Clear Bra or not?
#16
I just ordered my front hood bra from Precision Clear Bra.
https://store.precisionclearbra.com/home.php?cat=100
I plan to put the bra on myself and the material is from 3M which is a company I trust. I am gonna use 3M products like the cleaner and adhesive remover to ensure quality. It's pretty straight forward to put the bra on, especially when it's pre-cut. If you have the skills and you're **** about your work why not do it yourself and enjoy the time spent with your 911? The bra is around $120 and supplies around $60. They have more patterns for the front bumper, headlights, rear rocker panels but I'm gonna see how good the hood is. If the precuts are precise then I'll order the rest of the patterns.
They have coatings for the front windshield too that I'm interested in but it doesn't seem they're ready to sell them yet, I'll look for one elsewhere.
I'll let you guys know how it turns out.
https://store.precisionclearbra.com/home.php?cat=100
I plan to put the bra on myself and the material is from 3M which is a company I trust. I am gonna use 3M products like the cleaner and adhesive remover to ensure quality. It's pretty straight forward to put the bra on, especially when it's pre-cut. If you have the skills and you're **** about your work why not do it yourself and enjoy the time spent with your 911? The bra is around $120 and supplies around $60. They have more patterns for the front bumper, headlights, rear rocker panels but I'm gonna see how good the hood is. If the precuts are precise then I'll order the rest of the patterns.
They have coatings for the front windshield too that I'm interested in but it doesn't seem they're ready to sell them yet, I'll look for one elsewhere.
I'll let you guys know how it turns out.
#17
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I had the clear bra and HATED it! I removed it after three weeks as I did not like the look. During the pollin season, you can most definatly see the seams and they become accuanted even more. Also, you can never wax the paint again....essentially you will not be able to replenish the paint. When I waxed the car...it was quite noticible that the filmed part just didn't look as good as the rest of the car. My car is Midnight Blue and I will never put this on my cars again. Waste of money. They will protect your car...but do not think they are invisible or can go undetected, because they can not. Buyer Beware
#18
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I had the clear bra and HATED it! I removed it after three weeks as I did not like the look. During the pollin season, you can most definatly see the seams and they become accuanted even more. Also, you can never wax the paint again....essentially you will not be able to replenish the paint. When I waxed the car...it was quite noticible that the filmed part just didn't look as good as the rest of the car. My car is Midnight Blue and I will never put this on my cars again. Waste of money. They will protect your car...but do not think they are invisible or can go undetected, because they can not. Buyer Beware
#19
OP, do a search. This subject has been talked about quite a bit over the years here.
D.D. - it's quite possible the quality of the bra you got or the installation was not up to snuff. Plus, I have my whole hood and entire front qtrs done so there are no seams. I've showed up at local shows and events. Nobody could tell there's anything on there. Plus my gal is black as well. Find a company that knows what they're doing like Premier and you'll be ok. Premier's posted pictures of my black RS here before. You really can't tell if you have the right company do the work.
D.D. - it's quite possible the quality of the bra you got or the installation was not up to snuff. Plus, I have my whole hood and entire front qtrs done so there are no seams. I've showed up at local shows and events. Nobody could tell there's anything on there. Plus my gal is black as well. Find a company that knows what they're doing like Premier and you'll be ok. Premier's posted pictures of my black RS here before. You really can't tell if you have the right company do the work.
#20
I got my clear bra ('03 Seal Gray 996) done by Premiere, and I'm very happy that I did. If I were to do it again, I would have them do a full hood, I only did the 1/3 hood. But I had them do a custom job on hood and bumper, and it is very very well done. Premiere did the job in my garage, during one of their many road trips (I'm in San Diego, they are based out of the bay area).
My only issue with the clear bra are the inability to polish it. You need to be super careful washing it, because while it doesn't scratch as easily as the paint does, swirl marks on the clear bra are forever (at least until you take it off).
That being said, i'm very glad I have it, I have so far taken three hits that would have chipped, but instead just took a small bite out of the bra. I'll probably leave it on for another 2 years, and when I take it off my car will still look new.
On the discoloring comments, that sounds like an inferior product. My bra has not has any discoloring, and very few people even notice that I have the bra on (usually only fellow PCA members).
My only issue with the clear bra are the inability to polish it. You need to be super careful washing it, because while it doesn't scratch as easily as the paint does, swirl marks on the clear bra are forever (at least until you take it off).
That being said, i'm very glad I have it, I have so far taken three hits that would have chipped, but instead just took a small bite out of the bra. I'll probably leave it on for another 2 years, and when I take it off my car will still look new.
On the discoloring comments, that sounds like an inferior product. My bra has not has any discoloring, and very few people even notice that I have the bra on (usually only fellow PCA members).
#22
I don't have any issues with wax. I use sealant, which does not have that issue, and it lasts for a loooooong time.
But I do wish I had gone full coverage, but I couldn't justify the additional cost. Like I said, only freaks like me notice it. =)
But I do wish I had gone full coverage, but I couldn't justify the additional cost. Like I said, only freaks like me notice it. =)
#23
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We sure did look into the colored vinyl. Problem with it is that it is pretty thin and shows the wear in just a few months from chipping. This happens despite if the car's only driven several days a week or a track king. The vinyl does not last long and fades / hazes up with daily UV exposure.
There's always graphics...
I'll be trying your new maintenance line soon and have sent the word out on other detailing forums that I'm a member. They will be seeking my opinion on this line.
As soon as I pointed out your new product, out came Chemical Guys product that is used for clear films. I've used it and sure, it's better than Plexus.
I'm glad your firm has worked to release the new products and look forward to purchase them and see what it can and cannot do.
As for film, I'm always happy to film my cars. Always have and always will.
Deanski
#24
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Deanski, have not tried their product so cannot comment on the quality. However, we have been testing our products extensively to ensure that there are no ill-effects to paint protection film. We run through quite a bit of Film Cleanse and Crystalline on a daily basis as we are using them on the numbers of cars coming through our facility. We have tested our products on well over 400 vehicles with our Clear Guard system - we love it.
When it comes to product vs. installation, the craft is as important as the quality of film. Going with a higher grade film, but in the hands of an inexperienced installer is just useless plastic. Another point to note when searching for local installers. The more experienced companies / installers would generally have a higher price tag for their services. Be very wary of mobile installers with a significantly lower price than the average you are seeing. There are many new installers to the market who will be using pricing to gain experience....
When it comes to product vs. installation, the craft is as important as the quality of film. Going with a higher grade film, but in the hands of an inexperienced installer is just useless plastic. Another point to note when searching for local installers. The more experienced companies / installers would generally have a higher price tag for their services. Be very wary of mobile installers with a significantly lower price than the average you are seeing. There are many new installers to the market who will be using pricing to gain experience....
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CLEAR BRA CLEANER -TRACK MARKS ON CLEAR BRA - PF1 TTR!
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PREMIER PROTECTIVE FILMS
ClearGuard PPF Specialists, Spectra PhotoSync IRD & CeraLuxe IRD, Authorized Modesta and Nanolex Dealer
www.facebook.com/premierprotectivefilms
B: 510-623-1308
sales@premiermobilegroup.com
See Our Projects! http://www.facebook.com/premierprotectivefilms
CLEAR BRA CLEANER -TRACK MARKS ON CLEAR BRA - PF1 TTR!
http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/pf1_products.shtml
#26
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go to your local Porsche dealer and see who they use for it. Auto dealers usually have a demo vehicle with the product installed, so it would be a good gauge of whether or not the dealer sublet is any good.
#27
Drifting
After all the mental back and fourth in my mind, for my new 09 997.2 Targa I'm going with no clear film.
The cost and resulting ever so slight difference in look and feel is just not worth it to me... I'd rather just repaint some panels every 5 years if need be.
Its a great thing, if you can get a good installer, but thats the issue. The installer makes or breaks it and if you are not near a known good installer, it isn't worth the risk to invest the kind of change for a full hood and bumper install.
The cost and resulting ever so slight difference in look and feel is just not worth it to me... I'd rather just repaint some panels every 5 years if need be.
Its a great thing, if you can get a good installer, but thats the issue. The installer makes or breaks it and if you are not near a known good installer, it isn't worth the risk to invest the kind of change for a full hood and bumper install.
#28
^x2. After going back and forth for a month, I decided to just forgo it. Especially here where I live with the sun being so strong, I was concerned about discoloration and what my meteor grey would look like after the bra was removed. I'll just avoid driving behind big rigs and semis and try not to drive the 911 after a heavy rain. If need be, I'll just repaint a panel before resale.
#29
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Clear film will not impart a change in the paint due to sun exposure. Today's films are very clear and do not filter out UV rays.
I've had film on one car for 2 years, removed it and after cleaning it off you cannot tell where the film was. A quick polish to finish off the hood and it's perfect.
It's your car, do whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Deanski
I've had film on one car for 2 years, removed it and after cleaning it off you cannot tell where the film was. A quick polish to finish off the hood and it's perfect.
It's your car, do whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Deanski
#30
Just had RUF in Dallas apply film to my week old Atlas Grey 997.2 C2S Cab. I am very pleased with the results. A much better job than was done in Utah on my 07. I think satisfaction may be highly dependent on the quality of the application. With the exception of the seam on the trunk, it is simply not noticeable. They did a great job.