Clear Bra Front Bumper Kit

[JohnM]

Has anyone had any experience with these? Pro’s Con’s bad or Good? My current Honda Odyssey is a commuter vehicle (82 miles round trip) plus kids after school activities and I don’t see that changing when I receive my Blizzard White in six weeks. So, I’m on the road a lot.

[nhcycle]

hello Johnm,

I had done extensive research on what's out there and what the most recommended are.

3M is the dominant product that is used by nearly every installer, XPEL and Venture Shield are the other two that are about on par..... the only negative I have heard about Venture Shield is it is somewhat porous... and as such may retain a stain..... I honestly don't know how true or what the circumstance was..... my sense is #M and XPEL are co-front runners

Here is the reality of clear bras installs - it is completely in the hands of the installer - product quality can be compromised by a poor install.

I would suggest you check out at least three installers and get at least that many quotes with specifics on how/what/where the paint protective film (PPF) is to be installed. I also have a blizzard pearl and had 3M put on and it did not come out as I expected and there is a do-over in process..... the Exec VP of the dealership is backing me on this one..... I was going to do it myself but the quote from several installers and the differential of my material costs lead me to have it installed..... if they goof (and they did) they eat it and fix it on their dime (they will).

Any kit should cover all leading edges of the front end.... including the light wells for the fog lights and completely cover the mirrors. Also, The hood needs to be covered 18-20 inches up from the emblem.

There is one Installer rout there that should be avoided - Autobahn!!!!! I've seen their work and they absolutely suck.......

PM me if yo want more details - Bob

[Toytech]

I have it on my Venza. You can see my car pics on this forum.

http://www.venza.org/forum/showthread.php?t=82

[LSP972]

nhcycle,

Can you clue me in to exactly what this is, approximate cost, etc.? I was looking at fabric strap-ons, but the parts guy at the dealership pointed out that these will get mildewed in a hurry (particularly in the miserable sub-tropical climate here in south Louisiana) if you don't remove and dry it promptly when it gets wet.

We have lots of bugs and other detritus that gets plastered across the front end. A heavy coat of carnauba helps during "love-bug" season, but those nasty things really make a mess.

I'm looking for a possible solution. Thanks.

[nhcycle]

toytech,

is it autobahn or some other clear protection film installer? I met the owner of the local franchise yesterday and they are doing a rewrap on the car..... this time it's going to be a custom wrap.... cuz the pattern created by Autobahn HQ needs a lot of modifications - it does not cover all the leading edges adequately and leaves a lot of exposed surfaces...... the workmanship was very good but if the pattern is wrong it leaves a poor quality outcome.


LSP972,

The material is a clear 3M or similar film that is usually 8 mil in thickness with a super adhesive that is applied directly to the painted surface..... it does not harm the paint..... it is a perfect defense against the lovebugs with their caustic body fluids.... you clean and wax the film as you would the paint....

Price varies widely..... ya have to shop around...... mine cost $595: Hood, bumper, fenders, mirrors, rear bumper cover. I was quoted up to $900

All leading edges need to be covered, the hood should be covered at least up to 18" from the emblem, the front surface of the mirrors should be completely covered, the rear bumper should be completely covered on the top surface and it should continue down the face of the bumper at least 2" for adequate protection. Make certain any bumper kit to be used includes the light wells for the fog lights...... alot of kits come with this coverage - some don't. Keep in mind the kit material is relatively inexpensive, you are paying mostly for labor and their craftsmanship skills to apply the material.

Google clear auto bra and read up on what's out there...... 3M , XPEL and Venture shield seem to be the common films......

hope this is of help

[Rob]

Here's the "Sell sheet" they give us.. hope it gives ya a little info...

Rob

[nhcycle]

Good info as a starting point for the uninitiated..... however, experience dictates that the "bikini cut" depicted in the brochure is inadequate to provide the necessary protection. the Cut s/b at leat 18" (20" is optimum) from the emblem.... hopefully the toyota kit provides the larger bra.....

Also, one of the major drawbacks of the strap-on bra is the abrasive nature of dirt and debris collecting under or at the edges of the bra which is counter intuitive to the use of the bra in the first place.... agin... just my .02 worth

[deanesfield]

Is full coverage of the hood that much more expensive???
Michael

[TechSeller]

Also, one of the major drawbacks of the strap-on bra is the abrasive nature of dirt and debris collecting under or at the edges of the bra which is counter intuitive to the use of the bra in the first place.... agin... just my .02 worth

You are spot on! My Ford Probe GT was scratched to hell along the edges. Since then I have used 3M on my next 3 cars and have been very happy. I have a quote in place for the Venza and it is first on my To-Do list.

Cheers!

[JohnM]

WoW! I appreciate everyone’s response…well done. I plan to get price quotes from my local dealers but this is one of those must have options.

Regards