Here is my story. I got the IS few months ago and after about 2 months, I noticed maybe 2 minor rock chips on my front bumper, very inconspicuous chips. I concluded (stupid me) that clear bra was not necessary in Texas and held out on the purchase. However, it got to the point that whenever I wash the car, I cant stand to look at the front bumper due to the fact that I will find many more minor chips. However, while I was washing my car today, I noticed a rock chip very noticeable even when standing 1 or 2 feet from the car. Will the body shop be able to fix it and where can I go in Texas for a clear bra and the fix? Last time I looked, I failed to be recommended by anyone on the board. Please help! Also, how much do you think that the fix and the bra will cost me? I guess it is byebye to Tanabe Medallion and hello to clear bra...

 

I have learn from experience with rock chips which i hate the most. So i clear braed all three of my cars. I wish i did it sooner with my Gs430.

 

Same here. Thought I didn't need it. I finally got my 2IS clear braed 3 months after the purchase. Worth the $.

 

Yeah, I feel like I've abused the car because of my confidence. Doctorttt, did you fix the rock chips before the application of the clear bra? If so, how much did it cost you?

 

They're just tiny chips and not visible unless you look very very closely. The bra costed me $520 - front, 1/3 hood, fender and partial rear. The front bumper job could have been better though. I was cheap, and I didn't wanna pay $800 for a reputable installer. I spoke with the guy during the installation, and he suggested that if there were a lot of severe and visible chips, you should use touch-up paint to fix them first before putting the bra on.

 

For the people with clear bras, how noticable are they from different distances? Can you notice them from far away? Can you only see them from close up? Or can you even not really tell they're there until someone tells you and/or your feel it?

 

Got mines done for $650otd that includes behind all 4 door handles, hood, and full frt bumper by lexus dealer here in col, OH.

 

To answer your question, you would have to be at least 3-4 fot away to notice. Truly a must if you don't want your frt to be chip up.

 

It should not cost $800 to install 3M clear bra by a professional, 500-600 bucks is the norm.

 

Perhaps you're right, but everything is expensive in New York. Also, if you're don't know your stuff, they rip ya off.

 

Yea, cost of living is less in OK.

 

You WILL notice the chips under the clear bra if you do not repair them. My suggestion is to have the affected areas repainted and then clear bra the front end of your car - bumper, hood, head and fog lights, and side mirrors. Might set you back a grand for everthing. You will be a much happier person afterwards!

Good luck!

 

I had only four small (1mm) rock chips before I clear bra'ed, so I chose not to repair them first. You can see them under the film. Also got a large chip outside the film line yesterday... there is no perfect protection.