I just got my new White Civic, should I install "3M Clear Bra"?

Raptors_Fan · 07-09-2007, 04:05 PM

Hey guys, I finally got my new Taffeta White Civic. I'm loving it to death! Thanks for helping me answer my questions regarding my "Silver or White" topic thread last week. It really helped me finalize my decision with confidence.

Now, I've been reading alot of complaints on the board about how the quality of paint is very poor. Many people have complained about how the paint chips easily, etc...

I've read that some users have either purchased the 3M Clear Bra to prevent stone chips and dents when driving on the road especially on the highway. Some people have actually regretted not installing it earlier. Since I just got my car last Thursday, I'm thinking about installing this 3M clear Bra product soon. I don't want to have any regrets like many others especially since I drive on the highway everday to work and to my gf's place. I am avoiding to drive my car for now just in case I plan on installing the 3M Clear Bra product on my car.

To help me make the right decision, can you guys answer the following questions regarding the 3M Clear Bra to the best of your knowledge:

1) Is the 3M clear bra brand the best and most reputable brand to use? What are the difference b/w the other brand competitors?

2) How does the 3M Clear Bra look on a Taffeta White Civic? Is the clear bra film very noticeable or does it look very clear or invisible to the eye?

3) Since the Clear Bra isn't exposed to the harmful elements like UV rays in comparison to the non-clear bra part of the paint, will the Clear Bra pontentially cause my car to have two different shades of white overtime especially on my hood if I install only 1/4 of the clear bra on the front of my hood?

4) By experience, do you know if the 3M Clear Bra is actually proven to prevent rock chips and dents overtime? How's the durability? Do you know anyone that has positive results with the 3M Clear Bra?

5) How easy is it to clean the Clear Bra? Can I use my normal car wax, clay bar and polish solution on the Clear Bra? Will the clear bra be damaged if I did this?

6) Since I just got my car fresh from the dealership last Thursday, should I clean and wax my car before I install the 3M Clear Bra over the paint? Or do you think the wax my dealership used last week is good enough to use for the Clear Bra?

7) Where in the front of my car do you recommend I should install the 3M Clear Bra poduct? Front of hood? Bumper? Headlights? Fender? Side Mirrors?

8) To those that have Clear BRa installed, do you regret installing it? Are you satisfied with it's look on the car?

9) I live in Toronto (Canada), how much do you think it'll cost me for a professional to install? Does the installer have to be 3M Certified? Anyone recommend a place in Toronto to install this?

Sorry, I know it's alot of questions. I just want to be sure I am making the right investment.

Thanks for the help!

- Raptor Fan

***ThaJazz*** · 07-09-2007, 04:20 PM

Do you own a Civic?

Then yes, you should get a clear bra.

30 miles in, I wished I had.

CiViC_EX · 07-09-2007, 04:43 PM

I had the dealer "throw in" the Avery Stoneshield. They put it on the front of my hood and the front of my fenders. I wax/polish/wash that area all the time. Still looking like the day I got it. Holding up great after a year. I heard somewhere that Avery > 3M....but I never had an opportunity to compare. Very happy with Avery.

Hope that helps and congrats on the new ride.

kenchan · 07-09-2007, 05:29 PM

on a white car, i would not install it... or any light colored cars.

when there is impact the clearbra will turn into like a gray color spot.
it will look pretty nasty. sure you'll know it's working, but who are you
saving the car for? it's going to look bad anyway while you have the bra
on there. i'd just get it resurfaced and repaint it when it's time.

just drive 3sec behind the car in front of you at expressway speeds. :)

xcopx · 07-09-2007, 09:11 PM

1) Is the 3M clear bra brand the best and most reputable brand to use? What are the difference b/w the other brand competitors?
I don't think the brand matters. As long as it's at least 6 mil thick. 8 mil preferably and installed by a professional

2) How does the 3M Clear Bra look on a Taffeta White Civic? Is the clear bra film very noticeable or does it look very clear or invisible to the eye?
Nobody notices it on my TW. I have to point it out and then they have to search for it. The tinter that installed it said it's less noticeable on lighter colored cars.

3) Since the Clear Bra isn't exposed to the harmful elements like UV rays in comparison to the non-clear bra part of the paint, will the Clear Bra pontentially cause my car to have two different shades of white overtime especially on my hood if I install only 1/4 of the clear bra on the front of my hood?
IDK? No difference so far but I think my plastic bumpers are a different color than the sheet metal anyways!

4) By experience, do you know if the 3M Clear Bra is actually proven to prevent rock chips and dents overtime? How's the durability? Do you know anyone that has positive results with the 3M Clear Bra?
I've seen a Youtube video where someone took a BB gun and shot it @ 8 mil film and it left damage to the film but did not damage the car. I don't think i've had any rock encounters personally but I don't know because I've never seen any damage! I do clean the bugs off every couple of days and there is discoloration from the bug juice (pink and yellow spots) but that disappears after a day or so

5) How easy is it to clean the Clear Bra? Can I use my normal car wax, clay bar and polish solution on the Clear Bra? Will the clear bra be damaged if I did this?
I just wash and use spray wax with no problems. I also use a quick detailer between washes to wipe the bugs off. If I ever claybar I wouldn't touch the clear bra!

6) Since I just got my car fresh from the dealership last Thursday, should I clean and wax my car before I install the 3M Clear Bra over the paint? Or do you think the wax my dealership used last week is good enough to use for the Clear Bra?
As long as it's spotless before you get it installed. Use a quick detailer before you hand it over to the installer. They will clean it before they install but it may not be up to your standards and you may find a spec or two that will forever be stuck under the film

7) Where in the front of my car do you recommend I should install the 3M Clear Bra poduct? Front of hood? Bumper? Headlights? Fender? Side Mirrors?
Hood, fenders, mirrors, bumper and lower bumper. I don't have my headlights done and never had any problems.

8) To those that have Clear BRa installed, do you regret installing it? Are you satisfied with it's look on the car?
I wish I would have had it sooner!

9) I live in Toronto (Canada), how much do you think it'll cost me for a professional to install? Does the installer have to be 3M Certified? Anyone recommend a place in Toronto to install this?
?
I did my first install from a kit I bought off ebay. After my accident the repair shop hired a tinter to replace it.

xcopx · 07-09-2007, 09:12 PM

Wow that was a lot of questions! I think I need a break

Seemund · 07-09-2007, 10:22 PM

I won't lie.. I have a NHBP, and I don't know if I;'m don't have enough patience or what.. But It SUCKS.. I removed it from the front.. the plastic gets old, and wax gets over the place.. the color stays different.. its like having a 2-tone car.. GRAY AND BLACK

no no no !! big no no

Raptors_Fan · 07-10-2007, 01:30 AM

xcopx, wow you did your install yourself!? Impressive! People say to go through a professional only, especially if they are 3M approved and licensed.

I got another question...let's say if I decide to remove the 3M Clear Bra in 2-3 years from now, will I be presented with any problems? For example, when I remove the film, will it risk stripping the paint with it?

I'm curious since the clear bra is adhesively glued onto the paint for several years, and especially when it's exposed to extreme hot temperatures, wouldn't the clear bra film permanently get attached onto the surface of the paint, which compromises a clean removal of the film?

kenchan · 07-10-2007, 02:34 PM

civic should be easy to install. i did my cooper-s. much more curves.

the clearbra will remove but will pickup paint where there is big enough
impact from rocks, etc. like i said, if you're planning to remove it down
the road, just dont put one on and get your bumper repainted. cheaper
that way too, probably.

lostdaytomorrow · 07-10-2007, 10:08 PM

The paint on this gen. Civic is cheap as hell and chips off easily. I have many rock chips on my hood and I wish I would have gotten one.

1CleanSi · 07-11-2007, 02:58 AM

Ya, just go for it if you have the money =)

TouchOfDetail · 07-11-2007, 09:50 PM

def. do it, it is by far the best investment you can make to a new car. hands down.

chicano565 · 07-15-2007, 09:13 PM

i have it on my NHBP and i some times hate the damn thing because i can never get it clean and its only on the hood and fender and mirror. its very noticble on your car i think. but it does save it alot

***NitrousG35*** · 07-15-2007, 10:02 PM

As the Fram filter commercial says, "You can pay us now or you can pay us later". I have had the 3M clear bra on my 03 black G35 had it put on before I took delivery of my FBP FA5. With the slope of the hood, it is vital you protect it ASAP.

***Undispu7ed*** · 07-15-2007, 10:11 PM

This topic is a double post by the OP. Should close this one as the other one is 5 pages deep.

07-09-2007, 04:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
Raptors_Fan Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 128 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I just got my new White Civic, should I install "3M Clear Bra"? Hey guys, I finally got my new Taffeta White Civic. I'm loving it to death! Thanks for helping me answer my questions regarding my "Silver or White" topic thread last week. It really helped me finalize my decision with confidence. Now, I've been reading alot of complaints on the board about how the quality of paint is very poor. Many people have complained about how the paint chips easily, etc... I've read that some users have either purchased the 3M Clear Bra to prevent stone chips and dents when driving on the road especially on the highway. Some people have actually regretted not installing it earlier. Since I just got my car last Thursday, I'm thinking about installing this 3M clear Bra product soon. I don't want to have any regrets like many others especially since I drive on the highway everday to work and to my gf's place. I am avoiding to drive my car for now just in case I plan on installing the 3M Clear Bra product on my car. To help me make the right decision, can you guys answer the following questions regarding the 3M Clear Bra to the best of your knowledge: 1) Is the 3M clear bra brand the best and most reputable brand to use? What are the difference b/w the other brand competitors? 2) How does the 3M Clear Bra look on a Taffeta White Civic? Is the clear bra film very noticeable or does it look very clear or invisible to the eye? 3) Since the Clear Bra isn't exposed to the harmful elements like UV rays in comparison to the non-clear bra part of the paint, will the Clear Bra pontentially cause my car to have two different shades of white overtime especially on my hood if I install only 1/4 of the clear bra on the front of my hood? 4) By experience, do you know if the 3M Clear Bra is actually proven to prevent rock chips and dents overtime? How's the durability? Do you know anyone that has positive results with the 3M Clear Bra? 5) How easy is it to clean the Clear Bra? Can I use my normal car wax, clay bar and polish solution on the Clear Bra? Will the clear bra be damaged if I did this? 6) Since I just got my car fresh from the dealership last Thursday, should I clean and wax my car before I install the 3M Clear Bra over the paint? Or do you think the wax my dealership used last week is good enough to use for the Clear Bra? 7) Where in the front of my car do you recommend I should install the 3M Clear Bra poduct? Front of hood? Bumper? Headlights? Fender? Side Mirrors? 8) To those that have Clear BRa installed, do you regret installing it? Are you satisfied with it's look on the car? 9) I live in Toronto (Canada), how much do you think it'll cost me for a professional to install? Does the installer have to be 3M Certified? Anyone recommend a place in Toronto to install this? Sorry, I know it's alot of questions. I just want to be sure I am making the right investment. Thanks for the help! - Raptor Fan

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07-09-2007, 04:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
*ThaJazz* FunkSoulSensation Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,826 Ninja Turntablist iTrader: 11 / 100%	Do you own a Civic? Then yes, you should get a clear bra. 30 miles in, I wished I had.

07-09-2007, 04:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
CiViC_EX Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 15 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I had the dealer "throw in" the Avery Stoneshield. They put it on the front of my hood and the front of my fenders. I wax/polish/wash that area all the time. Still looking like the day I got it. Holding up great after a year. I heard somewhere that Avery > 3M....but I never had an opportunity to compare. Very happy with Avery. Hope that helps and congrats on the new ride.

07-09-2007, 05:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
kenchan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midwest Posts: 2,281 iTrader: 1 / 100%	on a white car, i would not install it... or any light colored cars. when there is impact the clearbra will turn into like a gray color spot. it will look pretty nasty. sure you'll know it's working, but who are you saving the car for? it's going to look bad anyway while you have the bra on there. i'd just get it resurfaced and repaint it when it's time. just drive 3sec behind the car in front of you at expressway speeds. :)

07-09-2007, 09:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
xcopx Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: from NorCal, stationed in NC Age: 25 Posts: 217 Nee-kon Squad! #4 iTrader: 0 / 0%	1) Is the 3M clear bra brand the best and most reputable brand to use? What are the difference b/w the other brand competitors? I don't think the brand matters. As long as it's at least 6 mil thick. 8 mil preferably and installed by a professional 2) How does the 3M Clear Bra look on a Taffeta White Civic? Is the clear bra film very noticeable or does it look very clear or invisible to the eye? Nobody notices it on my TW. I have to point it out and then they have to search for it. The tinter that installed it said it's less noticeable on lighter colored cars. 3) Since the Clear Bra isn't exposed to the harmful elements like UV rays in comparison to the non-clear bra part of the paint, will the Clear Bra pontentially cause my car to have two different shades of white overtime especially on my hood if I install only 1/4 of the clear bra on the front of my hood? IDK? No difference so far but I think my plastic bumpers are a different color than the sheet metal anyways! 4) By experience, do you know if the 3M Clear Bra is actually proven to prevent rock chips and dents overtime? How's the durability? Do you know anyone that has positive results with the 3M Clear Bra? I've seen a Youtube video where someone took a BB gun and shot it @ 8 mil film and it left damage to the film but did not damage the car. I don't think i've had any rock encounters personally but I don't know because I've never seen any damage! I do clean the bugs off every couple of days and there is discoloration from the bug juice (pink and yellow spots) but that disappears after a day or so 5) How easy is it to clean the Clear Bra? Can I use my normal car wax, clay bar and polish solution on the Clear Bra? Will the clear bra be damaged if I did this? I just wash and use spray wax with no problems. I also use a quick detailer between washes to wipe the bugs off. If I ever claybar I wouldn't touch the clear bra! 6) Since I just got my car fresh from the dealership last Thursday, should I clean and wax my car before I install the 3M Clear Bra over the paint? Or do you think the wax my dealership used last week is good enough to use for the Clear Bra? As long as it's spotless before you get it installed. Use a quick detailer before you hand it over to the installer. They will clean it before they install but it may not be up to your standards and you may find a spec or two that will forever be stuck under the film 7) Where in the front of my car do you recommend I should install the 3M Clear Bra poduct? Front of hood? Bumper? Headlights? Fender? Side Mirrors? Hood, fenders, mirrors, bumper and lower bumper. I don't have my headlights done and never had any problems. 8) To those that have Clear BRa installed, do you regret installing it? Are you satisfied with it's look on the car? I wish I would have had it sooner! 9) I live in Toronto (Canada), how much do you think it'll cost me for a professional to install? Does the installer have to be 3M Certified? Anyone recommend a place in Toronto to install this? ? I did my first install from a kit I bought off ebay. After my accident the repair shop hired a tinter to replace it.

07-09-2007, 09:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
xcopx Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: from NorCal, stationed in NC Age: 25 Posts: 217 Nee-kon Squad! #4 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Wow that was a lot of questions! I think I need a break

07-09-2007, 10:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
Seemund Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,566 iTrader: 2 / 100%	I won't lie.. I have a NHBP, and I don't know if I;'m don't have enough patience or what.. But It SUCKS.. I removed it from the front.. the plastic gets old, and wax gets over the place.. the color stays different.. its like having a 2-tone car.. GRAY AND BLACK no no no !! big no no

07-10-2007, 01:30 AM	#8 (permalink)
Raptors_Fan Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 128 iTrader: 0 / 0%	xcopx, wow you did your install yourself!? Impressive! People say to go through a professional only, especially if they are 3M approved and licensed. I got another question...let's say if I decide to remove the 3M Clear Bra in 2-3 years from now, will I be presented with any problems? For example, when I remove the film, will it risk stripping the paint with it? I'm curious since the clear bra is adhesively glued onto the paint for several years, and especially when it's exposed to extreme hot temperatures, wouldn't the clear bra film permanently get attached onto the surface of the paint, which compromises a clean removal of the film?

07-10-2007, 02:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
kenchan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midwest Posts: 2,281 iTrader: 1 / 100%	civic should be easy to install. i did my cooper-s. much more curves. the clearbra will remove but will pickup paint where there is big enough impact from rocks, etc. like i said, if you're planning to remove it down the road, just dont put one on and get your bumper repainted. cheaper that way too, probably.

07-10-2007, 10:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
lostdaytomorrow Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 712 iTrader: 0 / 0%	The paint on this gen. Civic is cheap as hell and chips off easily. I have many rock chips on my hood and I wish I would have gotten one.

07-11-2007, 02:58 AM	#11 (permalink)
1CleanSi Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 42 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Ya, just go for it if you have the money =)

07-11-2007, 09:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
TouchOfDetail Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4 Vic iTrader: 0 / 0%	def. do it, it is by far the best investment you can make to a new car. hands down.

07-15-2007, 09:13 PM	#13 (permalink)
chicano565 Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 76 iTrader: 0 / 0%	i have it on my NHBP and i some times hate the damn thing because i can never get it clean and its only on the hood and fender and mirror. its very noticble on your car i think. but it does save it alot

07-15-2007, 10:02 PM	#14 (permalink)
*NitrousG35* Mr. Cowl Induction Join Date: May 2007 Location: To Infiniti and beyond... Posts: 9,810 Wild VTEC'n Bill iTrader: 3 / 100%	As the Fram filter commercial says, "You can pay us now or you can pay us later". I have had the 3M clear bra on my 03 black G35 had it put on before I took delivery of my FBP FA5. With the slope of the hood, it is vital you protect it ASAP.

07-15-2007, 10:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
*Undispu7ed* VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 3,865 Jon iTrader: 1 / 100%	This topic is a double post by the OP. Should close this one as the other one is 5 pages deep.