Clear bra & windshield tint.....oh boy!!

2

20ducks

Elite
I decided that I am going to keep my aero bumper and have it refinished but also have a clear bra installed. What a difference several years make in technology. The first clear bra I had installed on my 03 Z4 was in summer 04. I had the X-Pel corporation do the install at their invitation in San Antonio, TX. Although they measured and did all they could do the material was thick and I was rather disappointed. I had it redone after I hit a small animal and busted up the bumper cover. I had it replaced and the insurance also covered the clear bra. I had it installed by a local dealer. I still wasn't impressed with the work. Product was okay and where covered I never experienced a rock chip. Now to my new Z4 I debated and then decided it was time to have it all done properly. I went with a small outfit that developed a great reputation with a few of the other local car clubs. After discussing what would be done I went for it. The bumper cover is coated with LLumar PPF material. It is much thinner than the old stuff but gives the same protection. And because it is thinner it is more workable on the curves and rounded areas of the cover. I am impressed with the application. He also talked to me about LLumar Security Film (tint). So I had the side windows tinted with this stuff. It is impressive because it not only works as a tint but also a security device. All this for less than $500US.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVeUmUx925k
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVeUmUx925k[/youtube]
 
^"..security device"?? Hmmm, fabric roof is all I gotta say to that..but more importantly I would worry about how the paint would breathe on your bumper w/ that application..
 
I had a clear bra on my 03 Maldives Blue Z4 aero bumper with great results and no problems. I don't anticipate anything with this one.

The "security tint" didn't cost me anything and I can't tell the difference so I figured what the hell. Besides, even if the top is cut ya gotta be a small, very small dude to get in through the top.
 
20ducks said:
I had a clear bra on my 03 Maldives Blue Z4 aero bumper with great results and no problems. I don't anticipate anything with this one.

The "security tint" didn't cost me anything and I can't tell the difference so I figured what the hell. Besides, even if the top is cut ya gotta be a small, very small dude to get in through the top.
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Ya, but that's the point..if I was a criminal I would cut the roof w/o thinking about it and get in to do whatever damage..whatever ducks, just think that's kinda overkill for no reason..

Not a big fan of clear bras as well but cheers bud.. :icb:
 
Ski said:
20ducks said:
I had a clear bra on my 03 Maldives Blue Z4 aero bumper with great results and no problems. I don't anticipate anything with this one.

The "security tint" didn't cost me anything and I can't tell the difference so I figured what the hell. Besides, even if the top is cut ya gotta be a small, very small dude to get in through the top.
Click to expand...

Ya, but that's the point..if I was a criminal I would cut the roof w/o thinking about it and get in to do whatever damage..whatever ducks, just think that's kinda overkill for no reason..

Not a big fan of clear bras as well but cheers bud.. :icb:
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It would be a good idea in the UK. Their is a trend over the last few years for thieves to dot punch the side window at traffic lights or junctions (for those unlear a dot punch is a spring loaded punch the size of a pencil designe to mark metal before drilling.) In an instant the glass shatters and they reach in to steal jackets, bags, etc. Cutting a hole in the roof ain't gonna do much for them. Oh and of cuorse only an idiot would leave a bag on the passenger seat, but plenty do...
 
cj10jeeper said:
It would be a good idea in the UK. Their is a trend over the last few years for thieves to dot punch the side window at traffic lights or junctions (for those unlear a dot punch is a spring loaded punch the size of a pencil designe to mark metal before drilling.) In an instant the glass shatters and they reach in to steal jackets, bags, etc. Cutting a hole in the roof ain't gonna do much for them. Oh and of cuorse only an idiot would leave a bag on the passenger seat, but plenty do...
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You have a good point... the other method I believe is using a spark plug.
 
sp3ctre said:
cj10jeeper said:
It would be a good idea in the UK. Their is a trend over the last few years for thieves to dot punch the side window at traffic lights or junctions (for those unlear a dot punch is a spring loaded punch the size of a pencil designe to mark metal before drilling.) In an instant the glass shatters and they reach in to steal jackets, bags, etc. Cutting a hole in the roof ain't gonna do much for them. Oh and of cuorse only an idiot would leave a bag on the passenger seat, but plenty do...
Click to expand...

You have a good point... the other method I believe is using a spark plug.
Click to expand...

We appear to be overly well informed on such matters for upright members of the community :roll:
 
20ducks, when you polish the car, do you end up noticing a difference in color depth and/or shine under the clear bra vs the rest of the car? I am afraid that on a black car it would be very noticeable. That said, the nose of my car has picked up quite a few small stone chips :-( and a clear bra may have been a smart investment for me.
 
Nope, at least not yet. This stuff is thinner than the X-pel (3M) material I had on previously. My suggestion is to talk to your local Corvette Club. They appear to be more, umm, anal about appearances than other clubs in my area at least, and may have some installer/product recommendations.
 
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