captainbk

I have had some brand of clear bra on my care since I bought it used, three years ago. Within the past 3-4 months the material has started cracking. It is starting to look real ugly.

My questions:

Should I replace it?

How is the old material removed?

Does anyone know who applies it in the area? Would recomend them?

I know there are several brands, Any comment on which is better?

Cost of replacement?

Thanks in advance

PrimoGen

talk to Jeff or Scott about theirs

if it is starting to crack and chip then, the adhesive is as compromised as the vinyl material and should be removed by an application specialist...someone who installs the stuff or a tint specialist. god only knows what that might do to the paint if it is not rehydrated or reactivated in some way at least to the point where it is removable or "loosened" to remove

if you plan on getting another one installed, check with both of those guys on that as well as they can offer advice on where to go.


I would not attempt this type of removal on my own.

captainbk

I am in contact with www.AutoPaintGuard.com , they are out of tampa.

The material looks like it is cracked but is not peeling in the very least. I hope it does not come apart during removal.....Arghhhh

Scott, Jeff feel fre to chime in.

RENDERMAN

I don't know what brand or quality your car has on but i just removed my Star shield nose bra (2005 dealership installed) which comprises two pieces for some paint work I'm doing to the car and I founded to be fairly simple. I will tell you I watered my pants when i started, the paint job on a Lotus can be very expensive even doing my own work. I used a blow dryer (do not use a heat gun, too hot) You can have the 1st mate blow dry a small area while you pull (not sexual in nature ) the Starshield is very expensive but well worth the money, the paint job underneath was like new. Good luck!!

speedworksracing

I am with Primo.

I have dealt with this stuff on my car lot cars before. This is the reason I do not run a clear bra on my car. If you try to take it off yourself you will mess the paint up. I had to have the hood of a MINT 12k mile 03 Tbird painted because of a clear bra that ate the paint up.

Take it to a professional and do not put another one back on.

captainbk

So, who thinks I should put another on? Or go for the "braless look"

I really hope the paint isn't messed up because of it.

captainbk

What kind of professional???? detailer, body shop, ??????

RENDERMAN

those of you that have this done, even from a professional you must keep this in mind. This instruction come from a pro.

The painted surface of the car is thoroughly cleaned to ensure a good adhesive bond by the PPF.


The vehicle is kept under cover or and out of direct sunlight during the application.


The areas that will be protected are waxed with a polymer sealant. I prefer Zaino, but Meguires NXT or many other products work good too.


The film's paper backing is removed to expose the adhesive.


The film is then sprayed with a special solvent composed of 25% alcohol and 75% water. I like to add a couple drops of baby shampoo, basic dish soap, or zaino car wash to this.


The film is then moistened, positioned in place, and squeegeed to the surface of the vehicle.


Excess moisture takes at least 3 days in the sun to dry and cure properly.

PrimoGen

a tint or detail shop that specializes in the installation of clear bras should have the tools and know how to remove. Even if they are not installing another one ,they should be able to remove the film (for a fee of course)...I would not know the normal price though as I have not ever had it quoted.

the fact that it is not chipping or peeling is good, but the fact that it is cracking tells me the material is compromised, or "dried out" and its removal is going to require some TLC to ensure the paint is not damaged in the process.

the heat method of removal will help a normal vinyl removal but may not do much to an adhesive that has dried out through long life in the sun

speedworksracing

Again I am with primo. I dont even need to talk in this thread Primo has it handled