Some Clear Bra Questions
 

So my first post/thread is in the cosmetic section which is really weird for me. :icon17:

Anyway, I've been doing a lot of research and reading up on the 370z as I'm in the market for a new vehicle and I'm pretty sure the Z is going to be it.

That being said, I've come to the conclusion that the first thing I'd like to get done once I purchase the car will be a clear bra to protect me from northern NJs "awesome" roads.

I live in an apartment and the car will be daily driven year round as well as parked outside overnight. I'm curious as to how, if at all, keeping the car like this will affect the clear bra. Will it require more washing than usual? Will I notice any discoloration?

In my research, I haven't really seen anything like the above discussed. There was one post on a clear bra thread by some one asking the OP if they will be storing the car outside but there was never an answer or reason explained as to why that question would be asked.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

check the interior/exterior section of this forum.

Clear Bra ?'s
 

One of the most important things to know is that not all clear bras are created equally. Some may discolor while some wont. Some are self-healing while others aren't. There are many variables to look at when deciding which paint protection film to go with.

As a sponsor of the370Z forum I can happily inform you that XPEL ULTIMATE is stain resistant (non-yellowing), self-healing, and easy to maintain. Parking it outside, even in the winters won't affect the film. I do suggest to cover the entire front end instead of a partial front. Because of the design of the hood and fenders on the Z, they are prone to rock chips even higher up the hood. Doing the full coverage will also get rid of the line across the hood that may accumulate dirt or debris from time to time, even though cleaning this isn't a chore whatsoever.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions you may have. Two of the local Z members wrapped their entire cars with XPEL ULTIMATE.

:tup:

I had posted in the exterior section like kenchan had suggested and all the replies recommended XPEL Ultimate. I've already checked for vendors in my area. Appreciate the detailed post! :tiphat:

I'll second getting the full hood but if you get partial it'll be very hard to see the line. XPEL is awesome stuff.


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So I've always been against clear bras as they always seemed to stick out and discolour. With that said I may check out this Xpel

i don't have much experience with clear bras myself but i had a buddy put one on the front bumper, hood (half way), side-view mirrors of his vette and after a few years of natural fade, you could see a noticeable difference between the protected/non-protected paint (his car is black)...will it help protect...yes...but i guess there are always negatives that go with the positives

as far as your car choice...can't go wrong with the z...i love mine :D

Xpel
 

You're welcome, happy to help! Let us know if you have any questions or if we can help.

Just for example, these are the two that are completely wrapped in XPEL ULTIMATE.

Attachment 92155

Attachment 92156

The black Z photo was taken as NISMO Fiesta in San Marcos at Harris Hill Raceway. He had already hit some bugs during his track time. But as I mentioned with XPEL ULTIMATE, cleaning off bug guts is easier than ever.

[QUOTE=Gadgetech;2915367]I'll second getting the full hood but if you get partial it'll be very hard to see the line. XPEL is awesome stuff.




I agree 100%

XPEL- please tell your vendors not to pre-cut the pieces so short. i know some pulling is needed, but near 1/2" too short per side is rediculous.

I'm an xpel installer I always use ultimate and gotta say I still surprise my self with how amazing this stuff is. I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT

You can argue with results like this.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...3496F9ECBC.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...80F577066D.jpg

Should you cover the headlights too or do those get too hot? Or, is it just easy enough to have them 'renewed' every few years?

And someone needs to make an intercooler film! Stupid bugs. Grrrr. (Yes...I'm joking!!!!)

It's called paint protection not paint perfection. But it will def still do it's job.

:tup:

Yeah cover the whole car I wish I'd have done the head lights when I first got the z :(

Xpel
 

kenchan,

Has this happened multiple times or was this your experience from one installation?

We highly recommend protecting the headlights and fog lights of any vehicle. Not only will it protect them from road debris, but it will prevent them from hazing and becoming oxidized.

multiple times, multiple cars. ive been installing clearbra on my personal cars for a while... they are all
cut like nearly 1/2" too short and requires a lot stretching to fit. and as you know, unless one is VERY careful,
we end up with stretch marks.

Pre-Cut
 

kenchan,

I completely understand. You're right, the installer must be careful to avoid lift lines, stretch marks, etc... I'm sorry to hear about your experience with the pre-cut patterns. 99% of the time they are spot on to the body line.

Let me know if we can help in any way before the next installation.

Two questions, how long should I wait to install after having the car repainted, can you recommend an installer in the NY Westchester area.
Thanks

1) It depends on the quality of the paint. If it was done properly, and has had enough time to cure properly then you could install within the same week.

It may sound silly, but smell the paint. If it still has a strong paint smell then it could still be releasing gases that would get trapped in the film.

2) The link below should help narrow down your choices.

NY Clear Bra Installers

Let us know how else we can help.

Thank you for the help.

So there are 2 places close to me that use XPEL. I was going to drive over there today to get some estimates on just the bra, the front half, and the whole car. What should I expect to be in the range of pricing for these services? I want to get opinions here before I go over there so I know if they're being honest on their estimates.

Thanks,
Steve

For Xpel: Can you do Amuse bumpers? I see on local site everything is precut

I would also look at getting the rockers done, if you don't get the whole car done, and if your going to DD it. If I did it over now knowing where the problems are I would just do the front half and rockers.

Thanks 90 ST

Any idea on prices of parts/labor?

I don't, i'm in Canada so our pricing is probably very different. But get a good film, as the guys have mentioned.

i just used a generic 6" width roll of clearbra for the rockers