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Advice on Car Bra purchase

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by blamy, Apr 13, 2008.

  1. blamy

    blamy Member

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    Sep 18, 2007
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    Location:
    Central Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Am thinking of buying a Car Bra for long trips. It will not be used all the time. I'm sure a lot of my fellow Prius lovers have used these and I am looking for advice from users as the best one for our cars. I have only been able to find Colgan and LeBra that supply Bra's for the Prius. I have had a Colgan a long time ago on my 62 Porsche 356 Cabriolet and it was nice but you couldn't leave it on when wet. Since I intend to use them on trips I'm not sure if it getting wet on a rainy day far from home is a big deal or not? Anyways; any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.
     
  2. rochesteruser

    rochesteruser Cruzin' in Rochester MN

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    Feb 16, 2008
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    Location:
    Rochester
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I would install a permanent 3M CLEAR BRA. Apply it and forget it.
     
  3. blamy

    blamy Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    Forgot to mention that I have the Xzilon coating which I like very much. Clear bra probably wouldn't stick; at least for very long!
     
  4. sleonardelli

    sleonardelli Junior Member

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    Apr 5, 2008
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    Location:
    Ruskin Fl
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I chose against the Xzilon since I learned it's really only a wax and won't really protect against dings so much since the problem with the paint is it is environmentally friendly and therefore much softer. I was quoted the following from a Tampa Installer of the 3m clear bra but I haven't decided how detailed I'll go. Still, for full hood, it's still cheaper than the Xzilon I was offered from the dealer ($599). You can buy Xzilon products or use any of the detailing products posted in this forum. The Xzilon is another money maker for the dealer.

    Anyone with any recommendations for which bra to get; I'll appreciate the help but I'm think about the full hood.

    18" Hood, Fenders, Mirrors - $200.00
    24" Hood, Fenders, Mirrors - $300.00
    Full Hood, Standard Fenders, Mirrors - $450.00
    Full Fenders - $300.00
    Full Bumper - $450.00
    Headlights and fog lights - $75.00
    Rear Luggage - $50.00
     
  5. PriusinSeattle

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2007
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I recently installed a "Form Fit Hood Protector" on my 2008 Toyota Prius. It's made in Canada by Focus Auto Design Inc.

    I was highly motivated to take action after getting a 1" diameter rock dent on the front of the hood during a road trip. I purchased the protector at the parts' counter of a Toyota dealership for less than $90. It's well designed (follows the lines of the Prius hood perfectly), is relatively easy to install, and is barely noticeable on my Black '08.

    The only negatives are that it's difficult to wash under (I use a very thin sponge which works OK), and it's a somewhat time-consuming process to remove and reinstall it (I only do this when I wax). However, I think it's the best choice out there, because bras can be quite damaging to the paint, and the 3M applied film won't provide much protection against dents.

    All in all, I have no regrets about buying/installing the protector, especially since it completely covers up the dent. Also, I lost a small part during the initial installation, then e-mailed Focus Auto Design telling them of my "plight," and they promptly mailed me the replacement part at no charge. Can't beat that, eh?