Front bumper and fender/side sill protection

[voi9]

Is clearmask the best protection?
Is it easy to install?
Is it expensive?
Are there any other options/Co.?

 

[MikeR]

There are alot of threads on clear bra. I didnt get it and sometimes wish I did. My front bumper is taking a beating. but then im up in the hills alot with other vipers/vettes and those fat rear tires throw some rocks. My windshield is badly pitted as well.

Either put on clear bra, for whatever the cost or plan on painting your bumper in a few years.

 

[PaViper]

Is clearmask the best protection?
Is it easy to install?
Is it expensive?
Are there any other options/Co.?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Depends on the installer, typically if you do the nose, 24" of the hood and fenders, side sills and behind the rear tires @1400.00
4. Many, there are various grades of clear bra, some are clearer when you put it on (no orange peal) but typically don't last, they tend to fade or yellow, usually thinner, Griots makes a spray on that can be used for long trips and then peeled off, I think 3m also makes a spray on that can be peeled off as well

 

[rcl4668]

The brands of film I have experience with are ClearBra (fairly thick with some rippling visible), Vincashield (thinner but optically very clear -- hard to notice its even on the cars) and Xpel (same as Vincashield). The only thing I notice with the Viper is that the high side sill temps caused the clearbra material to haze a little bit but only on the underside of the sill which you don't see much of anyway.

I was watching a program called Dream Car Garage on the Speed channel yesterday and they had a piece on a product called Armor Coat which is a spray on material that they claim works well in both street and racing applications. Their website is http://armorcoat.armorauto.com/ Does anyone have experience with this product?

/Rich

 

[Jeff Lemke]

I've just painted my front bumper with a new Dupont clear coat that is supposed to prevent chips and scratches. $400 a gallon ( ouch!). I have not driven the car yet so I need a summer to evaluate it.

I find it interesting that my 94 Viper has 35000 miles at 13 years old and the front bumper is virtually new. I wonder what they used back then.

Jeff

 

[rcl4668]

Jeff --

I know many manufacturers such as BMW have shifted to water-based paint systems. One side effect is that the paints are more susceptible to chipping/scratching. I don't know if this is true for companies like Dodge.

/Rich

 

[Racer Robbie]

Check out this post

http://forums.viperclub.org/showthread.php?t=600841