fooldall1

All:

I am looking at the Colgan line of Car bras for my 2009 LS to protect against rock chips, Florida Love Bugs, etc. Do these things ruin the paint underneath? I simply can't afford the 1500 for a clear bra.. So I figured I'd apply a ceramic polymer to the front clip and try this "normal" style bra.Supposedly, the Colgan bras are made with a material that does not scratch or rub the paint underneath..... but, you know- could be marketing garbage.

Thoughts?

johnnyg66

I have one its good. I don't leave it on all the time simply because you need to remove it for a car wash. If I take long trips than it goes on. Around town not as much.

Its been okay on the paint you will notice some dirt build up under it but goes away after you wash the car.

Long term use I would imagine the build up would be a lot heavier.

Leave it in the sun awhile be fore you first put it on. Helps to stretch it out and go one better. After that it goes on in about 5 mins.

I think it adds a nice look to the car if you have a dark color paint.

fooldall1

Johnny, do you clean/vacuum the material on the underside of the Bra between removal/reinstall?

johnnyg66

I check it and brush it as needed.

fooldall1

I bit the bullet and bought the 3m film for hood, fenders, and mirrors. Better to be safe than sorry, plus- If I can do it myself.. I will save a ton of money.

SW17LS

Have you ever installed this type of film yourself? I've watched it be installed...not something I would ever attempt myself.

Chuckinnj

Applying film is NOT a job for the inexperienced........ Take the car to a pro!

fooldall1

I'm going to give it a shot. Doesn't look too difficult. I'll post some results here once I'm done with it.

SW17LS

Okie dokie. Its REALLY hard, like I said I watched the guy. The full kit on the front of my LS took 4 hours and he is a professional with 10+ years experience.

fooldall1

Reading this, it spooked me. I cancelled the order. Thing is, the cost is crazy.. something like 700 bucks to do the front clip and fenders/mirrors. I just might go back to the Colgan and remove/clean weekly. Until I can spare 800 bucks for the clear bra. The Colgan seems really nice. I will never forgive myself if I get a huge rock chip (or more) on the front of this beautiful car.


Johnnyg66, check your chrome front parts.. any rubbing on the trim?

johnnyg66

Nope. Only chrome really is on front grill. That part is a mesh materiel and its all good. Only part you have to be checking most is front part of the hood. The piece that covers that will get some build up on top edge. But if you wash your car at least once every two weeks you should be good.

Have you seen one on a LS in person?

SW17LS

$700 is about what it costs to do 1/2 the hood and fenders and the bumper, etc. I paid $1,400 to have the whole front end done including the whole hood and entire front fenders l'd do it again 100% too. Must have IMHO.

You were smart to cancel the order though, not something for a novice to do.

comotiger

Does this mean you don't have to wax and polish your front end? My car has the film on the front bumper and fender panels, but they are all plastic parts. I have chips on the hood but I didn't think one would use the film on the hood.

SW17LS

Well the plastic parts are painted just like the metal parts, require the same care. You definitely would want the film on the hood too.

I use whatever wax or sealant I'm using on the parts covered in the PPF but I don't polish it. It's self healing so it doesn't need to be polished.

comotiger

Cool, I didn't know wax and sealants would stick to the protective film.