Clear Bra - Issues and Thoughts

[kramerica_industries]

Hello guys and gals,

So I just had a clear bra installed/applied today. I had planned to get it done before I got the car based on the FR-S my dealership had on the lot. They had a silver AT on the showroom floor that had the clear bra applied to the hood and top front fenders. I thought it would be good to have installed to minimize the paint damage from road rocks, shit, etc. Anyway, the showroom FR-S installed clear bra looked really good for what it is. I know it's not as clean as factory - but unless you're close it's hardly noticeable...I'm sure you're all familiar with clear bras.

Long story short, I get the car back today. The shop that does the clear bra install misread the dealer work order. Instead of doing just the hood and top front fenders, the did EVERYTHING. Full bumper, hood and front fenders, even the door sills and the side mirrors. Basically paid $395 for what should have been $1395. So far, so good (actually, great, $$$ in my pocket).

Anyway, when I inspected the clear bra install, I was pretty disappointed (see attached pics). I asked the service tech about it, he agreed with me and called in install people. They said 1) don't wash the car for 4 days and 2)it's important to let the clear bra "sit in" for those 4 days and the bubbles and imperfections would go away. And if they didn't to bring the car back and they would reinstall whatever sections needed to be fixed.

My questions:
1. Who has experience with clear bras, and are they giving me a line of BS about the "sit in" period?
2. Can anyone else with an installed clear bra post some pics? I'd like to compare the final product.

Thanks for all your input, in advance. This forum is truly an amazing source of knowledge, input, and community.

[yormaX]

http://bit.ly/LQQudJ

[Neziah]

That is the same basic information I was told. It looks like they have some fixin' to do for ya.

[86_ZN6]

it seems like you got a good deal on the Full bumper, hood and front fenders, even the door sills and the side mirrors for $1395

but the installer was not good and not professional.

a professional installer would take out the emblems and install clear bra underneath it for a real clean look like what was done to my car



i suggest bringing it back and have them redo it. tell him to cut the film properly too.

[Neekowahhhh]

On occasion, I used to help a friend of mine install Car vinyls for all different types of vehicles. Clear bra is not necessarily the same thing, but is similar on installation. My friend is meticulous about his work and ive seen it done.. extremely well. never any issues such as your having. give it the few days, but ultimately, i think youll have to take it in to have it serviced again because those bubbles do not look normal

[civicdrivr]

Its true that some of the bubbles need a few days to iron out. However large imperfections show a lack of skill. You can see in the second pic where the pushed too hard on the squeegee and put a line in the bra. It may iron out, it may not. The imperfection to the left though, I have no idea what the hell that is.

At this point, just give it a week. If it doesnt fix itself, bring it back. Id post pics of mine, but you cant see it.

[niceassfd]

I just got mine done two days ago. I'll post pics soon. Just to clarify. there is no factory clear bra. every dealership has their "go to guy or shop". first off, you got really lucky with the price! I paid $1200 here in socal for front fenders, hood, headlights, mirrors and door handles. My friend has been doing it for 14 years and he does clear bra's weekly for Porsche, Ferrari, and lambo dealers and other dealers. I've known him many years so he takes the time to help me out.

Looking at the first picture, the edges of the cover aren't completely on the car. That worries me a lot because they should have went over the finish product and made sure that that's not there. dirt and debris can get in and eventually make it peel off....

Yes it take a few days to "settle in" wait a few days and seee how it ends up. if you take it back, will they look at the work order and be like....."oh your not suppose to get the front bumper wrapped????"

[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by niceassfd

Just to clarify. there is no factory clear bra.

What about these OEM accessories?
http://www.scion.com/cars/FR-S/acces...wAll&view=grid

[sidnacious]

Hey guys, does anyone know where I can get the rear bumper applique but without the scion logo. I'm trying to replace they one that came from the dealership.

[civicdrivr]

Originally Posted by sidnacious

Hey guys, does anyone know where I can get the rear bumper applique but without the scion logo. I'm trying to replace they one that came from the dealership.

Find a clear bra installer.


I guess the prices in Cali are vastly different them VA for clear bras. I got the bumper, fenders, hood, a pillars, mirrors, bumper applique, gas door area, and behind each wheel. He said the usual price for the bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors is $600, the extras amounted to $700.

Most of the places Ive seen in VA and even in NY were around the same price.

[UM FRS]

You got a very good deal on your film installation.

Based on the pictures, and lack of orangepeel in the film, it seems they used VentureShield for the install.

The first picture shows a small finger under the bumper which won't be able to be re-seated because it will become contaminated my road debris. Based on the kit design, they should be able to replace the bottom middle piece with a new one and problem solved.

In the second picture, based on experience, it seems like contamination under the film from left over adhesive. It may reduce as the solution surrounding the contamination evaporates, but it will never disappear. My guess is that they would try to avoid having to replace the entire bumper piece due to the fact that you got a really good deal, so they might ask you to live with it.

[niceassfd]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

What about these OEM accessories?
http://www.scion.com/cars/FR-S/acces...wAll&view=grid

The dealer put's it on. it doesn't come from toyota factory installed. like our trunk carpet is an add on accessory. it's not installed at the factory. it comes in a bag and the dealer opens it and puts it in the trunk for you.

[kramerica_industries]

Update: sorry for the long delay in posting updated info. After speaking with my dealer and stopping by the shop that does the clear bra installs for my dealer, the shop owner took one look at the install and even before I could point out my concerns he said "oh yeah I can see its f***ked up from here!" He agreed to order a replacement clear bra panel for the front upper bumper area and I was finally able to get the car in yesterday. In short, the replacement was done as perfectly as I'm able I discern. I'm glad my dealer was supportive throughout the process and the install shop stood by their work and made it right. I'll post an updated pic when it isn't so gloomy in Chicago.

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by 86_ZN6

a professional installer would take out the emblems and install clear bra underneath it for a real clean look like what was done to my car
.

It sounds like your installer just went above and beyond, I would expect most installers to not touch the badge. Anybody else have their installer remove their badges without asking them?