What do you guys feel about "bras"? On cars. ;) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

2006ToyoCorollaS · 12-30-2010, 02:28 PM

I noticed a few little tiny rock chips around the front of the hoods edge, and I want to prevent more because I know they can lead to rust over the years. I found a few bras on eBay, and one that caught my eye is a "magnetic bra". It's not as UGLY as a regular bra is, it's just a plain black cover that sits on the hood, and magnetically sticks to it (it also hooks around the hood for high speeds)

Do you think a bra is a good thing to put on to keep the hood nice? Or do you think they are too ugly? I guess appearance doesn't matter to me as much as keeping it free of rock chips. I don't even know why I started a whole thread about this, but I just wanted to get some opinions.

I also want to get smoked tint film for the rear tail lights. I think that would look good. I'm no ricer

, I just think the smoked tails would look good with the Phantom Gray paint.

***PhatRoyale*** · 12-30-2010, 02:31 PM

Bras are perfectly fine as long as they're clear.

2006ToyoCorollaS · 12-30-2010, 02:38 PM

I was thinking of going that route, but over time cant the clear bras yellow, or generally become discolored? Not only that but couldn't it eventually peel due to the elements?

I dont think bras are that ugly, especially on a Corolla. They'd be ugly on a high performance vehicle, or luxury, but an econo-box such as the Corolla, in my opinion, would look okay with it.

But thanks for the suggestion, maybe i'll look into it. Is it hard to install yourself?

***PhatRoyale*** · 01-02-2011, 09:27 AM

You generally get what you pay for in terms of quality. I've read good reviews about 3M bras.

You can get use Plexus periodically which is a cleaner/conditioner for plastics to keep the bra clear.

Installing your own bra is like trying to tint your own windows, I would leave it to the pros.

2006ToyoCorollaS · 01-02-2011, 05:27 PM

Thanks for the info. Although I might just end up getting a magnetic bra. I don't mind the look. And for some reason, a thin plastic film doesn't seem as protective as a thicker rubber material.

And I actually installed tint on my last Corolla. Rear and front side windows. Lasted 3 years before it started slightly peeling in the back, and it was because I didn't put the edge far enough down, and it started to get caught on the rubber seal on the window towards the bottom. I prefer to do things on my own, saves a lot of money and it's fun to me. However there are things that I don't do on my own.

But I actually might get tint on my newer Corolla, and because it was a little bit of a hassle on the last one, I might go the professionally installed route. Just because I have such a hectic work schedule now-a-days.

***silver04rollas*** · 01-12-2011, 09:47 AM

Clear tape strip is the way to go.

Leather one's are a big no-no.

highpsi4 · 01-13-2011, 06:43 PM

I do not like the looks of the bra but it works great.

trife96 · 02-19-2011, 06:28 PM

I like bras just like bras on women...off : )

***SuperchargedMR2*** · 05-21-2011, 07:22 PM

I have used many bras over the years on my cars & I would never use anything but a clear bra now. I have them on my 07 Matrix, 09 Corolla & 10 Prius. The one on my Matrix still looks new after 4 years & 52k miles.

I also love that you still see the car.

If you look closely you can see the line from the clear bra but it looks great & protects the entire front end, not just the front edge of the hood.

electricrelish · 05-29-2011, 01:24 AM

How long does a really good bra like 3M last?

canddmeyer · 05-29-2011, 01:38 AM

Clear bra's are the only way to go. My sis-n-law has them on her Mercedes & Infiniti and after two+ years nary a rock chip/paint chip to be found. The bra line looks weird, but like anything else you get used to it.

memories_girl · 06-26-2011, 09:48 PM

They are definitely worth it and I agree that the clear ones are a great choice, they do the work just as fine without the 'ugly' bra look.

MirrorEyes · 07-22-2011, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trife96

I like bras just like bras on women...off : )

...this ^

No, but I don't like the look of bra's personally. Especially not on the 8th and lower, but on the newer ones they look a little better, but still not my thing. They do help though.

trlhiker · 12-19-2011, 06:02 PM

I remember when the bra's first became popular. They did help protect against rock chips but the downside is that they moved a bit at high speeds and would rub thru the paint. Not sure if this is still true, can anyone comment on that aspect.

***SuperchargedMR2*** · 12-20-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trlhiker

I remember when the bra's first became popular. They did help protect against rock chips but the downside is that they moved a bit at high speeds and would rub thru the paint. Not sure if this is still true, can anyone comment on that aspect.

That's the benefit of the clear bra. It looks better, protects better, protects more area, doesn't rub off the paint & can be removed & reapplied if needed. The clear bra on my Matrix still looked new after almost 5 years & made it easy to sell the car since the front end had zero rock chips. I bought my 07 Matrix for $18k & sold it for $14k 5 years later so the clear bra paid for itself in the resale value.