I was wondering if anyone has had a clear bra on a car for five years or so (obviously, this will not apply to your RX-8s). I am interested in getting a clear bra but was wondering how well they hold up over time. I think that most of the manufacturers give a five year warranty, but what do the bras look like after five years? Do they yellow at all? Do they roll up on the edges? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

I do hope they will last 5 years.
I brought my RX8 home + before driving it I had the clear bra put on.
Looks great so far!

 

I put mine on over a year ago and no problems so far other then a few spots where some specs of dirt were on the car at the time of application. Vel. Red probably wouldn't show yellowing though. So far-so good.

 

Had clear bra on '99 Miata for 4 years with no problems. Although, over time, you may notice some yellowing.

 

I had one on my last Mustang for about three years. I live in AZ and the sun is extreme. I noticed no degredation in three years. I haven't put one on my 8 yet.

 

I've had it on my 3rd gen RX-7 for 6 years now. Only problem is the tears caused by sharp rocks. The "clearbra", as you call it (3M vinyl) protected the paint, but can be torn by sharp rocks. It leaves a hole down to the paint. Looks like a semi-clear insect splat! It hasn't discoloured from the sun, lifted, or anything like that. I've even cleaned paint off it using spray solder paste remover (on a cloth). There are a few stains in it from a rather powerful gutted bug here in Alberta - it leaves a redish brown hase about 1/4" dia. in the vinyl. Last time I detailed it there were three of those.

You do have to work to keep the lines where it ends or joints in it clean. Wax can build up there and show (well, Zaino, actually, not wax). Not too hard to clean out though.

 

Can someone tell where I can get a clear bra?? I think I want one.

Rickster

 

How hard is it to remove if it were to yellow,crack etc.? I've got a vendor here in Orlando who can install it but I'm still on the fence about if I really want it or not.

 

There are lots of places that will install it for you. Ming plating, for example. It can be removed - they use an isopropyl alcohol mix to soften the glue. It has to stay wet for 5-10 min. to get it to come off easilly.

 

I suggest going to www.xpel.com
You can enter your zip and they will provide you with a list of dealers in your area. Xpel is the company that most of these guys (installers) use for obtaining templates for the various clear bra items (I.e. - fenders, headlights, bumper, etc.). You can also directly purchase product from them.....but.....let me warn you that the '8' is unlike most cars for the installation of the bumper portion so I strongly suggest having someone else do the installation.
I had my clear bra installed (VentureShield) back in May and the installer had to do the bumper twice.....it was his first '8' and he said it was the most difficult car he had ever done. I'm very pleased with it....I can now drive anywhere/anytime and not be paranoid about getting a stone chip or such. Great investment!

 

My clear bra started to yellow a little after only a year and I keep her parked inside at work and at home. I had a confrontation with one of those orange construction barrels a while back (long story), and had her fixed, but opted not have have the bra replaced as it was taking them so long to schedule it.

Bad mistake.

Now, my front end has several dings where the clear bra was protecting it. They protect the car MUCH MORE than I had surmised.

Bottom line.....if you have the chance to get one.....GET IT! It protects your front end paint.....A LOT! Experience speaks.

 

raz, when it gets beat up more from rocks and bugs take in for a strip, repaint, then haul it and get it clearbra'd.