anyone try a clear bumper/hood protector?

jbanderson · Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 72 Location: jackson, TN

I have a white XD and like to keep the front free of bugs, witch requres a daily cleaning of the front bumper and front of hood. I am wonthing if anyonw has used those protective clear films before? Its supposed to work like clear window tint or something??
Thanks might just get some really really good wax?

STlTCHES · Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: 23

I have a super white TC with a 3M clear bra that i think your talking about. I live in colorado and our roads during the winter get nasty with all the mag chloride and stuff. Then you have those stupid bugs that gush that nasty juice you cant get off!!!! AHHH anyway that clear film is a god send. every couple months i sit it in the garage and give it a good cleaning EVERYTHING comes off. It prevents rock chips like none other i love the thing keeps the front end pretty i highly suggest it!

jbanderson · Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 72 Location: jackson, TN

have you ever replaced it? I think my main concern is what it looks like in saaay a year and you have to replace it?, does the sticky side ruine the clear coat?

ChelsDS · Joined: 21 Aug 2007 Posts: 2365 Location: SoCal

Please search.. there are a few threads about clear bras already.

I have one on my car and it honestly should be put on there at port. The new EPA standards for paint are absolute crap and the xD has such a big front bumper that you WILL have chips in your paint guaranteed within two months. They may be small but you will get them.

You don't have to replace them at all. As long as you get it installed from a quality shop there should be no issues.

starjessicam · Joined: 23 Jul 2008 Posts: 3 Location: mpls

I had mine (3m scotchcal) installed at the dealer; didn't want my new xD to look all pock marked, ala my poor '02 protege5 trade-in. It was pricey but worth it, I think, and has a lifetime warranty (or so I was told). Gives me some piece of mind when I'm following gravel/garbage/construction trucks and can hear crap flying at my car, especially during road construction season in MN. I think there's already a little snag in it, but when I think about how that could have been an absence of paint, I'm quite relieved.

KRider830 · Joined: 02 Jun 2008 Posts: 496 Location: Medford, OR

My parents have one on their 2nd Gen and it is amazing. I just wish I would have done it with my car. IE new bumper and hood due to a million rock chips.

sheets · Joined: 25 Jul 2008 Posts: 11

I have Clear Bra (full front bumper, fenders, hood, mirrors, rocker panels, partial roof, a-pillars, luggage, headlamps, all door edges, all door handles). I am very satisfied.

Refer to link for pics http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=232565

vfrjim · Posted: 9/4/08 4:43PM Post subject:

3m clear bra on my Silver xD, looks fantastic and does a great job.

jbanderson · Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 72 Location: jackson, TN

well i guess i will order mine soon

kenlally · Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 50 Location: NOVA

jbanderson wrote: I have a white XD and like to keep the front free of bugs, witch requres a daily cleaning of the front bumper and front of hood. I am wonthing if anyonw has used those protective clear films before? Its supposed to work like clear window tint or something??
Thanks might just get some really really good wax?

I clear bra all my cars- you will still have the bugs it's just that your paint is protected from rock chips. I would do just your headlights-

You can get your front end painted twice for the clear bra price -so this car I opted only for the headlights (which are expensive to replace).

moaiD · Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 153

with this u can say goodbye to waxing??

spinthetension · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Cincinnati, OH

kenlally wrote: jbanderson wrote: I have a white XD and like to keep the front free of bugs, witch requres a daily cleaning of the front bumper and front of hood. I am wonthing if anyonw has used those protective clear films before? Its supposed to work like clear window tint or something??
Thanks might just get some really really good wax?

You can get your front end painted twice for the clear bra price -so this car I opted only for the headlights (which are expensive to replace).

Does the clear bra really protect the headlights from rocks/road debris? I would think if a rock hit hard enough it could still do some damage. I know nothing is perfect...

The headlights do worry me about the xD because it looks like a bug. lol

Does anyone know any places around the Cincy area that might offer this service? I googled around and didn't find any specifics.

jbanderson · Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 72 Location: jackson, TN

thanks for the infor guys!

kenlally · Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 50 Location: NOVA

spinthetension wrote: kenlally wrote: jbanderson wrote: I have a white XD and like to keep the front free of bugs, witch requres a daily cleaning of the front bumper and front of hood. I am wonthing if anyonw has used those protective clear films before? Its supposed to work like clear window tint or something??
Thanks might just get some really really good wax?

You can get your front end painted twice for the clear bra price -so this car I opted only for the headlights (which are expensive to replace).

Does the clear bra really protect the headlights from rocks/road debris? I would think if a rock hit hard enough it could still do some damage. I know nothing is perfect...

The headlights do worry me about the xD because it looks like a bug. lol

Does anyone know any places around the Cincy area that might offer this service? I googled around and didn't find any specifics.

A big rock might crack it regardless of whate you do - but that never happened to me. Most installers user a thicker mil of clear bra for the headlights, so yes it will protect against scratches, and rocks and keep them clear (no hazzing ) which happens over time to the plastic .

jbanderson · Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 72 Location: jackson, TN

thanks