A different clear bra question (i think)

mkdiehl · 12-28-2009, 09:36 PM

Been reading all the clear bra threads but didn't see this question asked/addressed:

I understand the need on the hood and fender but wonder if clear bra really helps the bumper. I ask because the bumper is plastic and gives a bit when hit with a rock etc. It seems to me that if you put the film on the bumper and it gets hit with a rock, it will still dent the bumper since it is a softer material behind the film. Am I making sense? What I don't want is a bunch of dents in the plastic bumper or have the film return to its original shape and have a hollow area between the film and the indention in the plastic. Is the film worth it in this case?

Thoughts?

OldGuy · 12-28-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkdiehl

Been reading all the clear bra threads but didn't see this question asked/addressed:

I understand the need on the hood and fender but wonder if clear bra really helps the bumper. I ask because the bumper is plastic and gives a bit when hit with a rock etc. It seems to me that if you put the film on the bumper and it gets hit with a rock, it will still dent the bumper since it is a softer material behind the film. Am I making sense? What I don't want is a bunch of dents in the plastic bumper or have the film return to its original shape and have a hollow area between the film and the indention in the plastic. Is the film worth it in this case?

Thoughts?

Just ordered my clear bra installation this afternoon. I'm getting hood, fenders mirrors, etc but not the bumper due to the leap in price with it. I'm getting mine done for $250 and will not tailgate. I'll garage my Z all winter,keep the touch-up paint handy and hope for the best..

Modshack · 12-28-2009, 10:28 PM

The film is to protect the paint from chips. It's not meant to fend off rocks big enough to dent the plastic (Rare). Everything is flexible enough, the film and the bumper, so you won't have an issue. About the only thing that's going to "Dent" the front bumper is an accident.

NXTAZEE · 12-28-2009, 10:40 PM

You will regret not getting the bumper done, especially when it's full of chips. Bumpers have more pliable paint than the rest of the car, but still chips easily. I detail cars as a hobby and see first hand what rock chips can do to bumpers. I pulled the clear bra off the front end a BMW a couple of months back, and the paint looked new after.

OldGuy · 12-29-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXTAZEE

You will regret not getting the bumper done, especially when it's full of chips. Bumpers have more pliable paint than the rest of the car, but still chips easily. I detail cars as a hobby and see first hand what rock chips can do to bumpers. I pulled the clear bra off the front end a BMW a couple of months back, and the paint looked new after.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'll reconsider and maybe renegotiate. It's just that including bumper coverage about tripled the total cost of the job and I figured I'd just do what my after-market budget for this year provided for. Maybe I'll just pretend I'm the Federal Government and borrow this year against my after-market budget allocation for next year! They do it. Why shouldn't I!!

initialgemini · 12-29-2009, 11:05 AM

Even if the bumper is plastic and "gives" a bit, sharp objects can still chip and make impressions into the paint. I have venture shield on the front of the hood, headlights, front fascia, a-pillars, front portion of roof, rocker panels, and front portion of the front fenders. It has been well worth the investment if you're particular about keeping your car free of blemishes from rocks and debris that you encounter while driving.

It's not 100% fool proof, but it will significantly reduce the amount of dings you get.

12-28-2009, 09:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
mkdiehl Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Denver Posts: 30 Drives: '10 PG/Persm 370z Rep Power: 16	A different clear bra question (i think) Been reading all the clear bra threads but didn't see this question asked/addressed: I understand the need on the hood and fender but wonder if clear bra really helps the bumper. I ask because the bumper is plastic and gives a bit when hit with a rock etc. It seems to me that if you put the film on the bumper and it gets hit with a rock, it will still dent the bumper since it is a softer material behind the film. Am I making sense? What I don't want is a bunch of dents in the plastic bumper or have the film return to its original shape and have a hollow area between the film and the indention in the plastic. Is the film worth it in this case? Thoughts?

12-28-2009, 10:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Modshack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greenville NC Posts: 2,883 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 976	The film is to protect the paint from chips. It's not meant to fend off rocks big enough to dent the plastic (Rare). Everything is flexible enough, the film and the bumper, so you won't have an issue. About the only thing that's going to "Dent" the front bumper is an accident. __________________ Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S Oil Cooler DIY: Here!

12-28-2009, 10:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
NXTAZEE Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 530 Drives: 2010 370Z 7AT Rep Power: 16	You will regret not getting the bumper done, especially when it's full of chips. Bumpers have more pliable paint than the rest of the car, but still chips easily. I detail cars as a hobby and see first hand what rock chips can do to bumpers. I pulled the clear bra off the front end a BMW a couple of months back, and the paint looked new after. __________________ 2010 Carbon Silver 370Z 7AT charcoal int. sports package \| Clear Bra \| Invidia Gemini CBE \| CF B-Pillars \| CF Fangs \| CF Z emblems \| Swift Springs \| 20mm & 25mm Spacers \| SPC Camber Arms \| Brushed Aluminum shift knob

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12-29-2009, 11:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
initialgemini Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 340 Drives: 2011 FX 35 Rep Power: 250	Even if the bumper is plastic and "gives" a bit, sharp objects can still chip and make impressions into the paint. I have venture shield on the front of the hood, headlights, front fascia, a-pillars, front portion of roof, rocker panels, and front portion of the front fenders. It has been well worth the investment if you're particular about keeping your car free of blemishes from rocks and debris that you encounter while driving. It's not 100% fool proof, but it will significantly reduce the amount of dings you get.