hofb99

Got the dealer to apply DuPont paint and leather protection the day after I bought the car... So I was wondering what you guys might suggest for (the all too necessary) added front end and peripheral mirror protection against bug splatter and the like; i.e. resulting from hot summer night highway cruises, etc... What are your suggestions (minus the butt-awful/impractical leather car "bras" from days of old) and how much does it cost? I know in the last few years or so, one of the more popular applications have been the 3M "clear-bra" and Invisi-Mask...but is there anything else out there that more recent technology has to offer? The more transparent/least conspicuous, THE BETTER!!! Also, any positive/negative experiences w/ a certain product? Input please!

BM2BZ

just change your cars more often . j/k . i think clear bra is probably the only way...and i don't mind to see them on some human other than men .

BenzV12

Clear bra should be the way to go . I don't remember seeing negative comments on it .

For mirrors, because I use chrome covers so no more paint damage ha ha lol

BM2BZ

in fact, i have seen some cons on clear bra from people who used it after a while but really forgot what it was .

hyperion667

dsayed

Do a full front end coverage using XPEL. www.xpel.com
It is the current top of the line. Self healing (to a degree) and doesn't yellow.

hofb99

Ummm...hype, I think you replied to the wrong thread...

BM2BZ

not really. i think janexiong has deleted his/her post.

bradshaw46

I had a clear bra on my 2004 Maxima - they're great for awhile, but they do tend to 'cloud' after a few years. Mine did so after about 4 years, which is really pretty good (all things considered). You can always have it removed and re-applied, if you still have the vehicle at that point. The clouding may be more obvious on dark-colored cars, so consider that as well. Just my 2 cents - overall, I still think the clear bra products are great! As was mentioned, the old-school black vinyl bras are horrible!

dsayed

The technology does seem to have improved a little. The XPEL stuff seems to be the current state of the art but is almost 2x the cost of 3M I believe.
Note to OP: don't have the dealer do it - you'll just be paying a mark up.

jvc300

Did you apply wax or a product to keep it from clouding? I had mine on for 5 years and no clouding. I applied a polish or wax to the vinyl.

dsayed

One thing to consider is that if you have clear protection film that only covers the front 1/3rd of the hood, there will be a line across the hood and this is more noticeable on dark colors. I expect that if it were removed, there might be a "tan line" so to speak as well.
I opted to have the entire hood covered on my car, which is palladium silver.

ImInPA

Over the years, I have tried them all. The only way to protect the paint, exterior mirrors, and that showroom-floor finish is simple: Don't drive it. I had the clear bra on my Volvo S80. Once they started salting the roads, it got all pitted and pretty bad looking. Now I just drive. I get stone chips and all sorts of road damage. It still looks good, and, if it gets really unbearable, I will have the front re-sprayed in a couple years (if I still have the E at that time). Assuming no body damage, and just stone chip-type damage, having the front sanded and resprays can be done, using the ceramiclear clear coat can be done in the $1K range. Nothing looks better than fresh paint.

mutiny22183

I'm looking to get the XPEL Ultimate paint protection done to the front bumper of my car. I was quoted $325 for the front bumper, and an additional $450 for the full hood. Is it worth it to do the full hood?

From this guy - www.clearbramycar.com
From the gallery it looks like hes done some good work..

hofb99

Wow! Xpel really does cost! Great posts guys...thanks for the info! Oh, and Mutiny, who's doing it for you?

mutiny22183

This guy Rob from Design Shielding (http://www.designshielding.com/)

He travels to different dealerships/shops in the Chicago land area, and he told me if necessary, he can go to customers' home and do it in their garage.

My wife has the car during the week, but I'm planning to get it done in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

mutiny22183

Also, I'm not sure where in Maryland you are from..but I went to XPEL's website and typed in a Baltimore zip code..and a few shops came up..

http://www.xpel.com/products/dealersearch.asp?zip=21201

dsayed

Yes, it is not cheap.