Clear bra
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
99' Lexus RX300-retired, 01' BMW 330i
Clear bra
I am planning to have clear bra installed on the front bumper only from the shop. This is my first time doing so and I have some questions.
1). Will the clear bra affect the paint?
2). I hand wash my car once a week. Will the water get inside the clear bra easily?
Any advices, suggestions are welcome.
1). Will the clear bra affect the paint?
2). I hand wash my car once a week. Will the water get inside the clear bra easily?
Any advices, suggestions are welcome.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 336
Likes: 19
I have been having clearbra on my cars for the past six years. I am happy about it, and will do it again in all my beloved cars in the future.
The first and most important lesson that I have learned about clearbra is -- Buy the installer, not the film.
A bad installer, given the best film, can still perform a poor job and even ruin our paint (e.g. razor cuts into the fim during installation.) On the other hand, a good installer can do an amazing job with their labor-of-love (e.g. tug the film behind the edge of panel, so the film is virtually invisible to naked eyes.)
In my area, I have been using one of the best and most reputable installers in the nation (www.premiermobilegroup.com). These are very nice guys, we can visit its website for the clearbra FAQ page (http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/pa...film_faq.shtml), or its gallery page to see how a nice installation job looks like (http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/pa..._gallery.shtml)
As to answer the question -- if the job is done by a 'good and reputable' installer; it will not affect the paint of our cars and the water will not enter the paint after car wash.
Regards,
The first and most important lesson that I have learned about clearbra is -- Buy the installer, not the film.
A bad installer, given the best film, can still perform a poor job and even ruin our paint (e.g. razor cuts into the fim during installation.) On the other hand, a good installer can do an amazing job with their labor-of-love (e.g. tug the film behind the edge of panel, so the film is virtually invisible to naked eyes.)
In my area, I have been using one of the best and most reputable installers in the nation (www.premiermobilegroup.com). These are very nice guys, we can visit its website for the clearbra FAQ page (http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/pa...film_faq.shtml), or its gallery page to see how a nice installation job looks like (http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/pa..._gallery.shtml)
As to answer the question -- if the job is done by a 'good and reputable' installer; it will not affect the paint of our cars and the water will not enter the paint after car wash.
Regards,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
I installed the clear bra the 2nd day I took delivery of my w209.
I liked it so much that I went back to add the clear bra to the whole bumper, the 2 side mirrors as well as the front portion on the roof (around the sunroof).
I liked it so much that I went back to add the clear bra to the whole bumper, the 2 side mirrors as well as the front portion on the roof (around the sunroof).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 73
C204 C250-CDI
Interesting topic, I too have wanted to do this but was worried about certain long term side effects.
Have any of you guys got pics of an install on a white coloured vehicle that's had it over a long time ??
I knew a guy who had it on the front bar of his white BMW 135i and after a couple years it yellowed up a bit and some of the edges formed a dark line, it wouldn't be much of a problem on dark duco, but on the white
Have any of you guys got pics of an install on a white coloured vehicle that's had it over a long time ??
I knew a guy who had it on the front bar of his white BMW 135i and after a couple years it yellowed up a bit and some of the edges formed a dark line, it wouldn't be much of a problem on dark duco, but on the white
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
My car is silver and the film did get a bit "yellow" after 3-4 years. Also, with a lot of stone chips, I went to the same guy and he replaced all the films for a very good price.
He always uses 3M brand material and he told me about that the newer material would not yellow. He was right because my clear bra is still OK after another few years.
Please note that the film was "yellowed" but not the car. The film is supposed to let the sun to pass through so the color will fade the same as the rest of the car.
I highly recommend these clear bras. Axhoaxoa was right. Find a good installer, the workmanship is crucial.
He always uses 3M brand material and he told me about that the newer material would not yellow. He was right because my clear bra is still OK after another few years.
Please note that the film was "yellowed" but not the car. The film is supposed to let the sun to pass through so the color will fade the same as the rest of the car.
I highly recommend these clear bras. Axhoaxoa was right. Find a good installer, the workmanship is crucial.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
99' Lexus RX300-retired, 01' BMW 330i
So I did it. Clear bra (Venture Shield) on the front bumper, headlights and side mirrors, painted the front grill and warped the lower front bumper / rear spoiler with the 3M mette black.
Overrall, They did pretty good job and I am happy about it. I think I get what I pay for. If you want to check them out, here is the info.
Mike
Elevated Auto Concepts
621 E. Walnut st, Pasadena, ca 91101
(909) 266-4712
Front grill with DuPont satin black paint.
Rear spoiler
The installer Mike and his helper Rick
Rick's M6. Mike painted the front grill in his shop and did the clear bra and 3M warp in my garage.
Finish
Day shot
Evening shot
Overrall, They did pretty good job and I am happy about it. I think I get what I pay for. If you want to check them out, here is the info.
Mike
Elevated Auto Concepts
621 E. Walnut st, Pasadena, ca 91101
(909) 266-4712
Front grill with DuPont satin black paint.
Rear spoiler
The installer Mike and his helper Rick
Rick's M6. Mike painted the front grill in his shop and did the clear bra and 3M warp in my garage.
Finish
Day shot
Evening shot
Last edited by Showa; May 30, 2012 at 12:38 AM. Reason: add note.
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Super Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 781
Likes: 72
From: Ohio
2017 E400 Coupe & 2018 GLC43
I have purchased a complete kit for my new c coupe and will be personally installing it within the next week.
The following areas will be covered:
hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors, upper rear bumper, complete rockers, behind rear tires and headlamps.
I have installed clear bras on hundreds of cars since 1998. And all are correct...the results are in the installer.
I will take pics once completed.
The following areas will be covered:
hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors, upper rear bumper, complete rockers, behind rear tires and headlamps.
I have installed clear bras on hundreds of cars since 1998. And all are correct...the results are in the installer.
I will take pics once completed.
Last edited by andrew e coupe; May 29, 2012 at 11:32 AM.
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Memphis, TN
2012 C350 Coupe
Had all the same areas covered, plus behind door handles (fingernail scratches). Completely invisible. When I turned in my leased Lincoln MKS, which had the same coverage, the inspector said that it was money very well spent.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, Texas
2012 C350 Coupe, 1996 Porsche 993 C4S, 2008 Audi A3, 1928 model A Coupe hot rod, 2003 Mini Cooper S.
Looks great Mike, congratulations. Next week mine is getting a clear over the entire front hood and fenders, with wrapped edges. Lower spoiler center area will be black carbon fiber wrap.
Super Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 781
Likes: 72
From: Ohio
2017 E400 Coupe & 2018 GLC43
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
At the NYC Auto Show one of the top detailers said the latest 3M film is his top choice but also likes Ventureshield. He said with the new enviro waterless (?) paints the econazis require one can no longer use even touch less car washes
because the chemicals and the "grittiness" of the soaps erode the paint. He felt the S?moniz sealer packages the dealers sell are worthless. They provide no protection against chipping. Finally as others have said it is the installer that makes or breaks the job.
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 3
From: California
2012 c250 Coupe
I am planning to have clear bra installed on the front bumper only from the shop. This is my first time doing so and I have some questions.
1). Will the clear bra affect the paint?
2). I hand wash my car once a week. Will the water get inside the clear bra easily?
Any advices, suggestions are welcome.
1). Will the clear bra affect the paint?
2). I hand wash my car once a week. Will the water get inside the clear bra easily?
Any advices, suggestions are welcome.
Super Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 781
Likes: 72
From: Ohio
2017 E400 Coupe & 2018 GLC43
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
C350 4matic Coupe
nice job man.. I have mine plastidip on the same parts u have blacked out (with paint?) plus the wheels and mirrors. I am afraid of washing the car with the dip so Id guess the tape is better because they can scrub and wash freely right?
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
C350 Coupe
So I did it. Clear bra (Venture Shield) on the front bumper, headlights and side mirrors, painted the front grill and warped the lower front bumper / rear spoiler with the 3M mette black.
Overrall, They did pretty good job and I am happy about it. I think I get what I pay for. If you want to check them out, here is the info.
Mike
Elevated Auto Concepts
621 E. Walnut st, Pasadena, ca 91101
(909) 266-4712
Front grill with DuPont satin black paint.
Rear spoiler
The installer Mike and his helper Rick
Rick's M6. Mike painted the front grill in his shop and did the clear bra and 3M warp in my garage.
Finish
Day shot
Evening shot
Overrall, They did pretty good job and I am happy about it. I think I get what I pay for. If you want to check them out, here is the info.
Mike
Elevated Auto Concepts
621 E. Walnut st, Pasadena, ca 91101
(909) 266-4712
Front grill with DuPont satin black paint.
Rear spoiler
The installer Mike and his helper Rick
Rick's M6. Mike painted the front grill in his shop and did the clear bra and 3M warp in my garage.
Finish
Day shot
Evening shot
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
99' Lexus RX300-retired, 01' BMW 330i
The installer re-did the clear bra and he did a very decent job.
Mirror
Around the headlight
The 3M mette black tape on the lower spoiler
Mirror
Around the headlight
The 3M mette black tape on the lower spoiler
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
[QUOTE=andrew c coupe;5216580]
The following areas will be covered:
hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors, upper rear bumper, complete rockers, behind rear tires and headlamps.
[QUOTE]
Did you apply the film to the whole hood and fenders?
My installer only installed the film to the front of the hood/fenders; maybe 12-15 inches.
The following areas will be covered:
hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors, upper rear bumper, complete rockers, behind rear tires and headlamps.
[QUOTE]
Did you apply the film to the whole hood and fenders?
My installer only installed the film to the front of the hood/fenders; maybe 12-15 inches.
Last edited by mis3; Jun 15, 2012 at 10:18 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington,NC
E63
That film is tough on a white car. I had a C350 in Arctic white, tried to do a clear bra. The edges would get a small fine dirt line that showed on the white background. It worked great on a black car but the white seemed like it showed where the film was ALOT.
Hopefully this stuff will not happen to yours, great looking coupe!
Hopefully this stuff will not happen to yours, great looking coupe!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
99' Lexus RX300-retired, 01' BMW 330i
[quote=mis3;5241676][quote=andrew c coupe;5216580]
The following areas will be covered:
hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors, upper rear bumper, complete rockers, behind rear tires and headlamps.
Did you apply the film to the whole hood and fenders?
My installer only installed the film to the front of the hood/fenders; maybe 12-15 inches.
I did not apply the film to the hood or fenders. Only the front bumper, headlight and the mirrors.
We will see what happen, thanks.
The following areas will be covered:
hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors, upper rear bumper, complete rockers, behind rear tires and headlamps.
Did you apply the film to the whole hood and fenders?
My installer only installed the film to the front of the hood/fenders; maybe 12-15 inches.
That film is tough on a white car. I had a C350 in Arctic white, tried to do a clear bra. The edges would get a small fine dirt line that showed on the white background. It worked great on a black car but the white seemed like it showed where the film was ALOT.
Hopefully this stuff will not happen to yours, great looking coupe!
Hopefully this stuff will not happen to yours, great looking coupe!
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 111
Likes: 6
From: Delaware
2016 C450 AMG
Im looking to have a clear bra installed on my C250 coupe. Where have you guys purchased them from? Does anyone know of any reputable installers on the east coast? Preferrrably the DE/NJ/PA/MD area?
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
C350 Coupe
That film is tough on a white car. I had a C350 in Arctic white, tried to do a clear bra. The edges would get a small fine dirt line that showed on the white background. It worked great on a black car but the white seemed like it showed where the film was ALOT.
Hopefully this stuff will not happen to yours, great looking coupe!
Hopefully this stuff will not happen to yours, great looking coupe!
Super Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 781
Likes: 72
From: Ohio
2017 E400 Coupe & 2018 GLC43
That film is tough on a white car. I had a C350 in Arctic white, tried to do a clear bra. The edges would get a small fine dirt line that showed on the white background. It worked great on a black car but the white seemed like it showed where the film was ALOT.
Hopefully this stuff will not happen to yours, great looking coupe!
Hopefully this stuff will not happen to yours, great looking coupe!
most of the installers return the car the same day and don't have the time to finish the job as they should. when i have a customers car, i retain the car for 2 days to assure the edges are secure (heating several times) and will not lift and collect dirt under the edges.
cheers!
