csertich

First, I must admit that this is not an original question. I was actually asked this by my Father in 1967. I told him no with a smile on my face. I also assured him that I wasn't wearing one.

But what about on 993's? I don't know about the Invinca Shield yet-it is too new to me. I realize a bra wouldn't stay on the car all the time. I'd use it for trips and some around town. I know you don't leave them on wet. So, thus the disadvantages. But I just wondered if they were found of value to other Rennlist members and friends.

Thanks as usual,
chuck

Edward

More trouble (on/off/clean/repeat) and damage to the finish than it's worth, IMHO. Many others have the invisi-shield stuff, and from what I've seen, it looks pretty good. Still, I think I still prefer the "naked" look, you know, natural!!!

Besides, for me it is a car to be driven and enjoyed, with the emphasis on the latter. Thus, while I like it clean and waxed as much as the next guy, I REFUSE to stress about keeping the nose pristine. Let the (stone) chips fall where they may

Edward

csertich

I'm actually thinking the same thing. Natural.

I bought the Porsche touch-up paint, have one of those sticks and a Langka kit. I'm beginning to believe that I have all I need for the front end. Have very few chips right now (three small ones).

I am, however, considering replacement of my stone guards with an Invinca product. Only place I really have any 'chip' (marks, really).

Thanks Edward.

Martin S.

The 3M material is really nice...natural is great Rd, but 3M can really save the paint. I know of race cars that are literally cover in this stuff.

I had a bra and mirror covers...don't really use them anymore, especially after the Colgan bra camde off the car at 90 mph in Turn 9 at Willow Springs Raceway. That bra went in the trash that afternoon.

Also, I can see where the bra marked up the paint.

Ray Calvo

With all the rocks/stones/gravel thrown up arond here (Steelertown), I feel the 3M clear nose covering is a "necessity". Both 993 and Audi have had windshields replaced, and Audi could use another one due to another rock chip. Both windshields also are heavily sand blasted (PITA driving into the sun). In 2 years the front of the 993 was badly blasted; 3M stuff has greatly reduced the rock damage incidents. Audi was done shortly after new purchase; front where the 3M protects it looks great; other areas are chipped.

Might have different opinion if I was out in La-La land. To install such or not depends on local terrain.

Have tried bras on the 993 and older 911s. They abraded the paint by being installed off and on so often, and I had to be careful on a trip if the bra got wet then was subjected to sun; would cause the paint to fade.

fbfisher

Use a bra for long hwy trips and when I am running in the middle or back of the pack on a "fun run" and I use diaper pieces on the pressure points where the bra alone mars (abraded?) the paint - though the scratches do come off with 3m swirl remover and wax.

pjc

I used a bra on a '76 car until I noticed the abrasion marks on the edges - haven't used it since.

Personal view on the 3M product is that it probably does reduce stone chips but I'm not keen on the look - Ok on silver and probably yellow but on anything else it seems to look so obvious and on some colours (sorry colors!) gives an opaque look. Not for me - I would sooner run the car and get a nose job once it looks bad. The worse thing is that the primer is such a light color and I believe it can only be diluted with top coat by 10% which hardly makes any difference.

PJC

Mark in Baltimore

At track events, I see quite a few cars with bras. Some owners attempt to avoid the abrasion issue by covering problem edges with blue masking tape. Seems like it should work.

Before I got my Xpel kit, I considered the Speed Lingerie bra, a fancy covering that is color matched for your car. They guarantee it to be "flap free up to 150 mph."

TheOtherEric

My theory on this is that the clear-coat finishes are more durable than the prior paint-only finish. I found my '86 911 got frequent rock chips, so I used a bra for highway driving. But I haven't seen that on my '96 or my Saturn that also has a clearcoat finish. Just a theory.

John B

I have had several bras for various cars over the years. I think they do serve a good function during interstate driving. I never have liked the look though. For my Ocean Blue C2S I could not stand the look of a black bra. So I bit the bullet and bought a matching Speed Lingerie. The quality and fit are vastly superior to any other bra I've had. Extremely nice piece of equipment. Very unobtrusive. No paint damage to date.

John B
Knoxville

nota_troll

I think I'll buy one for my avatar.

ScottMellor

Invicta Shield for me. Makes a huge difference in my front bumoer re-painting schedule.

993Widebody

The 3M stuff is probably the way to go if you can find a good installer and have the $$$ to spend. I use a bra for track events and temporary road trips, etc... but not for every day use. I find it works well and as long as you put tape on some of the rubbing areas, no abrasion to speak of.

Alan C2S

I use both. The full Invinca Shield does a great job, however if I bug the car up and don't get em off quick I will have stains that take a few weeks to bleach out. So on trips I use the bra and the rest of the time the 3m stuff works great. That's just my approach.

Ponchobroke

I do use for daily travel (100 mi/day) at speeds of 65 to 70 on the interstate but found on a recent trip to So Cal, that at normal crusin' speeds of 80+ it did tend to abrade a lot more (above the headlights - no padding). If you are running around town I would let 'em hang out... if you are at extended moderate speeds <75 I would bra up. If you are all over the place like nota_trool I would definitely hitch 'em up.