did protect the underside though and is probably a good thing to get. Does it yellow after awhile? __________________ 2010 LS3 C6 Silver coupe corvette

03-06-2010, 09:58 PM	#190 (permalink)
antennahead A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 15,181 Drives: '07 Z4 "M" Roadster Rep Power: 57	I traded a 2006 350 on my 370, the car was 2 1/2 years old. I drive the interstate to work daily. After one year the front bumper looked like it had been shot with a shotgun, chip city. It was horrible, I hated it. The 370 had a clear bra professionally installed right after I got it last March '09. You can't tell it is on the car, the install is so good. As of today the front bumper is perfect. You can tell when smaller rocks and pebbles hit it at speed, because there will sometimes be this little spot of "dust" where the impact was, rock shattered....... no damage to the bra, or as far as I can tell, whats underneath. This is obviously a personal choice for everyone, but after the way the 350 looked, versus how the 370 now looks (like new), I am a sold customer. I have zero yellowing also, as I said, you can't tell it's there. __________________ *Time is a companion, who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment............ because it will never come again*

03-07-2010, 06:35 PM	#194 (permalink)
zlance Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 10 Drives: 2010 370Z PW AT Sprt Rep Power: 15	Clear Bra - Southwest FL area Installer? Done anyone have any recomendations for an installer in Southwest Florida?

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03-06-2010, 01:03 AM	#185 (permalink)
HTP AutoWorks Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: DFW Posts: 124 Drives: G35, Jeep SRT-8 Rep Power: 0	No the newer films do not yellow. And if they do they are warranted. VentureShield, which is what I primarily install, is warranted for life from yellowing, cracking, fading, or peeling. There are numerous other videos on the web demonstrating the durability of the film. The video was not a gimick... and if you really want to critique one, you will always find something that doesnt satisfy your curiousity.

03-06-2010, 05:23 PM	#189 (permalink)
ZYGOTE Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NE Posts: 80 Drives: 09 6MT SP Rep Power: 15	Fwiw, the clearbra films are not the be all, end all. I had the clearbra on my previous vehicle and will never get one again. Before I sold the car, the buyer asked me to remove the film and upon doing so, not only was the paint where the film was brighter than the rest of the car - but there were several areas where rocks had penetrated through the bra and damaged the paint. I can guarantee that if all the 370 owners pulled off their clearbras right now, 99% would find damage underneath. The product does have some merits, but it will not make your car invincible from damage, only minimize it some areas.

03-07-2010, 03:31 PM	#193 (permalink)
370zlove3 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA Posts: 73 Drives: 2010 370Z Rep Power: 15	HTP, do you know any good places in San Antonio that install these clear bra paint protection? Right now I'm looking at here: http://www.xpel.com/products/dealers...mit=Search+%BB Also, what other parts are important to protect other than the bumper and hood? Is covering the roof of the car worth it even though you are limited in money?

03-08-2010, 08:52 PM	#195 (permalink)
Z-WHIZ Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Philly Posts: 115 Drives: 370 Base Rep Power: 16	I have a few very small chips on my hood and fender. Would it be possible to to touch those up and then install the bra? Or is that not reccommended?