I need advice regarding whether to do a clear bra or not

I had my front bumper re-sprayed about a year ago (~1,500 - 2,000 miles ago) and didn't get it covered in clear bra because I wanted a perfect reflection on the paint. I know that I'm careful about not tailgating, so I figured if I get a chip or two over the next few years, I could touch it up. Once it gets peppered with touch up paint, I'll just paint again in 7 -10 years if I still have the car. Well after only 1,500 miles, I have at least 6 or 7 big chips that I touched up and several small cuts/defects. I feel like every time I take a long ride on the highway, I'm coming home to fix one or two new chips! It aggravated me so much that it happened so soon, so today I decided to go to one of the shops in my area that has the best reputation around and asked about installing Xpel on my front bumper and clearplex on the windshield.
I wasn't happy about what he told me so I need advice on what to do. I have to admit, I was very grateful that he was an awesome guy and 100% honest with me, but not sure how to proceed now.
He said that since my bumper was repainted, there is probably a 20-40% chance that the paint would be peeled up during the INSTALL! (I expected to have possible issues during the removal and was ok with that) I don't know what to do now. Should I leave well enough alone and keep touching it up, or should I take the risk of having to do another repaint? My gut is saying to leave it alone for now and just get the bumper painted again when it annoys me enough. I would then get the clear bra installed by the same person that paints it, this way his work is guaranteed.
Is anyone else running without clear protection? If so, why did you choose not to do it?
What should I do?!?!?

 

My take on it--

If there is a chance that the paint will come up during the install, you shouldn't touch it. I'll take a guess and say if he mentioned there is a chance it probably happened in the past. Don't let your car pop up the 20-40% statistic.

Keep on touching it up as you go or respray it every few years if you still have it.

 

I don't have one but I run an old school vynil bra on mine from Speed Lingerie. I love the way it makes the car look. To me it sort of looks more like the GT front bumper with it on. I take it off from time to time and can see that the bumper is getting some dulling from the bra so I will be in the repaint mode in the future too but for a different reason.
It is a tough call. I guess if you are going for perfect you will have to just budget accordingly for paint either with a clear bra too or run naked and just the paint from time to time.

 

Repainted panels peel when the paint has not properly cured or when the paint prep work is bad. Assuming that you have a decent application and it has been a year, you will be fine.

 

Agree with jpk. Never heard of peeling unless the clear bra is being removed. But it shouldn't damage paint when putting on the clear bra even if sprayed. I would do it. These cars should be protected. I have it and it has saved me. Sometimes after the drive, I can see where the rock chips are stuck to the clear bra and I just pop them off. I am pretty particular myself. One chip, it bothers me. Do it.

 

When I got my car last August it had a fresh re spray of at least the bumper. I meant to apply a clear bra but never got around to it. It now has dozens of little chips and is going in for another re spray soon. You can bet I will be applying a clear bra this time.

 

Like you, I prefer the look of naked paint. However, like many others, I gave in years ago and now cover the front bumper cover on any car that's going to see service on interstate highways and the like. As far as loose gravel, etc., the LIE and parkways on Long Island are some of the worst roads I've ever traveled. Get it done. You won't have a problem if the painter did a professional job. The installer is just wisely covering his butt. Having said that, 20%-40% is not very precise estimate for someone in the business. I might look for another referral.

 

I recently picked up a 2007 F430 from Porsche North Houston. The very first thing I did was install the 3M clear bra. My installer (Josue) does them quite regularly and I have fun challenging people to find the clear bra. They never do.

During the install, I asked him about re-doing the old clear bra (it was on the car when I bought it) on a 2004 Gallardo. After inspection, he said it was a 'first generation' clear bra and that it had a 50/50 chance of pulling off the paint.

He went on to say the new generation of clear bras have a different adhesive and are more easily removed without damaging the paint. I love the fact I can drive my car 'at speed' without worry of small chips occurring while doing so. My personal driving experience is enhanced by this.

I am about to repaint the hood, bumper and fenders on my 1991 Diablo. I plan to immediately install clear bra afterwards.

 

I had my front bumper done and installers for the most part are obligated to tell you what could happen. Mine was fine and currently is fine. Initially there is a cure time of approx. 4-6 weeks post painting to reduce the likelihood of a peel occurrence. I told the painter that my intention was to use a clear bra and post painting for what it's worth baked the finish post painting. Can't stress the necessity for a good installer. The good ones for the most part are not repeatedly pulling up their work when fitting. Let's face it many Ferrari front bumpers are repaired on both new and used ferraris without problems when clear bra'd. the warning is like when going in to have a wart removed and you sign a statement that you might die from the anesthetic or contract MERSA from the procedure. It did bother me I will admit, but personally would do it again!

 

My car came with it on . I did remove it from the headlamps but I feel it protects the paint and it's barely visible on my black 430 spider . My vote is to put it on .

 

I drove a car on the highway without a windshield one time and I did not wear a helmet either. Don't ask me why I did this, but I was pelted about 5 times per mile by a bug rock or small pebble. It is amazing that your bumpers ever have paint on them. Those dam bugs hit hard.

 

Your getting hosed

 

I have one on my scud. Can't see it and it provides nice protection.

 

I'm getting ready to do my 430 and I'm curious about how far up the hood you guys have covered.

 

Like I said, I have it and love it but it's not perfect. I have had rocks penetrate clear bra. That's said, it's better than not having it. Best solution

Half hood, full bumper and bottom part of car

 

Definitely go full hood. That's what I have on mine in addition to full bumper and rockers.

 

Full hood, fenders, rockers, bumper, headlights, A pillars, door handles, rear view mirrors and gas cap

 

This is exactly what I did to my 16M and Gallardo. You'll feel MUCH more comfortable driving your car when you know most of the stuff that comes bouncing down the road will simply bounce off your clear-bra and, worst case, force you to replace a piece of plastic and not worry about repainting.

As for those folks who enjoy the highway "patina"... that's great, but not for me. Up keep for the film is super simple.

Only recommendation I'd have is do not go to an installer who uses pre-cut kits. These will always have seams and gaps where the custom-cut kits will not. Both my cars have custom kits and you can not see the film.

 

Did you use Bob Willis?

 

I vote no bra. I'm against all bra's, except under extreme circumstances.

I also recommend against protecting your sofa with a plastic covering. It may increase the life and limit wear and tear, but it does so at the cost of lower enjoyment.

I wish my 430 did not have the clear bra. It doesn't look very good and it needs to be removed, which I think is too soon for a 2006 car with 7000 miles. It didn't look good in 2013 when I bought the car and probably looked marginal for a few years before that. I estimate a 5 year good life at most. Not sure if this is typical or an exception.

It has a bit of a fogginess to it, particularly visible in some lighting. And the edges are slightly lifting and discoloring.

I fear that when I have it removed my original paint will be damaged, and then a minor project will turn into a major project.

People spend thousands of dollars installing clear bras. And I bet they have to be replaced every 5-10 years anyway to keep them looking nice, plus add the risk of forcing a repaint due to paint lifting or rocks that make it through the clear bra. Why not just repaint every 5-10 years and have the car look better?