Looking for advice on a clear bra for a White GT3. I have seen the bra on a White C2S Cab. I have mixed emotions.

 

The lesser of two evils.

 

Depends. If you are leasing it and don't really care what it looks like in a couple of years then don't do it. Otherwise, it is well worth it in the long run.

 

What's the other evil? Let the dealer arrange it? What should it cost?

 

No, I just think clear films are noticable, especially as you get wax in the edges of the film. So you give up aesthetic appeal but gain peace of mind when on highway behind trucks, and on track. Helps alleviate the paranoia many of us have about our expensive toys.

I'll put one on, w/o question, since (i) I'm buying my car and (ii) it'll be driven hard and won't be a garage queen. Also note that darker colors such as black are more in need of clear film than white, for example.

In the big scheme of things, the cost isn't much of a factor considering the price of the car and what you are protecting.

Note that the front bumper assembly ranks as one of the most complex film installs. XPel gives it a 5 star difficulty ranking, no doubt b/c of the Lotus-like overstyled front treatment. B/c of the install difficulty, I'd do some digging for a good installer in your area. I'd talk with the techs at the top film kit suppliers and see who they have in your area. I did this with Xpel last week, and discovered that there weren't any in my city they'd recommend for a difficult install, so I'll be using a fella from San Antonio.

Alterntatively, you can go for a custom install (search for posts from Premier on this board). They can be noticably better b/c the edges are hidden behind the headlights and the like, but custom installs mean a razor blade will be applied a few microns above you paint to cut the film. There's a thread somewhere on custom installs gone bad, with razor lines on the hood of a lambo. :eeek: Custom installs require even more due diligence on an installer.

 

Check out www.starshieldarmor.com They were recommended to me. I plan to use them when my white 997 GT3 arrives in a few weeks. I have no affiliation with them.

 

I appreciate the input, but I have to say that I am really not convinced that this is the way to go. I have had experience with my recently departed 2005 C2 Red Coupe and every nick very painful, but the clear bra look (at least what I have seen so far) is very distracting. The buildup at the edges is maddening. Is there anyway to prevent or minimize that problem?

 

It's really a personal decision. Stone chips vs. a car condom.

 

I'd like to put a bra on my RS just 'cause of track use but Im struggling to find a shop that can do the full hood without any seams showing. If anyone knows of an installer in the NJ, NYC, Philly area please let me know. Thanks...

 

You have the right attitude. At least you have attitude. I'm not suggesting that condoms don't have their place, but when you are in love and neutered and old; a few nick add character.

 

That should have been nicks. I am going to take that spelling course very soon. As far as the good installer anywhere, that seems to be the critical issue. At the end of the day, you wouldn't wrap your kids in plastic, even though you would do anything to protect them. I think after all the comments I'm going to pass on the bra and live with the decision. Sometimes it's better to look good.

 

You know, as a partial solution, a shrink wrapped hood wouldn't be a bad idea. The front bumper will take a beating, but it's plastic and easily paintable. On resale, resprayed plastic is not even a consideration come trade in time, CPO, etc. That is, it's common. A resprayed hood would be a bit more of a big deal.

Hmm, youve got me thinking that since I've moved back into a light colored car, with the GT3, I'm waffling a bit, as stone chips don't look so heinous on white or speed yellow.

 

Detailing Dynamics does all custom work on Long Island. I'm having them do my GT3 when it comes in. They minimize the seams but obviously some will remain. I've seen their work on numerous F cars (including an F50 and a few Enzo's) and many Porsche's and it's first rate. It's a trip for you but it might be worth it.
http://www.detailingdynamics.com/

 

I don't like the look of it on a white car much.

It depends a bit on the style and technique of the installer and the given product. Chamfered edges and wrapping around behind the bodywork to remove every possible cut line from sight is the beginning of a good job. Covering the whole front of the car looks better, except in white, again, it looks odd. Stopping half way along the fenders or hood also catches the eye.

I just saw a "pro" job on a white GT3 and it was junk. I saw a Carrera GT in Seal, it looked like a respray from across the room. : |

I prefer to tape up for the track and have the paint serve its purpose the rest of the time. A few stone chips aren't the end of the world.

 

I'm going to opt for the unadorned beauty of the car and let "chips" reside where they may as a testament that the car has been driven. I will think of it as adding character. Thanks to all for taking the time to help a new guy.