Clear bra

Jeff120

Jeff120

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Im sick of rock chips! Every time I wash my car I seem to find a new one, and now I have a ding in my headlight. I bought film before and did my truck around the wheel wheels, wasnt to bad, but it was pretty flat. Before I take the plunge and put on a clear bra I have a couple questions.

How difficult is it to apply to the front bumper? Tools needed? I used soapy water and a hard plastic squeegee for my wheels before.

Are the pre-cut patterns cut to fit the contours?

Where is a good place to buy a pre cut pattern?
 
Jeff120 said:
Im sick of rock chips! Every time I wash my car I seem to find a new one, and now I have a ding in my headlight. I bought film before and did my truck around the wheel wheels, wasnt to bad, but it was pretty flat. Before I take the plunge and put on a clear bra I have a couple questions.

How difficult is it to apply to the front bumper? Tools needed? I used soapy water and a hard plastic squeegee for my wheels before.

Are the pre-cut patterns cut to fit the contours?

Where is a good place to buy a pre cut pattern?
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I know it's extremely time consuming and you'll want mild temperatures to work within. Also, you'll want/need some time for the curing in the sun.

Some installer shops will sell the pre cut patterns at a decent price as the majority of the retail cost is labor for the install.
 
Screw the clear bra. Use this:

prodpicb316.jpg


Jim
 
I have seen the clear bra applied first hand by someone that was trained and had a lot of experience and personally I would not attempt to do this myself without training or previous experience.
 
Dwayne said:
I have seen the clear bra applied first hand by someone that was trained and had a lot of experience and personally I would not attempt to do this myself without training or previous experience.
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:iagree:
 
3M or Venture shield only if you want the best. Both have pros and cons. Venture shield has smaller pores which is great as it won't trap as many contaminants which can cause discoloration. However, they are a bit more limiting on size and some hoods might be too large for them to do a full wrap with (like C). 3M has larger sizes which will work, but they have larger pores which will trap more external contaminants. Both are durable and very optically clear. Make sure you use clear sealants (I use Optiseal).
 
Dwayne said:
I have seen the clear bra applied first hand by someone that was trained and had a lot of experience and personally I would not attempt to do this myself without training or previous experience.
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Same here, no way will I do it. Well maybe a side mirror to try, but not a whole front end.
 
I put this off and am really regretting it. Traveling over the holiday on snow covered roads. Can someone tell me why it the world some states use that anti skid crap! They put freakn rocks all over the road! My front bumper is now speckled with chips here and there. I made sure not to follow close ect, but I still got nailed. Im thinking for the ebay Nusolis kit to try out. Will probably have to wait until spring though. Really makes me angry!
 
Jeff120 said:
I put this off and am really regretting it. Traveling over the holiday on snow covered roads. Can someone tell me why it the world some states use that anti skid crap! They put freakn rocks all over the road! My front bumper is now speckled with chips here and there. I made sure not to follow close ect, but I still got nailed. Im thinking for the ebay Nusolis kit to try out. Will probably have to wait until spring though. Really makes me angry!
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You would do best to go with a well recognized brand as the off brands tend to not fit as well ......... such as being cut short of the body lines and overall general fit.
 
OP SL65's thread pertained to this issue. I answered to his question about clear bras as follows: I've installed "XPel" on many sections of my vehicle shown below and, IMHO, it is the only way to go for maximum chip protection. "XPel" manufactures their own film and have pre-cut patterns per OEM dimensions. They along with 3M, Avery, Clear Defender, and possibly Venture Shield provide almost all of the protective film worldwide. "XPel" has the best warranty and has certified installers across the USA.
 
BobbyG said:
Interesting, have you tried it personally?
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After perusing the web site of Dominion Sure Seal (supplier of the above referenced product); and, finding out what processes are entailed in applying said product----such as: its intended usages are for painted urethane auto finishes, fiberglass, and SME only; and, the surfaces that are to be coated must be sanded(uh oh) with a DA with a minimum of 800 grit sandpaper; and, the application method requires ideal
temperature and environmental conditions with 5-6 coats applied within a given time frame; and, with no exacting method of removal of this product (IMO another sanding procedure with a re-paint would be necessary over the previously sanded(ouch) area)---I, for one, will not be using this product!!!
 
FUNX725 said:
OP SL65's thread pertained to this issue. I answered to his question about clear bras as follows: I've installed "XPel" on many sections of my vehicle shown below and, IMHO, it is the only way to go for maximum chip protection. "XPel" manufactures their own film and have pre-cut patterns per OEM dimensions. They along with 3M, Avery, Clear Defender, and possibly Venture Shield provide almost all of the protective film worldwide. "XPel" has the best warranty and has certified installers across the USA.
Click to expand...


I'm getting the Xpel treatment on my Trailblazer SS before spring time. I'll try and post some pics
 
swat ss said:
I'm getting the Xpel treatment on my Trailblazer SS before spring time. I'll try and post some pics
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I can't wait to see those pics of your Trailblazer SS. I've had mine on for four years now and they look great---and there are no chips, no bird doodoo, tree sap, or any other contamination on the paint. Unless you point it out, people will usually not even know it's there. You will wish you had done the XPel treatment earlier; and, once installed you will be glad you did!
 
BobbyG said:
Interesting, have you tried it personally?
Click to expand...

Yes, I have. Had it sprayed on my 2002 SVT Lightning and it's perfect; looks just like clearcoat. Went all summer with no dings, etc.

newmods3.jpg


Jim
 
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