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IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

clear bra

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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 02:42 PM
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Default clear bra

Anyone here have clear bra? or install it your self? or how much was it to install?
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 02:50 PM
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Unless you have done it before (and from the sound of it you haven't) or have someone with install experience, I would just have a pro. do it. I think the price depends also on how much coverage you want and of course price also differs from area to area. In my area I found a range of about 5 to 9 bills.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 03:34 PM
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got mine for 650. Dallas texas
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 04:43 PM
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I installed the clear bra on my wife's 2005 Toyota Sienna minivan a couple of weeks ago on my own. She is blessed with no rock chips, scratches, etc. in almost 3 years of use, so I wanted to keep it that way if I could. Besides, I needed to practice before I attempted it on the IS.

The prep work takes the longest time (stripping the wax, cleaning off the bugs, cutting the pattern, etc.). The installation is a snap otherwise. There is an instructional video out on the web that was made by a 3M bra installer here in Houston. I'll post the link as soon as find it.

The main thing you have to watch out for during the install is finger prints on the underneath side of the bra or on the surface of the car. The bra can be lifted and cleaned before it dries if you find a finger print. Patience and a clear head when you do the install are the keys.

The cost of the film is next to nothing. I bough enough to cover the front of 5 cars for around $100. After I complete my IS, I'll post pics. After the IS, I'll be installing one on my dad's LS 460L. I plan to cover the entire hood of my IS by the way.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 04:48 PM
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could someone please post some pics of a clear bra?
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by 350ripper
could someone please post some pics of a clear bra?
Well, even if you saw pics, all you would see is a fine line at the end of the bra if the entire hood isn't covered. It is truly clear and hard to see.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 04:54 PM
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does it take away from the shine of the car? what about washing, waxing etc...? does it really help and is it removeable?
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by 350ripper
does it take away from the shine of the car? what about washing, waxing etc...? does it really help and is it removeable?
No, it doesn't take any of the appeal away from the car in terms of shine. In fact, it makes cleaning bugs and other gunk off the front end of your car a bit easier.

On my wife's van, I just pretent it isn't there. No problems with washing it or waxing it, but I always use microfiber cloths.

Some claim that it tends to get a bit yellow over a few years, but it can be removed and replaced with no resulting damage to the car's finish. I decided to learn how to do it on my own when I got quotes of over $1,300 to do the install that I would feel comfortable with (full front bumper, lights, entire hood, front end of side fenders, mirror backs, and front half of the roof). Yeah, I know I'm a bit OCD, but if you're going to go with the clear bra, then protect all the leading edges.

Also, if it gets damaged, I like knowing how to install it on my own so I don't have to pay some serious jack to get a new one.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 08:15 PM
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$1,3000 just to install??? Thats crazy...heres some sites i found for the kits pre-cut already...https://www.stickercity.com/store/home.php?cat=2832

http://www.xpel.com/products/paint_p...=23&model=1376
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:47 PM
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soooooo......

can you have your entire car covered in it?
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 11:08 PM
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I got my 3M version installed for cash at the dealers cost. He charged my $350 and then $70 more to do the side rails from the front to rear tires.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 11:46 PM
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is250 4 me, where did you purchase the film?
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Old Aug 9, 2007 | 01:59 AM
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IS2504ME same question, where did you purchase the film and how did you install it? Did you make templates to cut out the film? It'd be great if somehow we coudl get ahold of the templates for the IS. Thanks in advance.
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Old Aug 9, 2007 | 02:05 AM
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Did anyone buy these precut clear bra packages from these online retailers and install them sucessfully? Any recommendations or advice you guys could offer?
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Old Aug 10, 2007 | 01:00 AM
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Anyone buy those kits from ebay?
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