What do people think of Clear Bra Paint Protection?

FricFrac · 03-08-2010, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTP AutoWorks

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 whether you actually get film installed in the first place... and wouldn't 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 didn't work people wouldn't 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.

Of course its ridiculous to expect any kind of warranty that this film will STOP rock chips on your car because it can't. It is very good at protecting your car and PREVENTING rock chips but it will not stop them. I know this and so do you which is exactly why it is ridiculous to expect any kind of warranty that states this will stop rock chips or dings. Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of physics or even a little insight to the forces of nature will know that the film is not capable of stopping all force exerted on the front of the film from being transfered to the back of the film. If it did everyone would be using this for body Armour instead of Kevlar. That is precisely my point which you completely missed.

Now for you to state that I would intentionally damage my own bumper is nothing short of offensive. I am an honest person and I work diligently to be honest. For you to make such an unfounded statement is plain rude. Do you always treat strangers this way or just under the veil of anonymity of the Internet? You would think with the economy the way it is a professional business man would conduct themselves with some form of professionalism. It is good for everyone here in the state of Texas to see how you conduct yourself before they are accused by you of intentionally damaging the film if they have a problem with your product.

So once again to recap - this film will not stop rock chips. I think its important for the people on the forum doing research to know this. If they think that by putting the film on they will not have any chips or dings from flying rocks and spend $1000+ they will be sorely disappointed to possibly find the odd chip or ding. It is also important to know that the film is extremely resilient and will prevent the majority of rock chips from damaging your car. I highly recommend it. I'm happy with it on my 370Z and I'll be putting it on my 240Z when I repaint the air dam and my 280ZX when it's repainted.

Oh and here's some proof that it doesn't STOP rock damage.... (there were three rock chips before the clear bra was applied but I did not take pictures of those chips regardless of what you may infer HTP AutoWorks).

JB1 · 03-09-2010, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanboy

any suggestions around Chicago IL for this?

Try Umbra in Schaumburg, did a great job on my car and at a great price too. He uses Ventureshield, no pattern but freehand, so a perfect fit.

blinkme323 · 03-09-2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-WHIZ

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?

I was actually wondering the same thing....

FricFrac · 03-16-2010, 01:10 AM

There are companys that specialize in chip repair - check out your local yellow pages. You can also try your hand yourself....

eShine Canada: LANGKA Complete Paint Chip Repair Kit

SoCal 370Z · 03-16-2010, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-WHIZ

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?

Yes. Just insure the paint has properly dried, and that your prep before painting the chip is done correctly.

steveg78 · 03-16-2010, 01:23 AM

For the guys with and without paint protection products and some mileage under the belt:

Do you think getting a full hood is overkill? I am probably getting mine done this week and installer seemed to steer me away from full hood saying the kit which includes front bumper, 20% hood, partial fenders and mirrors would be sufficient. I have been staying off the highways during my break-in but I'm wondering if the 370 hood is susceptible to rock damage higher up on the hood. I mean, for the most part, where do you guys seem to find your chips appearing (besides front fascia of course). Oh yeah, what about rear panels/doors? Obviously, the price is substantially higher so finding the right balance is what I'm after.

Thanks

SoCal 370Z · 03-16-2010, 01:31 AM

steveg78,

Honestly, the success of a good clear bra relies upon two things:

1) Good product, and even more so,
2) A very competent installer.

Find a car gathering event close to you and show up to look at the rides. You should be able to find owners who have done minor to custom clear bra installs. They can can also tell you the pros and cons, BUT more so you can see how the results turn out on what you are looking to do.

Zsteve · 03-16-2010, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveg78

For the guys with and without paint protection products and some mileage under the belt:

Do you think getting a full hood is overkill? I am probably getting mine done this week and installer seemed to steer me away from full hood saying the kit which includes front bumper, 20% hood, partial fenders and mirrors would be sufficient. I have been staying off the highways during my break-in but I'm wondering if the 370 hood is susceptible to rock damage higher up on the hood. I mean, for the most part, where do you guys seem to find your chips appearing (besides front fascia of course). Oh yeah, what about rear panels/doors? Obviously, the price is substantially higher so finding the right balance is what I'm after.

Thanks

The cost to get the whole hood done is probably more than it would cost to paint it.

Ive also read that on darker cars its not as clear appearing as it is on lighter colors.

schrute · 03-16-2010, 04:58 AM

I have the half hood (probably more like 40% hood - it's about even with the back of the headlights) and I don't see a need to go higher. The edge of the clearbra is noticeable when the car is dirty, less so when it's clean. On a darker color it might be more noticeable. If the price isn't much different I would recommend doing the entire hood but it's overkill if the price is significantly different, the chips will be more prevelant on the bumper/lower hood. As long as you do at least the lower hood you'll be good.

HTP AutoWorks · 03-16-2010, 08:09 AM

FricFrac I am going to be MORE than happy to reply to your above post with PROOF that the film does work. I dont know what your experience is with paint protection film but I can tell it is very limited. I have been installing film for years and have had numerous customers come back for repeat business... and why is that? Because the film does stop rock chips. If it didnt then why would the industry have lasted so long??? If it didnt do the one thing it was designed to do... then why would it still be around? Why do I have customers come spend $1800 for a full front end wrap if it doesnt work? They have had film before... so obviousley they had good results with it or they wouldnt be coming back. My Jeep SRT-8 has 83,000 miles on it and has been from California to New York and guess what, not a chip on it. But dont take my word (as I am not taking yours), here are a few examples of how well the film works.

Gravelomoter video (this is what all auto makers use to test their paint) It simulates rocks hitting the surface of the car at over 100+mph.

YouTube - Gravelometer Test

Sanblasting a hood with film on it....

YouTube - Avery Paint Protection Film - Strength Test 2

Yet another durability test... with a screw driver.

YouTube - Avery Paint Protection Film Strength Test - PRO-TECT Film

There are numerous videos proving my point... and all it takes is a quick search on google. I suggest you do some research because from what I can tell the only experience you have with a clear bra... sounds like you were sold clear vinyl and not paint protection film. It looks nearly the same yet offers no real protection against rocks. Paint protection film will stop rocks, up to a certain size (and at that point it will do body damage as well), from chipping your paint. But feel free to go on without using anything.

Zsteve · 03-16-2010, 10:49 AM

I dont doubt that the film works to a degree, but what Im not clear on is this. If the film stops the damage, which is good, does the film itself get damaged , thus giving the appearnace of damage to the area? I mean if the film is damaged and is on the car then whats the point, it still looks bad? Now if the film doesnt look damaged then I can see the advantage. but on one of the videos posted earlier in this thread, when they peeled the film off the area to show that the area was ok, which it was, the film looked damaged. So unless you can replace the film every so often at a low cost, Im not sure.

Brendan@Bwalk · 03-16-2010, 04:05 PM

It usually takes one hell of a hit to distort the film. I order StarShield on all of the Lotuses (Lotii?) in stock here, as they have really soft paint, and chip easily. The film has plenty of spots where it covers the sides aswell, as when you're turning it's easy to throw rocks up the side of an Elise/Exige.

I haven't seen one that had the appearance of rock chips in the film. I've only seen issues with it where the car took a good hit (tagged a bunch of wood etc).

For reference, the Evora that my friend was driving around the western US for Lotus had StarShield, except for a little band on the front bumper where the Europlate was supposed to go. The front looked perfect, and that little section looked like it got hit by a media blaster...

SoCal 370Z · 03-16-2010, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zsteve

I dont doubt that the film works to a degree, but what Im not clear on is this. If the film stops the damage, which is good, does the film itself get damaged , thus giving the appearance of damage to the area? I mean if the film is damaged and is on the car then whats the point, it still looks bad? Now if the film doesnt look damaged then I can see the advantage. but on one of the videos posted earlier in this thread, when they peeled the film off the area to show that the area was ok, which it was, the film looked damaged. So unless you can replace the film every so often at a low cost, Im not sure.

Depending on what object actually hits the film there might or might not be damage. If it is a sharp object is can damage both the film and the paint, BUT the damage will be reduced because of the film. What it does best is save your front end from the perpetual peppering of pits and chips that come over time. After having a clear bar I will never own another vehicle without it.

antennahead · 03-16-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveg78

For the guys with and without paint protection products and some mileage under the belt:

Do you think getting a full hood is overkill? I am probably getting mine done this week and installer seemed to steer me away from full hood saying the kit which includes front bumper, 20% hood, partial fenders and mirrors would be sufficient. I have been staying off the highways during my break-in but I'm wondering if the 370 hood is susceptible to rock damage higher up on the hood. I mean, for the most part, where do you guys seem to find your chips appearing (besides front fascia of course). Oh yeah, what about rear panels/doors? Obviously, the price is substantially higher so finding the right balance is what I'm after.

Thanks

This is just my personal experience. My '06 350 had a front bumper that looked like crap, chip city! The hood was fine and I drive the interstate M thru F to work. The 370 has a perfect front bumper after one year with the clear bra applied when new, the hood is also flawless. I would opt to not do even a partial hood, but that is just me. I have no chip issues anywhere else either, nor did I on the 350. YMMV.

John

370zlove3 · 03-16-2010, 07:21 PM

Enough texts and more pictures with the clear bra applied and months/years of driving, people.

Come on - show us the pictures!

03-16-2010, 01:10 AM	#199 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 229	There are companys that specialize in chip repair - check out your local yellow pages. You can also try your hand yourself.... eShine Canada: LANGKA Complete Paint Chip Repair Kit __________________ '09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

03-16-2010, 01:31 AM	#202 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	steveg78, Honestly, the success of a good clear bra relies upon two things: 1) Good product, and even more so, 2) A very competent installer. Find a car gathering event close to you and show up to look at the rides. You should be able to find owners who have done minor to custom clear bra installs. They can can also tell you the pros and cons, BUT more so you can see how the results turn out on what you are looking to do. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

03-16-2010, 04:58 AM	#204 (permalink)
schrute Track Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: utah Posts: 781 Drives: my z every day Rep Power: 17	I have the half hood (probably more like 40% hood - it's about even with the back of the headlights) and I don't see a need to go higher. The edge of the clearbra is noticeable when the car is dirty, less so when it's clean. On a darker color it might be more noticeable. If the price isn't much different I would recommend doing the entire hood but it's overkill if the price is significantly different, the chips will be more prevelant on the bumper/lower hood. As long as you do at least the lower hood you'll be good. __________________ my journal \| 2009 370z touring \| 6mt \| platinum graphite \| my album second skin \| mr works \| fast intentions \| ssr \| eibach \| hotchkis \| spc \| toyo \| bluebatmobile \| v-led \| jwt \| ventureshield \| tinted tails

03-16-2010, 08:09 AM	#205 (permalink)
HTP AutoWorks Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: DFW Posts: 124 Drives: G35, Jeep SRT-8 Rep Power: 0	FricFrac I am going to be MORE than happy to reply to your above post with PROOF that the film does work. I dont know what your experience is with paint protection film but I can tell it is very limited. I have been installing film for years and have had numerous customers come back for repeat business... and why is that? Because the film does stop rock chips. If it didnt then why would the industry have lasted so long??? If it didnt do the one thing it was designed to do... then why would it still be around? Why do I have customers come spend $1800 for a full front end wrap if it doesnt work? They have had film before... so obviousley they had good results with it or they wouldnt be coming back. My Jeep SRT-8 has 83,000 miles on it and has been from California to New York and guess what, not a chip on it. But dont take my word (as I am not taking yours), here are a few examples of how well the film works. Gravelomoter video (this is what all auto makers use to test their paint) It simulates rocks hitting the surface of the car at over 100+mph. YouTube - Gravelometer Test Sanblasting a hood with film on it.... YouTube - Avery Paint Protection Film - Strength Test 2 Yet another durability test... with a screw driver. YouTube - Avery Paint Protection Film Strength Test - PRO-TECT Film There are numerous videos proving my point... and all it takes is a quick search on google. I suggest you do some research because from what I can tell the only experience you have with a clear bra... sounds like you were sold clear vinyl and not paint protection film. It looks nearly the same yet offers no real protection against rocks. Paint protection film will stop rocks, up to a certain size (and at that point it will do body damage as well), from chipping your paint. But feel free to go on without using anything. Last edited by HTP AutoWorks; 03-16-2010 at 08:12 AM.

03-16-2010, 10:49 AM	#206 (permalink)
Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 3,298 Drives: the 2 balled club Rep Power: 22	I dont doubt that the film works to a degree, but what Im not clear on is this. If the film stops the damage, which is good, does the film itself get damaged , thus giving the appearnace of damage to the area? I mean if the film is damaged and is on the car then whats the point, it still looks bad? Now if the film doesnt look damaged then I can see the advantage. but on one of the videos posted earlier in this thread, when they peeled the film off the area to show that the area was ok, which it was, the film looked damaged. So unless you can replace the film every so often at a low cost, Im not sure. __________________ 2010 LS3 C6 Silver coupe corvette

03-16-2010, 01:23 AM	#201 (permalink)
steveg78 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MD Posts: 569 Drives: 09 370Z PG M6 +Sport Rep Power: 17	For the guys with and without paint protection products and some mileage under the belt: Do you think getting a full hood is overkill? I am probably getting mine done this week and installer seemed to steer me away from full hood saying the kit which includes front bumper, 20% hood, partial fenders and mirrors would be sufficient. I have been staying off the highways during my break-in but I'm wondering if the 370 hood is susceptible to rock damage higher up on the hood. I mean, for the most part, where do you guys seem to find your chips appearing (besides front fascia of course). Oh yeah, what about rear panels/doors? Obviously, the price is substantially higher so finding the right balance is what I'm after. Thanks

03-16-2010, 04:05 PM	#207 (permalink)
Brendan@Bwalk Supporting Nissan Dealer Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 56 Drives: Unreliable V8 Rep Power: 15	It usually takes one hell of a hit to distort the film. I order StarShield on all of the Lotuses (Lotii?) in stock here, as they have really soft paint, and chip easily. The film has plenty of spots where it covers the sides aswell, as when you're turning it's easy to throw rocks up the side of an Elise/Exige. I haven't seen one that had the appearance of rock chips in the film. I've only seen issues with it where the car took a good hit (tagged a bunch of wood etc). For reference, the Evora that my friend was driving around the western US for Lotus had StarShield, except for a little band on the front bumper where the Europlate was supposed to go. The front looked perfect, and that little section looked like it got hit by a media blaster... __________________ Brendan Dolan Internet Sales Boardwalk Nissan Check out my current 370Z inventory! Check out my Nissan Leaf Blog and help me pad the analytics with unique visitors...

03-16-2010, 07:21 PM	#210 (permalink)
370zlove3 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA Posts: 73 Drives: 2010 370Z Rep Power: 16	Enough texts and more pictures with the clear bra applied and months/years of driving, people. Come on - show us the pictures!

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