Bra or not?

[DJ's viper]

I going to Michigan and then to the molar nationals. Do you recommend I put the front bra on? Someone told me that they can just scratch your car. Do you think it will help against road gravel, etc.

[bluesrt]

they are abrasive if your car is dirty or you run around in it and never remove it and clean, it wont hurt it in your short run

[Ricketts]

They are just dirt traps in my opinion. If you're worried about long drive, you can always do the masking tape method that seems so popular.

[ICPREY]

You'll have to install snaps on the fascia bolts if you have not already. I don't see it harming anything in one trip. I've done the tape thing from GA to MI and didn't really like it because the tape started to come off after it rained. My guess is I used the wrong level of painters tape.

[drewsss]

I wouldn't do it. Had past experiences with the bra flapping on the hood, which left marks in the paint. Nothing worse than a floppy bra.

[daytonprowler]

I use one on my '93 on all long trips. Just don't let it stay on the car wet.

[plumcrazy]

i drove from NJ to FL 5 times without using a bra, never had issues. they cause more trouble than they are worth. Wax it up before, wash it when you get there and when you get home. dont sweat it

[Vprbite]

My thought is it will cause the same problems as a car cover on a towed car. If it doesn't flap, it will rub ever so slightly. Basically rubbing at your paint. There is a temporary stick on product for track days, kinda looks like whay they deliver cars with. I forget the name.

You could also plasti dip the the front parts. I know a lot of track day guys that do that. It's rubbery so stuff bounces off.

I recommend against fiero type bras on our cars. Just my opinion. Good luck

[supersnake]

I going to Michigan and then to the molar nationals. Do you recommend I put the front bra on? Someone told me that they can just scratch your car. Do you think it will help against road gravel, etc.

I've used one on my Vipers and still do, Not a big fan of seeing a 3M line across my hood. I use it on long drives and when on Viper runs. I wish they made one for the Gen V. Just take it off when you get there and wash it when you wash your car and put it on for the ride home after its dry

[stuntman]

Xpel clear bra. You can't see it from 3' away.

[capevettes]

Xpel clear bra. You can't see it from 3' away.

I agree. I did Expel on my 2001 Sapphire GTS and you can't see it. I only did to the nose to the hood opening. Great stuff. I've done all of my newer Corvettes and am completely satisfied with it. Expel has evolved and become better in appearance and protection.

[Photog1]

Xpel clear bra. You can't see it from 3' away.

I agree. I have it on all my cars.

[ViperTim]

Or you could just repaint the front every now and then?
I mean, it get scraped every now and then anyways

[Black94rt/10]

Totally agree. You would be very surprised how much dirt and road debris your car picks up from just a short trip around the block. Stay away from bra's unless there the other kind...

Clear adhesive bras are a different story (such as xpel). They work great but come at a cost.

[BlknBlu]

Just like Prom dates, no bra

Bruce

[Geronimo]

Xpel clear bra. You can't see it from 3' away.

What's the cost? I was told it is cheaper to get the front fascia repainted than this.

[06SRTCoupe]

Bra's look like crap, are outdated, and do nothing except harm the clearcoat on your car. Like the others have said, get a clear guard installed! I got my front fascia done and it was $475. The film is warranted for 10 years and is nearly invisible. On my car, you would have to literally be less than 6 inches away and even then it's really hard to tell that it's there.

Pay the money, get the clear guard, and be done with it for 10 years.

[06SRTCoupe]

What's the cost? I was told it is cheaper to get the front fascia repainted than this.

Cost will depend on the type of film you use and where you get it done at. The 8mil film is the thickest you can put on without it being noticeable. This is what I went with.

Also, if you are going to have your front fascia repainted, then I would save up and get the clear bra done at the same time (after the paint has had the proper time to cure). I had a b/w GTS and had the front resprayed and the clear bra applied...well worth it and it looked brand new! No bugs, no rock chips...nothing.

[Vprbite]

I personally would not clear bra over chipped/imperfect paint. Either get a good paint correction done or repainted if it is really chipped and pitted...then clear bra it. Just my opinion of course. But why immortalize bad paint? As far as "Fiero Bras" as I call them, I say stay away. They will rub the crap out of your clear. Basically leaving a haze. Could it be buffed out? Probably. But at the edges it could go right through.

Wait till the front gets really pitted and call your insurance company and say you got stuck behind a gravel truck on a bridge. There is always that option. ; )

[BrianACR]

The previous owner of my '01 ACR put a clear bra on the front and it's great! Can't see it unless you're right close to the car. That's definitely what I would go with if I were doing my own.
He also did the mirrors and front of the side rocker panels.

[Special Ed]

I personally would not clear bra over chipped/imperfect paint. Either get a good paint correction done or repainted if it is really chipped and pitted...then clear bra it. Just my opinion of course. But why immortalize bad paint? As far as "Fiero Bras" as I call them, I say stay away. They will rub the crap out of your clear. Basically leaving a haze. Could it be buffed out? Probably. But at the edges it could go right through.

Wait till the front gets really pitted and call your insurance company and say you got stuck behind a gravel truck on a bridge. There is always that option. ; )

Are you encouraging someone to commit fraud?

[drewsss]

The previous owner of my '01 ACR put a clear bra on the front and it's great! Can't see it unless you're right close to the car. That's definitely what I would go with if I were doing my own.
He also did the mirrors and front of the side rocker panels.

I did this as well. Couldn't be happier. ^^^

And don't mind Special Ed. He's a honorary Webelos who never told a lie.

[stuntman]

Don't get cheap or thick stuff. Just get Xpel - It's thin, DURABLE, and very difficult to tell its there, even on a black car.

[DJ's viper]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going to check out the expal. Hard decision. After racing the car, driving and it has 17,550 miles on it, it only has one little rock chip which I fixed with the touch up paint. Not perfect but it is hard to find. Kind of hard to spend $450 for one little chip. Have to make a decision.