370z Clear Bra?

Red__Zed · 10-20-2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gurneyeagle

Wow, it took two guys about two and a half hours to apply the 3M clear bra.

Same experience here.

I actually had three clear bras on my car, One from the dealer, two after factory repaints....Every time done very promptly.

Bonzo · 10-20-2011, 04:54 PM

I have been religiously trying to figure out the whole clear bra thing myself. I KNEW I HAD to have it, but, trying to figure out who makes what and what's better and whats not and what's worth what is IMPOSSIBLE. According to my nephew, who has been wrapping cars for years, there are only 3 actual makers of the film, 3M, Avery and I forget the 3rd one. All other supposed sellers that use other names get their materials made by these 3 companies, it's the same stuff, and they just have the liner rebadged. And it's because of this back door crap going on, that's it's all smoke an mirrors. Everyone is in on the deception. I have researched on-line for 2 months now, and contacted no less than 4 or 5 local venders (another catch is about being licensed and crap). Information, pricing, product names, etc are all over the board. One local vender for Lumar wanted $1500 for the material, and another $1000 to install it!!!!! Yet he only charges a total of $169 to tint the windows. WTF? I had another local guy quote me $875 using 3M Ventureshield. Others were over $1000 using everything from 3M to Avery. Some online kit places charge the exact same price for all 3 companies material, but their pre-cut kits were not as extensive. Others had full hood and fender kits but wanted an arm and a leg just for the material.

I got so frustrated with it that I just said F it, I've wasted enough time on this. I went with the easiest, best website, bang for the buck, quick friendly least B.S. customer service I could find. I bought Aerogard pre-cut material kits from ClearMask Automotive Paint Protection And Headlight Protection Film - Auto Clear Bra - Scotchgard Protector - Headlight Covers. I got the Econo kit that includes the bumper, 18" of hood, small pieces on the fender, mirrors, A-pillars and the roof front for $312.40, and also the Rocker/Door kit for $114.80. I got it all in the mail last night, and they sent me door guard pieces and headlight materials for free, along with a full installation kit. Cool.

Now this is where I get a bonus most won't get. My nephew is going to install it for me for free. We originally talked about just buying the material in bulk rolls, which would have been cheaper, but since he was doing it for free I figured pre-cut kits would be easier for him than having to do it by hand. I also figured pre-cut parts meant less chance of an accidental razor blade cut in the paint. So bottom line, I am getting every front surface of the car done for $427.20, plus my time with my nephew.

Of course you can do the same if you are willing to install it yourself.

Good luck in your hunting, and I hope you have lots of money to just do it and be done with it. I wish I had that option.

Dimon009 · 10-20-2011, 05:50 PM

I've been calling around the area and it varies from $700 to up in the $2,200 area...

I'm planning on using my Z mainly for weekends... so I'm thinking I'd rather spend the $700+ on paying off the car at the moment... but I'll keep on looking around the area where I live... hopefully something cheaper will come along.

Thanks for all the input!! Much appreciated!

gurneyeagle · 10-20-2011, 09:46 PM

What's the opinion on doing the headlights? My installer said not to do it due to me having HIDs. He said there was an issue with heat dissipation.

The wife's 2007 MDX is our "road warrior" and while the hood has a few chips, the plastic headlights look fine.

I'm not sure a rock impact hard enough to break the lense is going to be stopped by clear bra.

Opinions?

Red__Zed · 10-20-2011, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gurneyeagle

What's the opinion on doing the headlights? My installer said not to do it due to me having HIDs. He said there was an issue with heat dissipation.

The wife's 2007 MDX is our "road warrior" and while the hood has a few chips, the plastic headlights look fine.

I'm not sure a rock impact hard enough to break the lense is going to be stopped by clear bra.

Opinions?

My headlights were covered, never had any issues.

Not sure how much help the clear bra will be, but the dealer that installed mine warrantied my headlights because they were covered--I presume this means it does something, though I don't know.

FL 4Motion · 10-21-2011, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

My headlights were covered, never had any issues.

Not sure how much help the clear bra will be, but the dealer that installed mine warrantied my headlights because they were covered--I presume this means it does something, though I don't know.

3m makes a special headlight film I believe that is thicker than the clear bra. I feel it's very beneficial, esp if you track the car.

Mandingo · 10-21-2011, 07:23 PM

To combat a long highway commute full of construction trucks I got a clear bra installed on my Z.

Full hood, full front bumper, headlights, full fenders, rear bulging portion of side skirts, A-pillars, mirrors and leading edge of the roof. $1400

Lol it might have been over kill but it gives me such peace of mind everyday. On I-30 and I-35 crazy rock-flinging construction trucks seem hellbent on peppering my cars. In my last car it only took a year to accumulate over 45 sizable rock chips. It looked pitiful. I have yet to find one dent in the clear bra on my Z though. Owned for nearly one year. I'm sure a large sharp rock could still do damage but the bra takes the edge off because it has a lot of bounciness/give.

2 important things:
Wax it with a synthetic wax (no carnauba)
Make damn sure you remove bird sht promptly

dennis26 · 10-22-2011, 09:19 AM

Had mine done with 500 miles on it. Also had it on my S2000. Well worth the money. Cost me $800 which included the full hood for the Z. Took the guy 4-5 hours for install. Never heard of it taking more than a day.

MattP725 · 10-22-2011, 09:57 AM

I was quoted pretty much the same from multiple installers in my area... $600ish for just the bumper, I think 800-900 for bumper and HALF hood/fender and full mirror/headlights, and around 1100-1200 for full panels.

My issue is I would never do half panels because you will be able to see the line (I don't care if it is invisible from 10 feet I don't want to see it at all). Additionally I already have some chips so I'm not sure I want to clear bra in some chips.

I will say that you do NOT want to have to get your car resprayed if not necessary. There is always a chance that a respray won't 100% match, will fade differently, or will have defects.

IMO I would clearbra if your paint is near perfect... for the money I think I would just do the bumper... it takes most of the abuse.

ImportConvert · 03-19-2012, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_sk

I dont think it's worth it - I say that because I got one installed on my front bumper (entire thing) and it ran over $500 for the bra + installation.

At that rate, you could just get the bumper re-sprayed. I'd say it's not worth it.

To do the entire front (bumper, fenders, lights, 1/2 hood), you're looking at probably 1.5K - seems silly to me, but that's just my opinion.

I had the whole car minus doors, rear bumper, and hatch done in ventureshield ultra. $1700. Well worth it. Noone has ever spotted it unless I showed them, and our paint is as soft as it is pretty. It's also very thin. No touch up will ever truly look oem, and I don't want to buy a sports car with a repainted front end "because of gravel..." Riiight. You might balk, too, so why deal with it when for the same price it can be avoided, plus value added?

DrEvil · 03-19-2012, 09:21 AM

I did my own for les than 150 buck. Here's where: Invisible Mask - Clear Bra Automotive Paint Protection, 3M Scotchgard, Carbon Fiber 3M Films
complete with videos tools and instrutions. It's pretty easy to do.
The front bumper willtake you about an hour.

Volk Z · 03-19-2012, 11:53 AM

Clear Bra is a must... Im going to do the whole 370Z when i pick mine up this summer... In Charleston SC they quoted me 2300 bucks.. So no swirl marks, rock chips or any flaws.
This will be with Ventureshield which i had on my 350Z and it was a beautiful product!

The thing is you could re-paint but then your car looks horrible in the interim with all the rock chips...

At a minimum you should get front bumper, partial fender, headlights and partial hood AT A MINIMUM... I would recommend at least full hood, full fender, rear quarter panel, headlight and Front bumper.

chrischhorn · 03-19-2012, 12:37 PM

Theres a place around me that does the Bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors for $520 WITH a lifetime guarantee.

sv nismo · 03-19-2012, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimon009

Hey, I'm new to this and just got my Z almost 2 weeks ago. Been driving it and loving every moment of it.

I've been thinking of putting a clear bra on the Z and was wondering what advice you may have. Is it worth it? Any recommendations in regards to the type of clear bra? And if anyone is from Bay Area CA could refer me to a place around here that they trust/recommend.

Thanks in advance!

Sounds like everyone recommends...Did you find a Bay Area installer that you can recommend?

Japanjay · 03-20-2012, 12:37 AM

Mine has 20k on the clock and is in near perfect condition. Got the full front bumper, full front fenders, rear fenders, a-pillars and headlights all in clear. Got the full hood, full roof, partial spoiler (looks like a porche carbon job), side mirrors, and the area in the bumper where the fangs and the piece running between are all in carbon fiber for $1.2k. Wanted everything covered and figured if I got the option to add somestyle besides it all being in clear I did some in the carbon look. All 3m stuff. Looks super nice and keeps everything minty fresh.

10-20-2011, 04:54 PM	#17 (permalink)
Bonzo Track Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 690 Drives: Finally, a 370Z!!! Rep Power: 3372	I have been religiously trying to figure out the whole clear bra thing myself. I KNEW I HAD to have it, but, trying to figure out who makes what and what's better and whats not and what's worth what is IMPOSSIBLE. According to my nephew, who has been wrapping cars for years, there are only 3 actual makers of the film, 3M, Avery and I forget the 3rd one. All other supposed sellers that use other names get their materials made by these 3 companies, it's the same stuff, and they just have the liner rebadged. And it's because of this back door crap going on, that's it's all smoke an mirrors. Everyone is in on the deception. I have researched on-line for 2 months now, and contacted no less than 4 or 5 local venders (another catch is about being licensed and crap). Information, pricing, product names, etc are all over the board. One local vender for Lumar wanted $1500 for the material, and another $1000 to install it!!!!! Yet he only charges a total of $169 to tint the windows. WTF? I had another local guy quote me $875 using 3M Ventureshield. Others were over $1000 using everything from 3M to Avery. Some online kit places charge the exact same price for all 3 companies material, but their pre-cut kits were not as extensive. Others had full hood and fender kits but wanted an arm and a leg just for the material. I got so frustrated with it that I just said F it, I've wasted enough time on this. I went with the easiest, best website, bang for the buck, quick friendly least B.S. customer service I could find. I bought Aerogard pre-cut material kits from ClearMask Automotive Paint Protection And Headlight Protection Film - Auto Clear Bra - Scotchgard Protector - Headlight Covers. I got the Econo kit that includes the bumper, 18" of hood, small pieces on the fender, mirrors, A-pillars and the roof front for $312.40, and also the Rocker/Door kit for $114.80. I got it all in the mail last night, and they sent me door guard pieces and headlight materials for free, along with a full installation kit. Cool. Now this is where I get a bonus most won't get. My nephew is going to install it for me for free. We originally talked about just buying the material in bulk rolls, which would have been cheaper, but since he was doing it for free I figured pre-cut kits would be easier for him than having to do it by hand. I also figured pre-cut parts meant less chance of an accidental razor blade cut in the paint. So bottom line, I am getting every front surface of the car done for $427.20, plus my time with my nephew. Of course you can do the same if you are willing to install it yourself. Good luck in your hunting, and I hope you have lots of money to just do it and be done with it. I wish I had that option. __________________ Finally Able To Order 2012 Model 8/24/2011 Delivered Tuesday November 15, 9:57 am!!! 2012, Auto, White, Sport, Kick Plates

10-20-2011, 09:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
gurneyeagle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Houston/Saint Augustine Posts: 2,681 Drives: '18 Audi TT RS Rep Power: 20215	What's the opinion on doing the headlights? My installer said not to do it due to me having HIDs. He said there was an issue with heat dissipation. The wife's 2007 MDX is our "road warrior" and while the hood has a few chips, the plastic headlights look fine. I'm not sure a rock impact hard enough to break the lense is going to be stopped by clear bra. Opinions? __________________ Waiting on the Z35! SOLD - 2011 Gun Metallic Touring 7AT w Sports Pkg & Nav, Nismo Bumper and Rims, RC Grille, RC Brake Ducts, H&R Spacers, Painted Door Hdls, GTR Start Button, Nav By-Pass, EVO R Fog Light, CF Ducktail, CF Interior Trim

10-21-2011, 07:23 PM	#22 (permalink)
Mandingo Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 625 Drives: '10 370z 6spd Rep Power: 3371	To combat a long highway commute full of construction trucks I got a clear bra installed on my Z. Full hood, full front bumper, headlights, full fenders, rear bulging portion of side skirts, A-pillars, mirrors and leading edge of the roof. $1400 Lol it might have been over kill but it gives me such peace of mind everyday. On I-30 and I-35 crazy rock-flinging construction trucks seem hellbent on peppering my cars. In my last car it only took a year to accumulate over 45 sizable rock chips. It looked pitiful. I have yet to find one dent in the clear bra on my Z though. Owned for nearly one year. I'm sure a large sharp rock could still do damage but the bra takes the edge off because it has a lot of bounciness/give. 2 important things: Wax it with a synthetic wax (no carnauba) Make damn sure you remove bird sht promptly __________________ some mods

03-19-2012, 11:53 AM	#27 (permalink)
Volk Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Laguna Beach, CA Posts: 2,214 Drives: Nismo Z Rep Power: 3066	Clear Bra is a must... Im going to do the whole 370Z when i pick mine up this summer... In Charleston SC they quoted me 2300 bucks.. So no swirl marks, rock chips or any flaws. This will be with Ventureshield which i had on my 350Z and it was a beautiful product! The thing is you could re-paint but then your car looks horrible in the interim with all the rock chips... At a minimum you should get front bumper, partial fender, headlights and partial hood AT A MINIMUM... I would recommend at least full hood, full fender, rear quarter panel, headlight and Front bumper. __________________ AMUSE * TOMEI * STILLEN * CRAFTSQUARE RECARO * 3M * TOP SECRET * SLICKCARBON

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10-20-2011, 05:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
Dimon009 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 112 Drives: 2011 Nissan 370Z 6sp Rep Power: 14	I've been calling around the area and it varies from $700 to up in the $2,200 area... I'm planning on using my Z mainly for weekends... so I'm thinking I'd rather spend the $700+ on paying off the car at the moment... but I'll keep on looking around the area where I live... hopefully something cheaper will come along. Thanks for all the input!! Much appreciated!

10-22-2011, 09:19 AM	#23 (permalink)
dennis26 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 314 Drives: 10 370z roadster Rep Power: 14	Had mine done with 500 miles on it. Also had it on my S2000. Well worth the money. Cost me $800 which included the full hood for the Z. Took the guy 4-5 hours for install. Never heard of it taking more than a day.

10-22-2011, 09:57 AM	#24 (permalink)
MattP725 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 1,904 Drives: 2010 40th Rep Power: 17	I was quoted pretty much the same from multiple installers in my area... $600ish for just the bumper, I think 800-900 for bumper and HALF hood/fender and full mirror/headlights, and around 1100-1200 for full panels. My issue is I would never do half panels because you will be able to see the line (I don't care if it is invisible from 10 feet I don't want to see it at all). Additionally I already have some chips so I'm not sure I want to clear bra in some chips. I will say that you do NOT want to have to get your car resprayed if not necessary. There is always a chance that a respray won't 100% match, will fade differently, or will have defects. IMO I would clearbra if your paint is near perfect... for the money I think I would just do the bumper... it takes most of the abuse.

03-19-2012, 09:21 AM	#26 (permalink)
DrEvil Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 270 Drives: 09 370z,Blue, auto Rep Power: 14	I did my own for les than 150 buck. Here's where: Invisible Mask - Clear Bra Automotive Paint Protection, 3M Scotchgard, Carbon Fiber 3M Films complete with videos tools and instrutions. It's pretty easy to do. The front bumper willtake you about an hour.

03-19-2012, 12:37 PM	#28 (permalink)
chrischhorn A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Mililani, HI Posts: 1,566 Drives: 2014 Juke Nismo RS Rep Power: 16	Theres a place around me that does the Bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors for $520 WITH a lifetime guarantee.

03-20-2012, 12:37 AM	#30 (permalink)
Japanjay Track Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Puyallup Posts: 856 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z MB M6 Rep Power: 14	Mine has 20k on the clock and is in near perfect condition. Got the full front bumper, full front fenders, rear fenders, a-pillars and headlights all in clear. Got the full hood, full roof, partial spoiler (looks like a porche carbon job), side mirrors, and the area in the bumper where the fangs and the piece running between are all in carbon fiber for $1.2k. Wanted everything covered and figured if I got the option to add somestyle besides it all being in clear I did some in the carbon look. All 3m stuff. Looks super nice and keeps everything minty fresh.