Hey, I was wondering what everyone is doing to protect the front ends of thier trucks when they go on the highway for long trips. I hate stone chips. Are you going with bug deflectors, bras, or just nothing at all. If so, what brands are you recommending??

 

My dad hates that too. He has a bug deflector, and a bra. I can get back to you with the brand if you want. I think the bra is from Le Bra comp. and the deflector came from a stylen concepts type thing, but not sure on name brand.

Good luck,
Matt

 

I'm going to go with the "Clear Bra" once I finish up with the front end mods. Best product on the market for these purposes bar none.

 

Toreador, I have never heard of "Clear Bra".What is it and where would I find it to look at it.Thank You!

 

HOw about 3M sticker ?


YOMAN!

 

I love my AVS bugflectorII from pep boys. Had it on over a year now. Plus, the Preadator bumper guard helps too.

 

A clear bra is a generic term for a clear paint protection product from 3M. It is a non-yellowing ~8mil clear plastic covering that is applied to the front of cars/trucks to prevent stone chips and protect the paint. There are a number of companies that offer this product after die cutting to the vehicles year/make/model. Xpel and Cleartechpro to name 2 of them. A web search should produce some more vendors.

The product is applied and stays on for good (not removable like a standard bra is). It can be removed overtime with a heat gun if required.

I have this on my BMWs and love it. I did do the application myself, . . . although it can be a bit of a pain to work with. Hope this helps.

 

brentp_1, This sounds like a winner, especially for people that have the painted bumpers.If I would have used this on my Explorer Limited it would still look like new.Thanks for explaining.

 

Another choice may be the LeBra that I have. It comes in two pieces, upper and lower. I use only the lower portion. It quickly snaps on or off in just a few seconds. Black leatherette, no drilling.

I like the rigid bug deflector that protects my hood nose and diverts most of the bugs off my windshield.

http://www.motorhaven.com/car_truck_accessories.aspx

 

Is the 3m application noticeable after applied? Also, will it discolor when waxed? Thanks

 

There is a very faint, but distinct line with the 3M product when installed, . . . although it is difficult to see from a distance. On lighter colored cars (my wife's is light grey) you need to be a couple of feet away to see it. On darker cars, it is more visible, but still need to be close. Very few people notice it, when they do and I explain what it is, they think it is cool.

As for discolor when you wax - no, . . . and you do wax this stuff just like the car. FYI - after wax, some wax does build up at the seam and you need to remove it (or it will turn white - and be a line). I use my finger nail, very quick to remove the wax. I've had this product on my car for 5 years now with no noticeable color change - and no stone chips. I believe the 3M warranty is for 5 years and part of that is a non-yellowing warranty.

Also, before the question comes up, you can take this off if needed with a heat gun. I had to replace a panel on my wife's car after it got damaged by a hot water pipe in a parking garage. Film was removed easily, no paint damage, . . . and I replaced the panel with no issues.

It is best to apply this to a new car before any stone chips damage the front. This is really good stuff. Here is a link, . . . hope it works.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/_l/en_US/_s.155/98909/_s.155/98905

If not, cut & paste the link or even 'google' on 3M Paint Protection Film and you will get to the 3M site. They do not sell this to consumers, but provide all the answers. You can search for companies in your area that buy the material and cut to each vehicle's shape.