Cheap clear "bra" install successful.

Cheap clear hood protector install successful.

Hi everyone. Although I've seen posts talking about clear hood protectors (not really a bra), I've not seen one with pics before. I thought some users might find this useful. The quotes I've seen for having these installed were between $300-$500!

I purchased this one on Ebay from xtremecity for $9.99 + $14.99 shipping! Installing it took me a couple of hours because it takes forming and "stretching" using heat (hair dryer) to fit the contours of the car. Quite the pain in the butt. But when all complete I'm very happy with it. There is about a 3/8" gap on the sides, and about 1/8" on the bottom.

Note the protector's edge about 3" above the center pin striping. It really is virtually invisible. Aside from a couple of air bubbles that have not gone away yet (in one week, most have), and bumps where I've painted dings, It came out great.

If there's interest, I'll post some install tips I found and came up with during the job.

 

Unfortunately, the forum restrictions don't allow for very detailed pics, so I'm doing the best that I can. The above pics look like there is no protector, but I promise there is. These new ones at least show the edges a bit. Taking the pics in the shade helped. The 3rd pic is of the center pin stripe, from the top of the hood, down.

These tips I copied and pasted but I can't credit the original poster. Sorry.

"Tips: The instructions recommended a water with a few drops of clear shampoo for the mix, I used an old febreeze bottle and probably used about 30% of the bottle, I didn't actually need that much.

Use a hair dryer! Around the curves, the hair dryer will help you iron it our much faster.

It stretches a little! So pull it to the edge as best as you can!

Get some help from someone for the larger pieces.

Start in the middle and squeegee out in all directions, go towards the
edges first, then the middle sections (ie your hood, go in all 3 directions to the edges then work the middle, else you might find yourself a little short on one side.)

Too much solution is hard to get the bra to stick, if you spray too much on, lightly apply the sticker, so it gets a little wet, then peel it off and use a micro cloth and wipe off all the excess.

Use the hair dryer for the curves, and spend extra time, too much heat causes it to rise off the curves and you end up with huge bubbles.

Tools: I bought one of those plastic scrapers/Spatulas that come in a 3 pack from Canadian Tire to push your compound around when preparing to fill dents, etc... it was only about $3."
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My Tips:
1. I bought the "soft" spatulas (see pic) at Pep Boys for $4, and only used the smallest one.

2. I cleaned the hood with tar/bug remover, then cleaned it with soap, then wiped it down with rubbing alcohol to remove any grease/oil etc. Remove all lint! One tiny piece is now a permanent resident.

3. Spray the shampoo mixture (see above) all over the hood and headlights, so the protector won't stick to anything.

4. Peel the protector off of the backing then lay it on the wet hood. Be very careful not to allow it to touch itself!! Now the fun begins. I wondered how the heck I was going to form the protector to the contours of the car....you will too. This is where the hair dryer comes in. Experiment with the heat settings from a few inches away. You'll find that the protector (with a bit of effort) will meld to the shape of the hood. I used the spatula for 99% of the work.

5. Be very careful not to squeegee out too big of a bubble or pucker as you will crease the vinyl! I did several times, but found that the high heat setting on the dryer took them out. Phew! If you get a crease, slowly work it out with heat and the spatula. This will make sense when you're doing it.

6. I could not get out every tiny air bubble, and some formed after I was done. These go away in a few days, as with window tint. Don't fret about them...I did that for you. Heh

You will also get instruction in the package with your protector. Not much to add from those.

Any questions, fire away.

 

Oh, thanks. The previous owner had it done by a local craftsman in Temecula. Hand painted, and signed on the center of the hood. I'll take some pics and post them...somewhere. I think I saw a pinstriping thread somewhere. Maybe I'll post them there.

 

I decided the instructions that came with the protector could be useful so here they are. I hope they're legible enough. The type is very light.

 

Mine came with mirror protectors, and two triangular pieces which I have no idea where they go.

I still see the $9.99 price though for the hood kit (He may be out at the moment though) and can reorder for same. The $24 is for bumper and hood I believe.

eBay Motors: TOYOTA Prius 2004-08 Clear Protection for your Hood (item 140207243431 end time Mar-14-08 14:49:18 PDT)

 

bacaoo8: I have nothing to compare it with, but it seems pretty tough. It will surely stop any sand-blasting, as well as small stones. I don't know how much abuse even the most expensive stuff can take. A big rock is going to make a dent no matter what. I'm very happy with this project. Time will tell how it holds up.

Pat: Not sure where/why you mean for the extra pieces.

There is a hood/bumper kit as well for $24. I started with the hood kit (with extra parts). My bumper has a lot of dings (rises) in it, so there would be a lot of little bubbles. On a new car I would do it in a second for sure. I may do the mirrors this weekend.

 

I think you'll find those to be breeze, with a little heat. The curves aren't too bad really. The hood curves are deceptively difficult though, and of course the hood piece is much larger. Even the mirrors could be tough due to there bowlish shape. Bowlish....is that a word? Heh

Good luck and have ...uh...fun.

Btw. All of the remaining bubbles are gone from my hood now.

 

This from the link I posted:

"How Long Will This Paint Protection Kit Last?

We have the best quality material available and you are getting a super deal here.
This Paint Protection Kit can last up to 5 years (depending on weather) and is made from premium clear outdoor film with removable adhesive.​

In an unlikely event that your paint protection kit yellows, cracks, or peels up to 1 year from date of purchase we will exchange the item for a new item. Any defective item must be returned at your expense with proof of purchase."​

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It is supposed to peel of fairly easily should you want to remove or replace it in the future. For the money, I'm not concerned too much. That, and my car lives in the garage at home, or car-port at work. Not much weather to worry about. ​

 

No problems at all so far on my Seaside Pearl Blue. Looks great.