Fassi

Hi,

I just purchased a used colgan bra (in new condition I must say) off of ebay, but it didn't come with any instructions. Can someone please give me an idea how to get the thing on? There are two hook connected to long cords on each side of the bumper piece, and one on each side on the hood piece. This may sound like a stupid question, but where exactly do they attach? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

KennyG

I don't know yet. I say yet because I'm bidding on the one on ebay right now. (just the hood peice) My bid name is Bimstink, so if Y'all see it, don't run the bid up. <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

BTW, What did you pay?

madvex

The hooks on the trunk lid piece crossover and connect to the side holes on the underside of the hood.
The 2 corded hooks on the nose piece go all the way to the top center portion of the trunk compartment and one other one hooks across the front of the trunk compartment to the bra itself (you'll see the connector hole on the left side).

This bra came with my car - not installed. I found out why when I tried to put it on - trunk lid would not close fully. Sucks as I like the protection and have the accompanying leather bras on my mirrors - completes the look.

Anyway - Good luck! If you get the hood lid to shut all the way, please let me know how! Myabe mine is just not what it once was
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

-Vex

Jim Michaels

I think the "hooks" attach at the front of the wheel openings on the fenders. I don't remember ever seeing instructions, so maybe everything is supposed to be obvious, but fitting the bra the first time can be a real bear. You may find that the material won't stretch to hook on both sides, and swear that the bra must be for a narrower car.
Warming the material with a hair dryer as you're stretching it might help. Good luck.

After reading Vex's post, I should have asked which hooks. I never had a problem with fitting the hood part; just the nose part. Vex is right about the hood not closing, so you'll need to raise the catch mechanism (where the hood release cable ends). Loosen it and raise it up a little, then retighten. You may need to try this a few times to get it just right. Then, after you remove the bra and won't be using it next time, remember to lower the catch again so air and rain won't get in. Also be sure that the under side of the bra and the area the bra covers is absolutely clean before you install it. Finally, don't leave a wet bra on to dry out, especially in the sun. Yes, bras come with a curse. I gave up on mine years ago.

GratefulJED

The factory bra, with discount, is about 65$ It comes with instructions, obviously, but it also comes with an allen wrench to help you raise the latch. There are 2 plugs behind the latch - remove them and untighten the latch with the allen tool. Raise the latch, tighten, replace plugs and ,Viola, your lid will shut!

Fassi

Thanks, guys, for your help. Now are those felt hooks along the bottom and sides supposed to show like that? Makes the whole thing look ugly and seems like a flaw in the design. The hooks for other bras I've seen hook behind the body so all you see is vinyl. Maybe I'm doing it wrong because from pictures I've seen you don't see felt hooks.

Fassi

And one more thing, Madvex, where exactly in the rear center of the trunk compartment do they hook?

Jdub

Put both pieces in the dryer on low heat for five minutes MAX! Take the hood piece, slide it on, first one side, then the other, then back, etc. until it is snug. hook one strap to the oval-shaped opening under the hood on the opposite side. Do the same with the other hook.

Pull the other piece out of the dryer and set it up to the car loosely, shifting the bra over the license plate if it is in place. Hook the two hooks at the topmost part over the trunk opening, on either side of the latch. Move to the hooks at the uppermost point, each side, of the wheelwells. Hook this over, noting if you have 1)Turbo lip spoiler or 2) standard lip spoiler: I did not change the shape of the hooks to get a nice fit. Move now to the next uppermost hooks, either side, of the wheel wells. Bend as needed to get a nice tight fit, brushing any wrinkles towards the hook and getting the hook nice and tight.

Now move to the next set of hooks, then the next, until you are hooking the last set of hooks to the valance on either side of the license plate. Again, if you have a lip spoiler you are attaching directly to it: make sure the spoiler is well-fastened!

Now, the straps: There is one that goes across, from about headlight to headlight. One side is a loop, the other a hook. Connect them. The two remaining straps go across the trunk to a common latching point that is the small truss just about at the center (slightly off to one side if memory serves). You'll know it is the right truss since it is the one that the cardboard protecting the gauges/vents, etc. is bolted to.

Tips:
= Use the dryer, but sparingly, to be able to stretch the material.
= Retighten everything after a few drives.
= Older headlights, the ones with the full "hood" and not the Euro style, don't look so good with the bra. Ideally you have upgraded to the Euro. style headlights (I didn't but am living with a bit of headlight "ring" protrusion cause I like the older style).

Hope this helps,
John

madvex

[quote]Originally posted by Fassi:
<strong>And one more thing, Madvex, where exactly in the rear center of the trunk compartment do they hook?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Jdub has it right - the 2 hooks goto a single center spot almost in the back, center top but slightly offcenter to the left as you're looking at it. If either hook doesn't make it, there are other places you can hook to the trunk compartment's back wall, move the mat a bit and you'll find some areas on both sides where the hooks will fit.

I did not know about the raising of the latch! Wooo! now I have a little project!

Lates..
-Vex

Fassi

I decided I don't like the way the hooks on the bottom and sides look. Someone tells me the hook on the OEM 2-piece bra are covered in vinyl. I don't know if this is true or not. In any case, if anyone wants to buy a Colgan bra in good condition for $45 including shipping, please write me at lefassi@hotmail.com. Thanks a lot of for all the help guys, but my car is black and those felt tabs just don't look right.

cmoss

I tried to fit a Colgan bra on my SC and was never able to adjust the lock enough to be able to close the trunk lid. It just didn't seem to allow the necessary adjustment.

In addition, I was very displeased with the fit around the lights, and the bendable fender tabs. Bottom line: It was a gift, so I returned it.

In retrospect, a bra seems like a good idea but it is apparently hard to do well.

Note: There are clear polymer(?) products that function like a bra (paint protection), but are very invisible. I believe 3M makes such a product. Search the 993 boards.
Cheers
Chris

Jdub

Fassi:

I understand what you are saying. My bra has felt-covered tabs (boy does THAT sound weird to me...) and came in a box that said "Manufactured for Porsche" with no other manufacturer's name. Must be a different manufacturer than Colgan?

In all events, this bra (from Pelican - came with a nice Porsche storage bag) *does* seem to be a quality piece of work. Big old Porsche badge embossed on the trunk piece.

I am on the fence about bras but am beginning to like the look. I put it on only because the front end is pocked with rock chips. I am working the mechanical side of the car and will get to the body sometime later.

Jw

bship

I have the same one. It came with my car 83 911sc and looks brand new. Give me a fax # and I will fax directions to you. I have never used it and if someone is interested in it I am willing to sell it. Anybody know what they cost brand new?

Fassi

I think they are like $80 or more new. I'm going to sell the one I have. If no one here wants it, I'll put it up for bid on Ebay. It's in very good condition. I hate the felt tabs along the sides and bottom of the nose piece. Ugly. Are there any that have a more "custom" look with no obviuos felt?

Fassi

Anyone? Does the factory bra have hooks covered with vinyl from the outside or do they have that felt material like the Colgan? By the way, any takers on the 2-piece Colgan I have?