Well, I'm still on the fence regarding the clear bra. I just called the installed that did my window tint and they are using Clear Shield film for their clear bras.

They told me that they used to use 3M film but it would turn slight yellow after a while and they switched to Clear Shield.

He told me that they usually do 6" on the hood and they would do the fenders as well. If I wanted, they would also do the front mirrors at no additional charge.

The only thing left would be the front end (bumper, air dam, lights). Do people do these as well or is the hood and fender all you need. Would you do the front mirrors as well?

Thanks.

 

Well here's my take , I have both the hood/fenders as well as the front bumper done. I had this done in two stages when I first got the car two years ago . The only regret I have is not having them both done at the same time as it would have been a bit cheaper and I wouldn't have got a couple of chips in it before getting it done. As to yellowing I cant say I see anthing as yet. I went with the clear bra style as it looks so much better than a cloth one and better still than the inevitable stone chips. Note my stone guard goes up the hood about 10"-12" and has a nice arc to follow the hood line rather than go straight across.

 

I got quoted $225 for the hood, fenders, and the mirrors vs. around $500 for the front end. Quite a bit of difference in price and I guess in protection - I can understand that going around the front air dam and all the smaller pieces there it is much more difficult to install.

I went to Clear Shield website and they show the two patterns, regular and deluxe installation (based on coverage).

I've heard that people also do headlamps.

 

Note: the front bumper is done in one piece , that is one thing I would not even attempt to install myself. I had mine done by Chip Guard , give them a call at least you will know if the pricing is compenditive.
http://www.chipguard.com/locations.htm

 

Thanks, just called them and they are competitive. Might stop by the shop to inquire more. For the hood and fenders, they are pretty much the same price. For the whole front end, it is a bit more.

They are using 3M products. From what I know, few years ago, 3M didn't have clear coat on their film and this film would yellow slightly. Now, with the introduction of clear coat, their film is supposed to be fine.

 

I got my '04 in June, and it had a clear bra installed already - not sure what kind. But it's on the hood, front end, mirrors, back fenders, and I think on the trunk too. It's not yellow, it's barely noticeable, and they did a really nice job of applying it around the badge and all.

 

if you decide to have it done make sure you find a good installer and have a look at their work first. i thought i researched enough, but there are a few spots in mine (3M, 12" of hood, fenders, entire front bumper, and mirrors) that leave much to be desired for $525. I found having one to be necessary because my 8 is black - swore i would never buy another black vehicle (my truck is black and the front looks like salt and pepper), but when it's clean it looks soo good. silver or white may be another story. I wrote a more detailed review of my clear bra experience here

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...47#post3154647

good luck