Clear bra question

sandmansans

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Location
NJ/PA
TDI
2014 Jetta
So I've never done one on a car, but I was thinking while my car is the body shop I might ask the guy to put on a clear bra. I live in the north east and winter time is coming soon, would like to avoid less scratches and chips.

What are your thoughts? Is it worth it?

Also, someone told me that after a while they end up shrinking and warping from the exposure to the elements. How do they hold up long term.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 

lkim

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2012
Location
Toronto
TDI
2013 Jetta TDI
i applied it and highly recommend it especially if you drive a lot. try the 3M paint protection film pro; it doesnt discolour over time based on experience. It's a bit more expensive but worth it.

i know i saved my car from stone chips based on the fact that my license plate paint is destroyed
 

sandmansans

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Location
NJ/PA
TDI
2014 Jetta
I refuse to use the Clear Bra because of price..... have used a Bra on most of my cars
I'd rather pay the price. Not a fan personally of the look of a traditional bra. That and it wears the paint down overt time.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 

sandmansans

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Location
NJ/PA
TDI
2014 Jetta
i applied it and highly recommend it especially if you drive a lot. try the 3M paint protection film pro; it doesnt discolour over time based on experience. It's a bit more expensive but worth it.

i know i saved my car from stone chips based on the fact that my license plate paint is destroyed
How long have you had it on for? How much did it cost if you don't mind my asking and was it hard to apply?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 

tomo366

TDI Lifer, Member #68
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Location
Kensington, Maryland USA
TDI
2015 Jetta SEL TDI
I'd rather pay the price. Not a fan personally of the look of a traditional bra. That and it wears the paint down overt time.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I have had Colgan Bras on at least 6 of my cars over the years and none of them ever sustained any paint damage ever.......and they have stay on a month at a time so I don't know where you got your info......I can understand you not liking the the look though......IMHO the the clear stuff is too xpensive and yellows out over the years.....
 

sandmansans

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Location
NJ/PA
TDI
2014 Jetta
I have had Colgan Bras on at least 6 of my cars over the years and none of them ever sustained any paint damage ever.......and they have stay on a month at a time so I don't know where you got your info......I can understand you not liking the the look though......IMHO the the clear stuff is too xpensive and yellows out over the years.....
https://goo.gl/images/2xvUcI

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 

tomo366

TDI Lifer, Member #68
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Location
Kensington, Maryland USA
TDI
2015 Jetta SEL TDI
Whatever, never have had a problem must be buying crap bras.....since 2000 I have used Colgans on 6 cars......no marks on the paint.....
 

rtking

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2011
Location
Southern California
TDI
2011 Jetta Sportwagen 6MT
I have the clear bra on my 2011 Jetta. I have 220,000 miles and the front of the car looks brand new. The only thing about a clear bra is that you have to maintain it. Use Plexus to clean it and you have to keep the car washed to keep it from yellowing. Mine is starting to get a little hazy, but after 5 years and 220K miles, I am not complaining.
 

ZippyNH

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2015
Location
Southern NH
TDI
2015 JETTA TDI SE
A clear bra can be a good way to save the paint.... especially if you like to tailgate...hate too say it...but if you leave more space, then your need for one is lessened....some cars need a bra more than others due to the lowness of the hood....most VW's don't seem to be too bad though...
After about 3-5 years, a bra SHOULD be removed....or it will be VERY DIFFICULT to remove....but by then, it will have paid for itself...if it stops the front of your car from getting sandblasted...it's also a good time to consider getting film put on your headlights....same reason....but even more so, since it can keep the headlight as clear as the day the car was sold......great for night driving.
 

sandmansans

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Location
NJ/PA
TDI
2014 Jetta
A clear bra can be a good way to save the paint.... especially if you like to tailgate...hate too say it...but if you leave more space, then your need for one is lessened....some cars need a bra more than others due to the lowness of the hood....most VW's don't seem to be too bad though...
After about 3-5 years, a bra SHOULD be removed....or it will be VERY DIFFICULT to remove....but by then, it will have paid for itself...if it stops the front of your car from getting sandblasted...it's also a good time to consider getting film put on your headlights....same reason....but even more so, since it can keep the headlight as clear as the day the car was sold......great for night driving.
Or if you drive non stop in the winter time in a state that likes to dump cinder and rock salt. That stuff kicks back pretty far. ..

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 

sandmansans

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Location
NJ/PA
TDI
2014 Jetta
I have the clear bra on my 2011 Jetta. I have 220,000 miles and the front of the car looks brand new. The only thing about a clear bra is that you have to maintain it. Use Plexus to clean it and you have to keep the car washed to keep it from yellowing. Mine is starting to get a little hazy, but after 5 years and 220K miles, I am not complaining.
I didn't know that, very good to know.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 

rbreding

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 27, 2015
Location
Oklahoma City
TDI
2015 JSEL (buyback) 2015 PSEL (buyback) 2016 328d (keeper)
I use XPEL on my vehicles. The Jetta was about $700 installed. Full Front, lights, mirrors, handle scoops. Protects against rock chips and bugs etc. Best investment on a new vehicle for sure for paint protection.
 

R-1150-RS

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Location
Richmond Hill ON
TDI
2012 Jetta TDI
I too agree the 3M Clear protection film is the way to go.
Wife's vehicle is parked outside 24/7 for 10 years and still hard to see any difference in colour between the protected and unprotected areas. Film appears to still be clear.

You pay more than other similar and cheaper products, but I think there are more UV resistant and film stabilizing additives.

Gary
:) :)
 

IndigoBlueWagon

TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
Joined
Aug 16, 2004
Location
South of Boston
TDI
'97 Passat, '99.5 Golf, '02 Jetta Wagon, '15 GSW
My '99.5 got a clear bra yesterday to preserve its new paint job. Here it is before the bra.


You wouldn't be able to see it anyway. I had one put on my wagon after I had the nose repainted and it started to chip within two years. After the second repaint (part of warranty rust repair) I had the bra put on, it's holding up well. 3M has a new material called xpel that is easier to keep clean the the old bra material.

I also put one on my '12 Golf. Didn't drive that car much, but it looked new when I sold it last year. Not cheap, but I wouldn't have a car I cared about without one in this part of the country.
 
Top