Clear bra: partial or full hood?
#1
Clear bra: partial or full hood?
Well, I've had my F for roughly 3 weeks now and have put 400 miles on it. I've washed it a couple times already, but this weekend decided to begin the full detail process (claybar, swirl remover, polish, etc) before getting it clear bra'd. After claybarring the car, I noticed a good 8-10 rock chips on the hood. The weird thing is I've washed it twice before this and never saw them. Anyway, I plan to get Dr. Colorchip and do that right before I get the bra on, but here's the thing. Some of the chips are actually above where the partial bra would cover. This leads me to think it might be a good idea to get the entire hood bra'd.
How many owners have their whole hood clear bra'd? Anyone with Obsidian? How do you like it? Does it look ok?
I dunno what's up with these rock chips so early. I had my IS350 for a year (5,000 miles) and had only ONE chip on the hood. I even drove that 350 from AZ to San Diego, CA and back one weekend.
How many owners have their whole hood clear bra'd? Anyone with Obsidian? How do you like it? Does it look ok?
I dunno what's up with these rock chips so early. I had my IS350 for a year (5,000 miles) and had only ONE chip on the hood. I even drove that 350 from AZ to San Diego, CA and back one weekend.
#2
exclusive matchup
iTrader: (4)
my gs350 obsidian (also my previous ls460l obsidian) both got full hood. and i don't think i will ever get partial again. i have no regret, it looks so much better. all my previous cars with partial, over time (no matter what color the car) dust or wax residue or so will get trapped and the line will start to show
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have the ~1/3 hood or whatever you call the standard. I definitely regret not getting a full hood and a shield further down my fender wall too. Within a few weeks I had a feel real bad gashes, some of which I still have not fixed. Adds character!! Ha. Go with the whole thing. You WILL regret it.
Trending Topics
#8
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Under an IS F since 2008
Posts: 13,446
Received 1,058 Likes
on
586 Posts
You will also have to stay ahead of water spots with doing the whole hood..
Keep it dry & avoid letting water stand on the hood.
Joe Z
Keep it dry & avoid letting water stand on the hood.
Joe Z
Last edited by Joe Z; 07-27-09 at 12:47 PM. Reason: typo
#9
executive matchup
#11
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you don't mind the cost of doing the full hood, then go for it. I went for partial and I don't have any chips above the line. The line is also not visible unless you look from certain angles. I think doing the front of the side fenders is more important. I got a gigantic chip there.
#13
Lexus Fanatic
I guess your point being made, the clear bra is not maintenance-free.