anyone run a front mask/bra?

[Stock-Speed3]

just wondering - id like to see a pic

 

[SwampAss]

The bra thing to me is very camaro circa 1990. I think the bras end up doing more bad that good. 3M makes a clear bra that I've heard people rave about. I've yet to actually see one in person. Then again, if it's clear, how would I really know unless I was looking for it.

 

[CTGrey02]

You can see the edges of the 3m's, but aside from that you'd never notice unless someone did a bad job installing it. It's fairly expensive stuff too.

 

[richmusch]

The bra thing to me is very camaro circa 1990. I think the bras end up doing more bad that good. 3M makes a clear bra that I've heard people rave about. I've yet to actually see one in person. Then again, if it's clear, how would I really know unless I was looking for it.

Why does it do more bad than good? Please let me know what evidence/personal experience you have with this? The clear bra is too damn expensive so I was thinking a mask from Mazda would do the trick.

Thanks,
-Rich

 

[CTt3P5]

Why does it do more bad than good? Please let me know what evidence/personal experience you have with this? The clear bra is too damn expensive so I was thinking a mask from Mazda would do the trick.

Thanks,
-Rich

They can cause paint damage, even with proper precautions. I had one on my '95 Neon and I removed the bra everytime I washed the car and after heavy rainstorms. I also removed it during the winter months. Nonetheless my paint fogged on me.

I would only recommend them now for people who take long trips. You can also contact Rockblocker here on the forums. They do a clear bra...not sure on the price though.

 

[Loose]

Got mine and I love it. 3M clrear bra...came from the dealer with it.

 

[sephiroth]

They can cause paint damage, even with proper precautions. I had one on my '95 Neon and I removed the bra everytime I washed the car and after heavy rainstorms. I also removed it during the winter months. Nonetheless my paint fogged on me.

I would only recommend them now for people who take long trips. You can also contact Rockblocker here on the forums. They do a clear bra...not sure on the price though.

well.. it fogged because Chrysler did a crappy job putting on the paint to begin with, they decided to use "cost saving primer" in the 97 and earlier cars, which then caused the paint to chip/fog. They finnaly wised up in 98 and later models and decided to spend some more dough to prevent the issue.

 

[GoFast]

the real problem with the BRAs are that they are not a fixed element like the 3M clear bra is. If you have ever seen a car driving down the freeway with one it is flapping around either a little bit or a lot. Either way its flapping around and between the bra and the paint there is dust, dirt, etc.... So everytime that bra moves even a little bit it is rubbing that stuff into the finish of your car. Hence why people say that there paint is "fogged" Over time it is like taking sand paper to your paint and dulling the finish.

 

[zoom-zoomhatch]

Got mine and I love it. 3M clrear bra...came from the dealer with it.

I wish I could keep my car looking all clean and shiny like that... Dirt roads and people opening their doors into my car FTL!

 

[CTt3P5]

well.. it fogged because Chrysler did a crappy job putting on the paint to begin with, they decided to use "cost saving primer" in the 97 and earlier cars, which then caused the paint to chip/fog. They finnaly wised up in 98 and later models and decided to spend some more dough to prevent the issue.

Explains all the 'two tone' Neons I see everyday. So glad I got rid of mine, we bought it new in 1994 and traded it in in early 1996.

 

[Hikaru9]

I had it on my RSX, and I hated it. It was a pain to install & remove everytime I washed the car. The paint underneath fogged up on me as well. It did its job of protecting the front from rocks and other flying road debris, but I'd never buy another one again. *^_^*

 

[whitey4311]

Its normal wear so get rid of the car in 3 years anyway and wont be an issue.

Doesnt the clear bra look like crap after or a while and does it hurt the paint at all?

 

[Akaveli]

Got mine and I love it. 3M clrear bra...came from the dealer with it.

I don't even see it. Seriously, do you have any other pictures that can show how it looks?

 

[whitey4311]

I can see it just fine. If you look close about 3 inches up the hood it stops and runs along the bumper/fender line making the paint look a bit like it doesnt match. There is a trade off with any application like this but I suppose the 3m is the best so far.

I just dont see the point in paying $800 for the thing then selling the car in 3yrs any way. I also read that the 3m film will start to absorb bug deposits and look stained.

 

[DusterAZ]

I have the front mask from Mazda specifically for the MS3 which I got a few weeks ago. I really need it since I do so much freeway driving and my frontend was looking pretty bad from chips. I'll post some pics this evening for you guys. It fits well and I haven't noticed any flapping. I take it off weekly when I wash my car but it is very easy to install/remove.

 

[Loose]

I don't even see it. Seriously, do you have any other pictures that can show how it looks?

It's hard to see but this pic you can see the seam...

 

[Loose]

I can see it just fine. If you look close about 3 inches up the hood it stops and runs along the bumper/fender line making the paint look a bit like it doesnt match. There is a trade off with any application like this but I suppose the 3m is the best so far.

I just dont see the point in paying $800 for the thing then selling the car in 3yrs any way. I also read that the 3m film will start to absorb bug deposits and look stained.

Nope it's like 15" up the hood and you can't see the seam in that pic. Try the pic below....

 

[trpleee]

The bra has saved my front end numerous times on highway trips. The mazda bra fits perfect, no flapping. I've also used a bra for 10 years on my camaro with no color change or fade. Just make sure you take it off if it gets wet. Keep the front waxed regularly and never put it on a dirty front end. Wipe the backing down before putting it too, dead moths, bugs etc. You'll love it, nice mazdaspeed emblem on the front left bumper as well.

 

[jillodoc]

I did alot of research on the 3M shield and searched alot of forums to see consumers reviews. Everyone that's posted that I found rated the product very highly. Kits from EBay might not be 3M, and you should have a pro install it. From various forums the name Alan Seligman kept coming up as the best installer in the USA. He not only installs, he also travels all over and teaches other installers how to do it correctly. I'm lucky that I live in Florida just a few hours from Alan. I called and spoke with him a few times over several months and just two weeks ago he installed the clear shield on my car. I will post photos here once the sun comes back out! I told Alan that I can't say how great it looks because I can't see it..He took alot of time installing it and I'm very pleased with it. The total cost for the install on my Cosmic Blue MS3 was
$848.00. It might sound pricey, however, it's the best investment I've made considering the price of a new paint job, bumpers, etc..In September those dreadful lovebugs will return...But I'm ready for'em!!

 

[whitey4311]

In 2 years when some one else owns the car I wont worry about the knicks on the front end.

Its normal wear and tear so for that reason I say let it happen and so be it but I do agree it sucks seeing new knicks every day.

From what I read the clear bra gets stained from bugs and wont look so clear in time. I wonder what it does to your paint when its removed as well?