LeBra, etc. - Should I get a bra to protect my front end?

Adding my commments to your post, I would advise that you get something to cover the front end. I purchased my Pri in Mar 08 and put on the clear 3M Bra at that time. It has worked very well and as one member mentioned, it can be washed & waxed as you would with the paint finish. Be sure to use a clear or white (non pigmented) wax. I first tried a conventional Bra and ordered the Colgan brand and it did not fit correct, did not protrect the front end completely and looked ugly. My suggestion would be the clear 3M Bra. It is a bit pricy but the best way to go over the long haul.. Good luck..

 

I've never considered a car bra. I figure, just who are you saving that cute smiley front end for ... The next owner!?! Let it breathe, drive 60 mph and you'll not be following ANYBODY who can throw ANYTHING on you're front end

 

That's why I decided to go with both the 3m film & the hood deflector. It may be overkill but, since the budget problems, for some years now, Metro Atlanta is not keeping their highways clean. Gravel & debris is a real problem around the loop and the interstates.

 

No! For ourselves. We plan to keep it indefinitely. And like my previous posts point out, between the green paint and the dirty highways in the area, dings & broken windshields are a real problem around here, and we'd like to keep our ~$30K purchase in good condition if possible. Also, it doesn't matter what speed your going when the roads are six lanes wide in either direction. You can have them whizzing by on either side. Some people like to keep their cars in nice condition, some run them into the ground, and then there's everyone in between. It's just a matter of choice. And it does make a difference in the marketability when selling or trading. There is no right or wrong, just wharever works for you.

 

Here is the guy who did the 3M clear bra on my Acura TL 4 years ago and it looks great. I had it installed about 25% up my hood to where the hood levels off. There are more dings on the flat part of the hood than on the vertical, protected area. That is impressive.

Quality Tint & Clear Bra

Anyway, this guy does not even have the new material on his website yet, but I saw it in person a few weeks back and it looks far superior to the 3M product

 

Thanks for the link to Quality Tint & Clear Bra. Unfortunately, they're in Colorado, and I'm in southern California, so that would be a bit of a drive.

I'm looking for local quotes. Have received one so far, and it's $650, for the usual front end coverage (bumper, grill, hood, fenders, and mirrors). I don't know if that's good or bad for this area, since that's the only quote I have.

Dealer was charging about $500 for "Finishing Touch" (clear coat and scotch guard), and while I've heard that's not worth it, I'm still curious about whether the clear coat provides any protection at all for the paint, and whether it would be worth it to do that before getting the clear bra.

Jerrym303, in your last post, where you mentioned "superior to the 3M product", what were you referring to? Thanks again for all the info, folks!

 

I bought a LeBra and put it on when my 2007 was new last year. I spent enough money repairing the headlight to headlight scratches and swirlmarks that I could have bought a 3M clear bra several times over.... live and learn.

GT

 

garyizm,

If you don't mind driving up to the valley try Sun Dimmers off the 405 at Roscoe 818-780-8181. I had my 06 done there and was very pleased with the quality or work, ask for Joe. I had the front bumper, hood, fenders, back of mirrors, door edges, door cups, and the top of the back bumper for $400. I have no idea if he is still charging the same price but worth a phone call.

Ken

 

I'm in SoCal and getting my clear bra installed tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. I was referred to him through several friends. I'll know more after tomorrow.

 

Ventureshield is the product. I had that put on Carmine within 8 days of purchase, based on recommendations here and research I did.

I traded in an 11 year old Honda. The hood was not as sloped or as low as Carmine's hood. The Honda hood was dinged, dented, dipped, you name it! I am glad I learned there are ways to protect from all that!

 

I had a similar experience. I drive mostly highway and my 2001 Accord hood finished it's tour of duty with hundreds of paint chips on the leading edge. I didn't want my new Prius to end up in the same condition, so after a bit of reading about clear bras, I called a local VentureShield installer (I live in South Eastern Massachusetts). He installs at your home and stands by his work. I noticed a few bubbles on the mirror and bumper and he came back to replace those sections.
It looks great and I know that it's too soon to tell how well it will stand up, but I'm hopeful. In general, I think this is a better solution than a traditional bra because it won't trap dirt and scrape up the finish.

 

Buy the clear bra, I had it installed when my Prius was new. I do not have a chip or any damage to my front. Sure you can't see it, but you don't see damage either.

 

Does the front end mask interferer with MPG?