Does anyone know some good shops that will install the clear bras on the front of cars that protect the paint from chipping? I'd like a better option than $750 from a dealer.

4/14/2011 3:14:37 PM

i understand that this DOES happen, but none of the three cars i've owned has ever done this

are certain makes/models susceptible to this or is it just the result of road debris that starts the chipping?

[Edited on April 14, 2011 at 3:41 PM. Reason : .]

4/14/2011 3:41:51 PM

Do clear bras offer any UV protection ?

I hope not... because it would look weird if your car had that "i just had my bra removed after 5 years" look while it was still on...

4/14/2011 3:44:10 PM

TVP auto, Morrisville NC.

4/14/2011 3:56:31 PM

Road debris sucks.

The state of south carolina just paid $4300 to repair and repaint my entire car because of the construction debris damage I've taken over the past year.

Over a year, it ended up looking like someone shot the front of my car with a shotgun.

4/14/2011 3:56:41 PM

I know that the car is going to look worse without it that with. My BMW got the hell chipped out of it. The front bumper was almost white, and its been repainted at least 2 times since I bought it.

The factory water based paint is really soft, and with the car I just purchased, it is a chip magnet.

Thank you very much for the info, Air.

4/14/2011 3:59:17 PM

I had my clear bra installed at a great shop in Charlotte, though it cost $750 for the package I chose. I had to have a section replaced after my bumper received some damage from a minor collision and Formula One in Apex did that piece. I was very underwhelmed with them, would not recommend

I will definitely put this on every car I buy from now on though.

4/14/2011 4:56:42 PM

Is there an easy way to tell if a car you're buying has one of these?

4/14/2011 4:59:40 PM

Yes. You can see it. Although it is clear, you will see the lip of the film where it starts and stops. If you closely look at a car, it is obvious. In my opinion, it does not detract from the looks.

4/14/2011 5:14:04 PM

My S2000 was the only car I've owned that had a problem with this. It picked up several rock chips in the front bumper and hood. I guess an extra 10" or so makes a huge difference on the highway.

4/14/2011 7:02:07 PM

Call Pete at TVP. He's often busy, but he does a damn great job and is competitive on pricing.

BTW. Pete @ TVP is not in Morrisville. He moved and is now in Raleigh by Angus Barn .

[Edited on April 14, 2011 at 7:15 PM. Reason : DAMNIT. I FORGOT I QUIT. FML]

4/14/2011 7:13:50 PM

^^10"? Mine covers the entire bumper and then goes up about one foot past the beginning of the hood.

4/14/2011 9:44:47 PM

i think he means extra 10" of road clearance

4/15/2011 8:07:38 PM

ah...yeah I'd agree. Having a car low to the ground makes a big difference.

4/16/2011 12:48:15 AM

I used TVP. Awesome job. Would recommend him to anyone.

4/18/2011 10:54:10 AM

^^^ Yeah, that's what I meant. The S2000 seemed just low enough that normal rocks on the highway made it over the top of the bumper and on to the hood.

4/18/2011 11:12:12 AM

damn, that was quick as hell. 4 day turnaround?

4/18/2011 11:46:30 AM

I drove the car to him on Friday at 5:30. Had the car back at 7. Super quick. Spotless job.

4/18/2011 4:23:44 PM

Pete is the fucking man

4/18/2011 5:36:18 PM

^^^^I should have done the whole f*cking hood. Probably have 8-10 chips in the paint from rocks/road debris on the hood past the clear bra. Just ridiculous...and I go out of my way to stay far back from everything from your standard SUV to semis.

4/18/2011 11:58:46 PM