i want to protect my hood and front end from rock chips.

Im not sure weather to buy a leather bra or try that clear 3m film.

i know the bra i can be removed when ever i want
but the 3m film isnt noticable.

The bar collects lots of dirt and crap under it so that sucks

Can the 3m film ever be takin off?

please post any info or coments.

 

From what I understand, the 3M tape is removable with no residue left.... never seen it removed in person, so I can't verify that.

 

i would go for the 3m film i tihkn its removable plus the bra to me doesnt look to cool

 

where can you get 3m film?

 

lol i dont even know but i saw a forth gen with it the other day so i know they make it...

 

I think the chipping is just part of normal driving, and something that you can't really avoid.

 

I don't know where in CT you are but XX Tuning does the 3M tape. They used to be in Wethersfield but moved to East Hartford. www.xxtuning.com

 

the bra doest really look that bad... i just run with the hood piece on and the bumper off cuz my bumper is filled with chips. never had the bumper piece on yet. your car is a dark color so it isnt too noticeable.

 

the darker the car the more noticable it is.

 

Some bra's look really cool. Manual Maxima has one on his and I love the way it looks on his car.

 

uhhh, no. Anyways, I would not go with the leather bra, I just took one off of my parents Pebble Beige max, and there were a sh.t load of scratches and piled up dirt. They are hard to take off and put back on. Also, Once it is removed, it probably won't hold the same shape it once did - there will be bulges everywhere.

 

A Body Shop might have the 3M stuff or know where to get it. I know some one who put that stuff on 8 years ago and the front end is in great shape today.

 

Put the nose mask on when you take longer highway trips. Keeps the front end in pretty good shape. You gotta remove it when the car gets dirty and wash regularly. Never let moisture get under it either or it can cloud your paint.

 

Cabela's got the film for like $20.It should be 6"x12'.I have it in my catalog.It's made for cars and trucks.

 

can it be removed? and got a link?

 

who ever said rock chips cann't be stoped you are wrong...

i have seen the 3m tape for first time on a M3, and the front end looked perfect and the tape wasnt even very noticalbe, i remeber on my old black max, it looked like i had a bucnh of white out spots everywere.

I do alot of highway driving so i need something...


njmaxseltd, how often do you take your bra of to clean under it??

 

http://www.invinca-shield.com/asp/genkit.asp?kit=3215

i havent done it yet, debating on repainting the front end first.

 

Thank alot !!!

i just ordered a hood peice and lower bumper peice , #1 and #6.

I was thinking of reapinting my front to, but my bumper doent look to bad at 78k so i figure i could save it a bit, but painting would make this just perfect!

there is some simple instructions on the site but does any one know what kind of solution is used ?(i didnt buy the kit so i dont think mines will come wtih any)

if anyone that has done this and has some tips for me please post.

 

with the leather bra, youl have to take it off when it rains and whenever you wash the car so there wont be any moisture of any kind that would accumulate and cause mold. also gotta take it off regularly to clean any dirt that gets under there. you should be thinking in terms of function over form.

ive heard stories about the 3M stuff changing color under the sun. a slight yellowish color more noticeable on white cars. but whatever floats your boat.

 

Where is the best place to get a good bra? Prices? Etc.? My recently purchased White SE-L front end is in perfect shape at the moment. I'd like to keep it that way.

Thanks.

 

One thing about the 3M stuff is that it will make the area it protects a little duller in appearance. You'll want to make sure you have the area reflective as a mirror before you put it on.

~THT

 

Yes it does make the area alittle duller, but on my color it wont be noticabe.

I read the warrenty and they said 5 years against peeling and yellowing so i think im ok.

And the stuff does come off if i ever do want to take it off.

Ill post up some pics when i get it installed.

 

just repaint your hood ever once a year....

 

theres actually a very good write up on the install, step by step, id love to see soem pics when you got it done. anyone know the average price to get a hood repainted, and can they just repaint the leading edge of the front fenders?

heres the link to the write up:
http://www.innerbean.com/housecor/clear_bra.html

 

Are leather/vinyl bras still available new for our 4th gens?

When my dad bought his '02 I convinced him to get a bra for it because of the way my '96 is so chipped up in the front. He uses it every once in a while but not as much as I would if it were my car. I know it's maintenance intensive (keeping it clean and dry, removal and installation all the time) but I think it's worth it. I was quoted $600 last year to have my hood stripped and repainted. The bumper looks crappy, too.

 

let it chip, invest in touch-up paint. I went through almost an entire bottle when I got mine a few years ago, got to be careful when you are putting it on so it doesnt hold wax but unless you are giving the car an inspection you cant tell its chipped. When it gets to look like crap repaint. I am thinking I will need a repaint in 5 years or so. 14 years on a driver is not too bad imo.

 

www.stoneguard.com also makes them i guess ...

 

Duct Tape? (j/k)

My car had a bra on it when I purchased, looked under and it is chipped to he!!. I'm just leaving mine on until it starts to grow on it's own, then I will remove and repaint. My .02