Mark in Hermosa

A quick question:

I see a lot of pics from DE events where people are putting tape, etc. to protect the front end. Everyone seems to recommend various tapes and protectants, but no one (as far as I can see) uses bras at these DE's.

Why is that? Wouldn't a bra make more sense? I have yet to go to my first DE (my travel schedule keeps me away from home), but I am planning on one soon and am considering protecting the front end. If there are negatie consequences to them, I would love to know.

TIA.

SundayDriver

There are at least two problems with bras & DE's.
1. Dirt can get underneath which can scratch the paint.
2. The high speeds make the back edge flop and rub. Again, you can end up with abrasions on the paint.
If you use a bra at DE, I suggest taping the paint where the bra can rub or flap around and take it off and clean if you go off and make a mess.

Ray Calvo

[quote]There are at least two problems with bras & DE's. <hr></blockquote>

There's another one - many won't allow them, for fear of them pulling off the car.

I used one on my car for awhile, but gave it up after started noticing abrasion marks on the fenders at the trailing edge of the bra. Switched to an Invisishield 3M clear adhesive tape application.

David '96 993

Questions about the 3M Invisishield product:
1)Is this a one time use product like regular or race tape (apply for the DE, peel off after and throw away)?
2)If not, is it something that you can buy pre-cut to fit the car?
3)Is it in strips or sheets?
4)Are you able to cover the entire front of the car like a bra, or just in limited places?
5)Does it leave any residue on the car and if so, how do you remove it?
6)Where can this product be found?

MB965

I have used the Mag Bra on my car on the track after seeing others use it sucessfully.
Close inspection after several uses, including in the rain have shown no movement is occuring.
While the cars I watched use the Mag Bra on the track did not use any additional attachments, I do use racers tape on the leading edge just to preclude air from getting under the edge and possibly causing a liftoff. The bra material is similar to the magnetic numbers many people use.
Also I do not get any scratching under the Bra from its use, although the wax does distort a little, causing an uneven shine which does go away with some light hand rubbing.

Michael Behrman

MB965

I have used the Mag Bra on my car on the track after seeing others use it sucessfully.
Close inspection after several uses, including in the rain have shown no movement is occuring.
While the cars I watched use the Mag Bra on the track did not use any additional attachments, I do use racers tape on the leading edge just to preclude air from getting under the edge and possibly causing a liftoff. The bra material is similar to the magnetic numbers many people use.
Also I do not get any scratching under the Bra from its use, although the wax does distort a little, causing an uneven shine which does go away with some light hand rubbing.

Michael Behrman

esb97targa

Where can I find a "Mag Bra" do all DE events allow their use?
Evan

Jim Sullivan

David, I've listed some sites that carry the product which 3M generically calls Scotchcal.

<a href="http://www.bodygard.cc/paint/porsche.htm" target="_blank">Bodyguard</a>

<a href="http://www.invinca-shield.com/asp/genkit.asp?kit=3626" target="_blank">Invinca-Shield</a>

<a href="http://www.xpel.com/paint/applications.html" target="_blank">Xpel</a>


I have not done this yet, and I'm anxious to hear Ray's response about how he did it (pre-cut or cut it himself) and how it works.
Thanks

Jim

George from MD

I too would be interested. I've used a Mag Bra (available through ads in Pano and excellence- I don't think they have a web site) and love it. But the vinyl bra I gave up on after experiencing the same results (scratching etc.) others have.

I also have one other caveat- if either type gets wet, remove it and ensure its dry before putting it back on. If there's moisture between the bra and your paint the sun will do a nice job of burning your paint in as little as an hour.

Mr Michael B

You can go to Mag Bra on line at <a href="http://www.magbra.com" target="_blank">www.magbra.com</a>

I have used a Mag Bra. It is a good enough product, but it will/can leave an "etch" on the paint overtime from vibration.

Lots of guys in my region use a bra on their cars at DE's. At the least they use the hood piece.

STLPCA

[quote]Originally posted by David '96 993:
<strong>Questions about the 3M Invisishield product...</strong><hr></blockquote>

David
There are very extensive discussions of the 3M product (sold under a variety of names) and the MagBra in the
<a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/cgi-bin/993/993.pl?search" target="_blank">old 993/996 archives</a> and <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/scripts/rennforums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=search&search_forum=3" target="_blank">the 993 archives.</a>

A head start:

<a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/cgi-bin/993/993.pl?read=50352" target="_blank">Has anyone used the mag bra?</a>

<a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/cgi-bin/993/993.pl?read=47863" target="_blank">Invisishield treatment?</a>

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/scripts/rennforums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=000213" target="_blank">Armourfend, XPel, Stongard, etc... which one should I get? </a>

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/scripts/rennforums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=001070" target="_blank">Experience w/Armourfend or other plastic protection? </a>

There are other threads as well.

amfp

I have used both the MagBra and Colgan/Porsche bra. Did have a problem once with the MagBra that lifted during a very windy day and flew off and hit the windshield once. I attributed the MagBra flying off because of too many wax layers and/or I did not flatly adhere it on the hood. So now, if I just use the MagBra I use racing tape on front edges.

Because I regularly concours my 993, I am very particular about protection on the track. However what I find works best for me is the two piece Colgan/Porsche bra. Before covering the front end with the Colgan bra, I use racing tape over the the paint that is under the bra's leading edges. This is especially important toward the bras top leading edge that overlaps on the fenders. I found those areas are prone to getting dirt underneath causing scratches/paint burns. To assure the racers tapes adheres properly to the bra, I use alcohol to clean part the bra when I place racers tape over the bra's leading edges and around headlights. I found in the past, the tape became loose over the vinyl of the bra because I had used Vinylex to clean and that oily film did not allow the the tape adhere well. I also adjust the straps so the bra is held down as tight as possible.

I do check the bra after each run just to make sure there are no air pockets for dirt to get in. Of course when applying the bra make sure the back of the bra and paint is very clean with no grit.

I remove any tape residue with 3M hand glaze and than apply wax.

I have thought about using the 3M film/Expel, but the bra has been working well, plus when concouring the film seems quite obvious with my dark blue metallic color.

This link should also be helpful. <a href="http://www.carcareonline.com/on_track.html" target="_blank">http://www.carcareonline.com/on_track.html</a>

Ray Calvo

I'll go along with Dan 96C2 re the 3M bra; there's an archive feature on this board, this has been talked about a number of times, so try doing a little research on your own.

One tip - this is NOT a DIY project. DEFINITELY find a shop that does it professionally. Now you're on our own!