How much coverage should I get w/ the Clearbra?

antidentite · 01-31-2007, 08:12 PM

I'm having my 335i professionally detailed, and will have a clear bra installed right afterwards to make sure the paint underneath looks good (it's JetBlack).

How much coverage do I really need with the clearbra?

I was quoted $725 (no tax) for the following "The full kit includes the bumper, hood, mirrors, lights, door guards and fenders. Our guy does custom kits so his edges wrap."

Do you think I need all this coverage on a Jet Black car? Also, how do you detail the portion of the car with the bra after it's installed? Will this portion fade any faster than the rest of the car?

Rover · 01-31-2007, 08:41 PM

1. Definitely cover the plastic bumper. It chips as easily as the metal hood.
2. Some coverage for the lights. There is an occaisional question if you can do this with the clear bra material.
3. I'd cover the hood as high as you can...36 inches.+
4. Also cover the front of the front fender flairs....they catch a lot of sand and grit too.
5. Cover the mirrors.

6. Some folks cover the top of the rear bumper to protect it from items you load into the trunk.
7. Some folks run a small strip down the edge of the doors...to prevent chipping if you open the door into a hard surface.

I also have a black 3 series...2001...with an '07 coupe on order.

From my experience with my '01...I am going to do items 1 through 6.

Finally...my experience...and what I read on these posts...black paint chips easliy, and maybe more easily than other BMW paint color formulas.

antidentite · 02-02-2007, 01:03 AM

Thanks Rover. Do you think $725 is excessive for items 1-7 above?

ed-320d · 02-02-2007, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antidentite

Thanks Rover. Do you think $725 is excessive for items 1-7 above?

The way I would look at it, Is $725 enough to cover respray of your bonnet and bumper? If it does then it may not be worth installing.

Ranger911 · 02-02-2007, 03:49 PM

I don't know. A clear bra reminds me of the plastic covering that old folks put on their furniture to protect it from stains. What's the point? Enjoy the car and take good care of it. Spend the money on an Xede instead.

ZuerstBMW · 02-02-2007, 03:54 PM

Believe me once you get a clearbra, you'l never have another car without one.

You shouldnt be paying more than 500.00 for it. That price seems excessive to me.

01-31-2007, 08:12 PM	#1
antidentite Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 269 Posts Drives: See signature Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Belleuve, WA iTrader: (0)	How much coverage should I get w/ the Clearbra? I'm having my 335i professionally detailed, and will have a clear bra installed right afterwards to make sure the paint underneath looks good (it's JetBlack). How much coverage do I really need with the clearbra? I was quoted $725 (no tax) for the following "The full kit includes the bumper, hood, mirrors, lights, door guards and fenders. Our guy does custom kits so his edges wrap." Do you think I need all this coverage on a Jet Black car? Also, how do you detail the portion of the car with the bra after it's installed? Will this portion fade any faster than the rest of the car? __________________ Retired: '00 e46 (5mt) Retired: '07 e92 (6mt) Current: '08 S2000 (6mt) Current: '17 Porsche Macan GTS Current: '04 V8 4Runner
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01-31-2007, 08:41 PM	#2
Rover Private First Class 10 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 3 series Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: mountain states iTrader: (0)	1. Definitely cover the plastic bumper. It chips as easily as the metal hood. 2. Some coverage for the lights. There is an occaisional question if you can do this with the clear bra material. 3. I'd cover the hood as high as you can...36 inches.+ 4. Also cover the front of the front fender flairs....they catch a lot of sand and grit too. 5. Cover the mirrors. 6. Some folks cover the top of the rear bumper to protect it from items you load into the trunk. 7. Some folks run a small strip down the edge of the doors...to prevent chipping if you open the door into a hard surface. I also have a black 3 series...2001...with an '07 coupe on order. From my experience with my '01...I am going to do items 1 through 6. Finally...my experience...and what I read on these posts...black paint chips easliy, and maybe more easily than other BMW paint color formulas.
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02-02-2007, 01:03 AM	#3
antidentite Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 269 Posts Drives: See signature Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Belleuve, WA iTrader: (0)	Thanks Rover. Do you think $725 is excessive for items 1-7 above? __________________ Retired: '00 e46 (5mt) Retired: '07 e92 (6mt) Current: '08 S2000 (6mt) Current: '17 Porsche Macan GTS Current: '04 V8 4Runner
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02-02-2007, 03:49 PM	#5
Ranger911 New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2001 M3 Triple Black Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Behind some dope in the left lane iTrader: (0)	I don't know. A clear bra reminds me of the plastic covering that old folks put on their furniture to protect it from stains. What's the point? Enjoy the car and take good care of it. Spend the money on an Xede instead.
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02-02-2007, 03:54 PM	#6
ZuerstBMW ¡Viva España! 404 Rep 7,803 Posts Drives: 24 G20 330i Skyscraper Gray Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa, FL. iTrader: (68)	Believe me once you get a clearbra, you'l never have another car without one. You shouldnt be paying more than 500.00 for it. That price seems excessive to me. __________________ 24 G20 330i Skyscraper Gray Metallic Black, Open Pore Fine Wood Oak Grain Interior Trim MODS Clear Guard, 15% Ceramic Tint, Floating Caps
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