Hello all... I was wondering, earlier this year I attended the Greater L.A. International Auto Show and I remember seeing a product that protected the nose of any car and was color matched and permanent, basically a clear bra(looks like a thin decal over tip of hood and front fenders-about 4-6 inches long) Only thing was it's cost(about $500.00!) Does anyone have such modification and is there a cheaper alternative?

 

3m clear bra ...only one Id trust.

 

Saw their website, $153 with free shipping(includes mirror covers too-thinking about getting the headlamps covers as well-$43.00)
Thanks!

 

The head lamp covers will be nice. I have 2 spider cracks in one of my fog lights and a couple pits from rocks in my headlight plastic

 

+1, but 150 for a piece of clear plastic is hard to swallow.

 

The 153 is for the front hood and mirror covers, the ones for the headlamps are only 43 [8D] .. I dont have the clear bra setup as of now, but as soon as I figure out how to go about putting on my aftermarket bumper situation I will.. I had my bumper painted about 2 weeks ago and already have 7 rock chips in the spoiler and bumper, as well as numerous ones in the headlamps and windsheild [&:]

 

True, but 3M stands by their product and $150.00 is cheaper than chipping your hood and devaluing your car by much more. How much does a repainted hood cost? Have been down the vinyl bra route before...too much trouble...they get dusty(which scratches the paint) and you have to remove them when it rains. Plus I think it looks classy. IMO

 

True.. 3M is probably one of the largest and best quality companies out there. A repainted hood is about 250 bucks including paint.. that was a quote from a bodyshop about 2 months ago..but just think, you could have it repainted then get a rock chip on the way home.. so the 150 clear bra is definately the way to go. (definately looks better than a black vinyl one IMO)

 

I have the 3M product, it cost me about 450 with installation which included the leading surfaces of the front bumber, the I pieces between the headlights, the lower part of the bumper and the first 6 inches of so of the hood . Unfortunately it was inatalled 2 weeks after I got my first chip in the front of the hood. I have not seen any vendors offering a color matched product.
The stuff on my car is clear and is not really noticed unless your are within a foot or so of the car. maintenance is no problem, just wash and wax as usual.
Have not seen any post-installation damage to these areas and I do ride on the Long Island Expressway on a regular basis.

 

Actually, from what I have seen venturefilm is a far better product than the 3m. I have seen the 3m yellow on porsches over time. Also the venturefilm is smoother and has less orange peel.

I ordered a kit for the hood and fender tips. Cost 200 bucks. Full kit was 400 but I didnt want to do the bumper. I am going to install it sometime in the next few weeks.

BUT, I have done this type of work before and even I am a bit worried about the install but will still do it and take my time. I wouldent reccomend it to your average guy.

Locally, I was quoted 500 for the hood and 750 for the whole nose by a couple tint shops.