Rock Chips

[Mytoy4]

I've been told that I should put a clear protector on the front of my 4runner to help protect it from rock chips?
I put quite a few highway miles on it traveling out of town most summer weekends and over the past year I've gotten a lot of small rock chips.
I'm going to have my grill and hood repainted in the next couple weeks and want something to put on it to help with this.
Photos of what this might look like?

 

[K.C.]

I've been told that I should put a clear protector on the front of my 4runner to help protect it from rock chips?
I put quite a few highway miles on it traveling out of town most summer weekends and over the past year I've gotten a lot of small rock chips.
I'm going to have my grill and hood repainted in the next couple weeks and want something to put on it to help with this.
Photos of what this might look like?

leftyguns21 has a Front End Clear Bra

No photos, because it's clear...I like it, because you can't even tell that it is there

Be sure to get a Color Matching Front Grill

 

[Mytoy4]

That was kind of my point in asking, I wanted to see how visible it actually is.
Thanks, I'll check this out.

 

[krupnation]

I had the 3M clear bra on my Audi S4 and it isn't noticeable until you actually inspect the front end closely. And under close inspection all you see is the edges. I also had it applied to my mirrors as that car sat really low. I'm sure you wouldn't need it on the mirrors on your runner.

 

[Mytoy4]

Thanks, I appreciate that. This will be the second time my hood will be repainted and this time I want to find something that protects it.

 

[K.C.]

That was kind of my point in asking, I wanted to see how visible it actually is.
Thanks, I'll check this out.

I had the 3M clear bra on my Audi S4 and it isn't noticeable until you actually inspect the front end closely. And under close inspection all you see is the edges. I also had it applied to my mirrors as that car sat really low. I'm sure you wouldn't need it on the mirrors on your runner.

I'll try to get some photos from my friend's 2009 Toyota Highlander this weekend to show you

 

[Mytoy4]

I would really appreciate that!

 

[Will_4R]

My 4Runner came with one of those clear bras. It is excellent. It is barely visible, and does an excellent job of warding off stones and bugs. I highly recommend it.

 

[Mytoy4]

My 4Runner came with one of those clear bras. It is excellent. It is barely visible, and does an excellent job of warding off stones and bugs. I highly recommend it.

Not knowing much about cars, let me ask you this. Assuming that this clear bra is somewhat thin, does it hold up well to rock chips or do you find that it gets 'chipped' up making the bra more visable? Do you recommend a specific brand? How long has yours been on? Does it start to peel after a while?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

From what I have seen on customers cars that do use this clear covering, it is hardly noticable. It does not seem to get "chips and marks" as easily as paint (I assume because it is something akin to Vinyl and so it has a little more elastisity to it than clearcoat) and it is meant as a sacrifical piece. So if it does become unsightly you should be able to remove it and replace it with a new covering.

I was gonna get one of these for my 4Runner, but its already chipped and nicked under the headlamps. Maybe if I ever get around to projector lamps I will.

 

[Will_4R]

Not knowing much about cars, let me ask you this. Assuming that this clear bra is somewhat thin, does it hold up well to rock chips or do you find that it gets 'chipped' up making the bra more visable? Do you recommend a specific brand? How long has yours been on? Does it start to peel after a while?

Mine has held up admirably to rocks, where the rest of the hood has been chipped down to bare metal in places. So far it has not peeled or bubbled at all. I bought my truck used 3 years ago (it is 2003). I bought from the dealer off a lease, so I can't say for certain how long it was one, but I assume it came that new, or was at least when new by the original owner. No idea what brand it is.

 

[Snesley Wipes]

Clear bras are common here in CO. I have one on the Hood, fender tips, entire front bumper, headlights, foglights, and side mirrors. Keeps the gloss and as others said, not really noticeable unless you get close. Make sure you hit a reputable installer with a lifetime warranty though.

 

[marcus6867]

For comparison, here is a picture of where my "Ventureshield" stops on my hood. Its kind of hard to see, but that line is the film, real hard to tell its there!
Marc

 

[zerowkul98]

I had the 3M product put on my 2010 Sequoia. When i went into the showroom of the place that does the installs, they had a car hood on rolling cart and they applied a small square to a front edge with a heat gun. You could barely see it.

Then he took out a PELLET GUN, aimed it a the unprotected portion of the hood, BANG! It left a dimple, chipped the paint and primer. He then reloaded, did the same to the portion with the 3M film, BANG! Didnt leave any mark. I was sold right there.