Anybody have a Clear Bra installed?

KCcarguy said:
These guys are great. I've had all three of mine installed there.

Auto Glass and Tint Shop - Kansas City Window Tinting
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I finally got around to having the Clear Bra put on my truck and had it done at this shop. Very professional and friendly organization. I paid just under $1K, but I had the whole front, the fender flares, and the rocker panels done in clear bra, as well as a 35 tint put on the front two windows.

I just got the truck back today, but so far, so good. It looks sharp and I look forward to seeing how fast the bugs clean off.
 
Glad to hear it went well. A little advice.....put a coat of wax on it ASAP. I've found bugs left on for a couple days can leave some residue on the CB. The darker the color, the more it shows. I've been able to get it mostly off w/ a clay bar. My wife has a magnetic gray highlander and it's not bad, but It's been an issue w/ my black 4r. It still better than rocks chips.
 
KCcarguy said:
A little advice.....put a coat of wax on it ASAP. I've found bugs left on for a couple days can leave some residue on the CB.
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Thanks - I'll make sure to do just that. I think I have to wait a few days to let everything set up before I wash the truck (mostly the window tint), but I'll get that wax on soon. I've read the info they gave me, but any special advice / experience when washing / waxing it? I know I need to watch the edges closely and to watch the wax build up on the seems as well.
 
I just wash and wax being careful not to directly spray the edges. Then I use a microfiber towel to remove wax along the edges. It really pretty low maintenence.
 
Congrats!! It definitely gives a piece of mind.

As for tips, just my 2 cents, wait a few days before you wash it, otherwise you can end up raising an edge. The bra itself takes 30 days to cure (well mine does according to the instructions), during that time it might appear hazy or have a bubble or two but it will go away once its cured.

You don't have to wait that long to wax it though. Just be careful with the edges if your using a machine to apply polish. If I get wax along the edge, I usually just use a detailing brush and it comes right off.

I had the dealer install my clear bra. They used Llumar and it comes with a lifetime warranty. Not to mention it was about $500.00. They covered the front bumper, front part of the hood, the front part of the fenders and flares and the outside rear view mirrors.

The product is really good, and doesn't have as much orange peal that ventureshield has, and it can be waxed.

But if anyone is considering having the dealer install Llumar, just a word of caution about how they install it. The kit is cut at the dealer using a computer. However, when it is installed the material is not "tucked" or "wrapped" around the edges. It just goes to the edge and lays flat.

Also on the bumper, they only cover the surfaces facing the road, which is fine. But around the fog lights and chrome strip, the material is not stretched up to the edge, so there is a little bit exposed. So if your expecting an install where you will not see any seams or edges on the front bumper, then this is probably not the best route for you.

But overall I'm very happy with it and it's done an excellent job of protecting the front of my truck. It currently has 3 coats of Klasse sealer on it and boy does it make cleaning a breeze. Bugs don't stick to it at all.
 
Pretty informative thread considering I'm thinking about the clear bra myself. Question for those with the clear bra: Are you able to go through touch and touchless automatic car washes without being worried of the bra peeling anywhere? How confident are you to go through a car wash or do you have to hand wash your vehicle for life after installing a clear bra? Thanks.
 
I had ordered the 3M clear paint protection film from InvisiMask.com. I had bought the section for the entire front bumper portion as well as headlights for just over $200.00. I do want to purchase the hood portion soon. I cannot inform you on install costs as I had installed it myself. It didn't turn out too bad except for the corners of the lower half of the bumper. Some binding was occurring. I am not a professional installer of this product, but it doesn't look too bad. I am happy with it so far.
 

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windycity said:
I was thinking about have a clear bra installed on my T4r Limited. I have gotten quotes ranging from $600 to $900. I was wondering if anyone has had a Clear Bra installed. If so: What brand did you go with? How much did it cost? What type of coverage did ypu get? Also if anyone knows of an a reputable installer in the Chicagoland area let me know. Thanks.
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I have 3M on my front bumper,around the grill and headlights. I did it myself and it came out alright for not being a professional installer of the product. I do have some imperfections, which overtime have become more evident.
 
I had the bumper/fenders/front done at the dealer when I bought it but didn't get the hood done because I had seen someone around here that had the full hood covered (it was a white or silver t4r 5thgen with the hood done in black).

Anyone know who that is off hand and how much it was, and how well it has held up?

Thanks
 
I guess it depends on the color of your car but I was never a fan of clear bras especially on a dark car. It looks great when new but give it a few months and rock chips will cause an air pocket and magnify the eye sore. Yes it will protect the paint underneath but unless you remove the clear bra, after a year of driving it looks ugly. A 4runner is pretty high off the ground so unless you're tailgating other trucks, most small rock chips can be avoided. Given the cost of a clear bra is $500-1K, I suggest saving that money and if you get a number of large chips just repaint it a few years down the road. Also, when you wax your car, the white dust from waxing it outlines the clear bra. If you do decide to get it done, make sure you're able to see a car that's had one installed for a year before committing. In the showroom a brand new clear bra install looks great in comparison.
 
My was installed as dealer option. I peeled it off. 2 reasons: makes hood look like 2 part unit and waxing is a hastle which shows the edge of the film.
 
jrandom said:
I had the bumper/fenders/front done at the dealer when I bought it but didn't get the hood done because I had seen someone around here that had the full hood covered (it was a white or silver t4r 5thgen with the hood done in black).

Anyone know who that is off hand and how much it was, and how well it has held up?

Thanks
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I think [MENTION=8206]harper7[/MENTION] ???
 
Why would you want to put a clear bra on you 4runner ?







How about a hood deflector instead ?









Just thought it was funny ... clear bra !
 
I have the entire hood and fenders done on my Army Green Pro. If I didn't point it out, you would never know it's there. Been on a year and 10,000 miles. Looks perfect.

I had the same on my Porsche for 30,000 miles. Was still perfect.

I think it is worth every penny. I am in Oklahoma. Roads are bad, lots of flying rocks here...

That's my two cents.
 
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