Clear bra on your cars/Painted on protector?

Scottsviper · May 13, 2013

How many of you have the clear or painted on protector on the front of your Viper. I have been told by a few people its a must. I am not a racer just a weekend fun driver. I will probably hit the track once or twice (maybe) but more of a cruse around town and run it out on the freeway a little. And maybe take it for a run up Malibu and in the canyons but not often. I keep a really good wax on it and live in LA so no dirt roads or gravel roads. What does everyone think? Is the couple thousand spent on it needed? I am a detail and clean car fanatic and it would drive me nuts if I started getting rock chips all over my hood and front end. But will that happen from around town driving? the people that told me to get the protector all drive their cars hard and track them on occasion.

FrgMstr · May 13, 2013

Do the front and about 1 foot up the hood if you ever plan on driving behind another vehicle. Clear bra is worth every cent. And I did not do the foot up the hood on my first Viper and I was sorry that I did not.

I would highly suggest a set of "mud flaps" for the front and rear as well. Several different takes on these. Some made of CF, some of just inexpensive plastic sheet. I like the CF ones on my car, and everyone thinks they are stock they integrate so well.

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ACRucrazy · May 13, 2013

My CF "mud flaps" will be here tomorrow. (runs and hides) Delivered from that super helpful guy. (runs and hides again)

Figured with my new to me 500 mile car, it is a great opportunity to do so.
Now to find a local clear bra installer stat! Sick of having a garage queen!

VIPER 93 · May 13, 2013

I've had clear bra since 08, best investment. Not a fan of the mud flaps

cetro993 · May 13, 2013

I would highly recommend clear bra. It will save your paint and give you a piece of mind while driving. I would recommend covering the entire car, so no need for mud flaps. I'm in Socal and I have a great mobil guy if you need a recommendation.

Scottsviper · May 13, 2013

Thank you for all the advice. I will be getting the clear protector. And can PM the guys # I would like to talk to him. I am npt big on mobile body shop stuff but would like to use his price to compare.

cetro993 said:
I would highly recommend clear bra. It will save your paint and give you a piece of mind while driving. I would recommend covering the entire car, so no need for mud flaps. I'm in Socal and I have a great mobil guy if you need a recommendation.

HobokenViper · May 13, 2013

Definitely get it done! If you hope to keep your car in good shape with the paint protected, you absolutely need to do this. I had the front of my Viper as well as the side sills and all lower panels wrapped in vinyl, and not a single chip yet. The front lower panels just behind the front wheels are most susceptible to road rash, so that is even more important to wrap than the front IMO. Not sure what "painted" coating you are talking about though as that would essentially mean you got a new paint job, no?

Scottsviper · May 13, 2013

I thought it was a clear paint they put on cars and its sprayed on. What is it they do/ I am totally new to this. Is it a clear wrap?

HobokenViper said:
Definitely get it done! If you hope to keep your car in good shape with the paint protected, you absolutely need to do this. I had the front of my Viper as well as the side sills and all lower panels wrapped in vinyl, and not a single chip yet. The front lower panels just behind the front wheels are most susceptible to road rash, so that is even more important to wrap than the front IMO. Not sure what "painted" coating you are talking about though as that would essentially mean you got a new paint job, no?

ACRucrazy · May 13, 2013

I probably wouldn't have purchased the flaps, but my 1 way in and out neighborhood has 3 dirt roads off the main paved road and every time I need to leave or come home, there is always dirt and rocks on the paved road. I drive slow, but cringe every time I get home or leave. The big tires pick up so much.

My other cars or trucks are not an issue.

FrgMstr · May 13, 2013

ACRucrazy said:
I probably wouldn't have purchased the flaps, but my 1 way in and out neighborhood has 3 dirt roads off the main paved road and every time I need to leave or come home, there is always dirt and rocks on the paved road. I drive slow, but cringe every time I get home or leave. The big tires pick up so much.

My other cars or trucks are not an issue.

Hehe, one quick trip across a gravel strewn packing lot in the summer with performance tires on and the sound will surely get your attention too!

hyph · May 13, 2013

who did your clear bra frgmstr?

Leslie · May 13, 2013

It sounds like to me you would do best with the clearbra.

If you are looking for a quick cover-up for a track event or long drive that is inexpensive, try Percy's Spray Mask, clear protection, peel-off, $20, I get it from JEGS.

Roll or spray it on

HobokenViper · May 14, 2013

Scottsviper said:
I thought it was a clear paint they put on cars and its sprayed on. What is it they do/ I am totally new to this. Is it a clear wrap?

No........ Definitely not a painted on thing. The only thing that is painted on is a new paint job or clear coat, and that's obviously not what we're talking about here. It is usually a thin type of clear vinyl or other similar substance that they take hours to install with a squeegee. Definitely have a professional install it despite the cost as you won't be able to do it yourself, or it will look like crap if you even attempt it yourself. If done right, you won't be able to tell that it is even on your car except for the very slight line that you see where the seam is.

chorps · May 14, 2013

Scottsviper said:
I thought it was a clear paint they put on cars and its sprayed on. What is it they do/ I am totally new to this. Is it a clear wrap?

If you are looking for a spray on protection you might try asking Jeff Lemke/Rick what he thought of how well armorcoat worked.

http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/607827-Street-Serpent-5?p=2475258&viewfull=1#post2475258

gb66gth · May 14, 2013

Clear Bra = a must

Landman · May 14, 2013

Does anyone know of a shop in the Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia area that can do this?

ACRucrazy · May 14, 2013

I just received my carbon fiber "guards" today. I must say, the pics I have seen online had me concerned they may be too big or gaudy. However I am very impressed with them. The rear is what concerned me the most and maybe it was just the angle of the pic above but I held them up to the car and they are definitely something I can live with. I am thinking the black wheels, CF front splitter and dive planes help with them blending in.

I called 2 places locally for clear bra. To do the bumper, hood, fenders, lights, mirrors and rockers

- 1 quoted ~ $700, 4 hrs
- 2 quoted ~1600, full day

Both have done the Gen 3/4 Vipers apparently.

HobokenViper · May 14, 2013

The guy who did mine in NJ came to my place and did a perfect job in about 4 hours and charged about $1,300. Highly recommend him. I used a company called invincashield.

FrgMstr · May 15, 2013

ACRucrazy said:
I just received my carbon fiber "guards" today. I must say, the pics I have seen online had me concerned they may be too big or gaudy. However I am very impressed with them. The rear is what concerned me the most and maybe it was just the angle of the pic above but I held them up to the car and they are definitely something I can live with. I am thinking the black wheels, CF front splitter and dive planes help with them blending in.

I called 2 places locally for clear bra. To do the bumper, hood, fenders, lights, mirrors and rockers

- 1 quoted ~ $700, 4 hrs
- 2 quoted ~1600, full day

Both have done the Gen 3/4 Vipers apparently.

$700 sounds awful low for all that being done. Maybe one is a kit and one is not? I had my Gen III done by Invisibra here in Dallas and that was about the charge for the nose, fenders, and mirrors alone IIRC. Invisibra does one piece custom install on each panel. It is NOT a kit. If you can get it done custom, that is the way to go for sure. My Gen IV was done with a kit before I bought it. And the kit install from an aesthetic point of view cannot hold a candle to a custom 1-piece install. I sat and watched the entire install and it is a lot of work and "art" to get it to be basically invisible. Might ask a few questions.

ACRucrazy · May 15, 2013

The guy that quoted $700 has done several other local Vipers I guess, that is where I got the recommendation from. Apparently his quote is lower than what they paid a while back. Maybe he needs some money? Both that used him said they were happy with the results.

He said they are cut out on a plotter and I can choose 3M orrr... (expel? I cant recall the name)

Anyways, he is going to Alaska for a week starting tomorrow, so I will give him a call when he gets back.

FrgMstr · May 15, 2013

Yeah, if it is pre-cut, it is a "kit" install and you simply will not get the fit of a custom install. I have 3M kit on my car now. It is not bad in any way, it is just not nearly as invisible as a custom job. If you want, PM me your email and I will kick over some pictures of my Invisibra install.

texas_venom · May 16, 2013

FrgMstr said:
Yeah, if it is pre-cut, it is a "kit" install and you simply will not get the fit of a custom install. I have 3M kit on my car now. It is not bad in any way, it is just not nearly as invisible as a custom job. If you want, PM me your email and I will kick over some pictures of my Invisibra install.

Sigh. This is not exactly true. Just as not all films are the same all kits are not the same either. I can take any pattern and modify it in the computer... and since its being cut out of the same roll of film a custom installer would do I can get the same results coverage wise. Norm is a great installer and does excellent custom work. But after being in this business for 12 years (and having worked all over the country) I can tell you that there are only a handful of shops that can do that level of work nation wide. MOST custom installers WILL cut your paint... but you as a customer will not know that until the film is removed. The cut lines are along the edges of the film so they are not visible. So if you are going to go with a custom install make sure the shop can do it without damaging the paint. If not you are by far better off going with a kit. With a good kit and a good installer there shouldn't be any cutting on the paint. Not too mention the cost of a custom install is often $600 or more for the same coverage as you could have a kit installed.

By the way, stay away from 3M. Terrible film. Norm and I both use Suntek which is much smoother and is also self healing.

FrgMstr · May 16, 2013

texas_venom said:
By the way, stay away from 3M. Terrible film. Norm and I both use Suntek which is much smoother and is also self healing.

I have 3M on my car, been on for 5 years and there is nothing terrible about it at all. I did not have it put on, and would have not done it that way, but it is working well and still in good shape. I think it has another few years left in it. But yes, I would have gone Suntek if it was my call.

And yes, I would agree, I doubt there are many out there that can match Norm's level of expertise with a custom in stall.

wikkid · May 16, 2013

Clear bra, yes. Mudd guards belong on a jeep, not a Viper. That looks like ass......jmop

texas_venom · May 16, 2013

I would HIGHLY recommend getting it off there at the first sign of cracking. I have had numerous people come to me with 3M bras that had shattered... and it happens quickly. Once it does its almost impossible to get off. And even when or if you decide to remove it you better be prepared to have a lot of adhesive remover because it stays on the paint, not with the film.

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