Posts: 4142
Joined: 4/6/2005 From: West Los Angeles Status: offline
yes, I was going to guess 700 for your custom front end. How much would getting it repainted cost? Figure that out and you'll have a better idea of if it's worth it. If the 2 prices are close forget the clear bra. If you're in an accident it would have to get replaced. I personally dislike Clearbras because I can see the line across the hood. But it shouldn't show up too badly on your car's color.
I had my 3M X-Pel clear bra put on last year for $600 (materials + labor). Included extended hood piece, fenders, front bumper, headlights, foglights, turn-signal lamps, chin spoiler, mirrors, and door cups.
I have a quote from another forum member for the cervinis front end for $650 for the front bumper cover and part of the hood and fenders. For 1400 they would do the mirrors the rocker panels and the rear valance behind the tires. Seems alot to me but the money saved in the long run protecting the paint job is worth it for the front at least and the mirrors.
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2006 Mustang GT with Cervinis Kit Whipple H.O S/C 465 RWHP and 440RWTQ
I was told not to do the clear bra because the paint won't fade evenly. So, I just figured, it is easier not to tail gate people and just get touch up paint.
I've had my hood painted two times and if you take my advise it's best to get a clear bra. It will pay for it self. Wish Now I could start over and get the one time paint and then the clear bra. Black loves to scratch especially if you drive fast.
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____________________________ Too Much , Too Quick, Too Fast.
I have gotten rock chips out of nowhere and black shows everything. If you use the car for show and have a custom paint job get the clear bra...I guarantee the color will not fade on the clearcoats we have today. The clearcoat will mare, scratch, or swirl, chip, peel, etc., but the color underneath is fine and WON'T fade unless the paint is not basecoat/clearcoat! Trust me I have never had a car "fade" even black unless it was lacquer paint or some other type and the owner did not do the bare minimum to care for the paint. Get the clear bra for a DD that you enjoy and the car will be protected.... trust me you will not be disappointed... JMO J
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2006 Mustang GT with Cervinis Kit Whipple H.O S/C 465 RWHP and 440RWTQ
I paid around $800 in SE PA for whole job on GT, rockers, mirrors, everything.
Is it worth it? I don't know. I will tell you that the quality of the installation means everything. Like most everyone else with cars like ours, I am very picky. If you can, get references and check around as much as possible. I think my job came out just ok with some marks/bubbles that are getting re-done. I have to admit I am disappointed - I hope I feel differently after it gets fixed.
My installer so far is standing behind his job but here's what he told me (AFTER I expressed my disappointment); if I am looking for an indestructible, invisible, flawless product, it's not that. You can see it, it sometimes does have some slight imperfections "out of the box", and it will scratch and mark just like paint. It's meant to be a superior replacement (albeit expensive) for the ugly black bras appearance and care-wise. It's to save your paint and in turn, keep your valuable car, more-valuable. At resale, take it off.
I came home from a recent trip this past weekend only to find a large +quarter-sized mark with surrounding scratches on the front of my hood, IN the 3M film . I did know that my son had driven the car without my knowledge or ok while I was away so I asked him what happened and as usual, he didn't know anything about it..."I just went to a Cruise Night". Maybe he's right and nothing happened but it looks to me like someone was sitting on the hood with riveted jeans, or keys in pocket, or etc. and it damaged the film. So, I'm kinda torn...if it can be marked up like that, how good is it really? But then, if the same thing happened without the 3M, I'd have a nice repair job needed to my hood.
I install ClearMask and charge $750 for the bumper/hood/fenders/lights/mirrors. Thats a pretty standard install. If you have a custom front end then it will be more expensive due to the custom work. most cars are done via pre cut kits... and custom work is all hand cut.
By the way, Expel is NOT a 3M product. I am not sure where that came from but it the worst/most expensive film on the market. I do not recommend going with Expel.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me. I will be more than happy to help.
How much did you guys pay for your clear bras? a local shop told me they charge about 1200 and it sounded really pricey...
I know it isn't cheap. When I had my C5 Vette I had the front end quoted, everyone around wanted about 1,200 so I guess a little cheaper, but not by much.
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Clear 3m Bra quotes? - 
. Seems alot to me but the money saved in the long run protecting the paint job is worth it for the front at least and the mirrors.
. I did know that my son had driven the car without my knowledge or ok while I was away so I asked him what happened and as usual, he didn't know anything about it..."I just went to a Cruise Night". Maybe he's right and nothing happened but it looks to me like someone was sitting on the hood with riveted jeans, or keys in pocket, or etc. and it damaged the film. So, I'm kinda torn...if it can be marked up like that, how good is it really? But then, if the same thing happened without the 3M, I'd have a nice repair job needed to my hood. 
