ilocke

iTrader: (11)

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.

rominl

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

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

I got the partial (added 6 inches to the standard install) on my IS and I regret not getting the full hood. It seems that all the chips I get are within 1 inch of the damn bra. Plus with a full you don't have to worry about the line showing up as much.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

hehe, don't worry allen, murphy law always find its way to you. i got full hood, and then i cracked my windshield

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

I'm on my second windshield too 405S and an 18 wheeler kicking up a rock. I didn't think it would spread as quickly as it did but within 24 hours I had a line going from edge to edge

DRE1615

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.

ilocke

iTrader: (11)

Thanks for the advice guys. I guess I will polish her up real nice, do the Dr. Colorchip, then go for the full hood. I hope the hood will still retain the nice "wet" look with the polish even through the bra.

Joe Z

iTrader: (10)

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

Stormforge

oh crap! sorry to hear about that!

mo12hammad

how much are the full bra's?

and where can i buy one??

primecut

iTrader: (1)

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.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yup, everything has their pros and cons. with clear bra, you still need to "maintain" it. clean it often, stay away from droppings, tree saps, water spots, otherwise those will put some permanent marks

IS-SV

Doesn't the paint on the hood require similar care to maintain it?

I guess your point being made, the clear bra is not maintenance-free.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well on factory paint, say if you have water spots, you can clay and polish and buff and take them away. but not on clear bra. once even slightly eaten into the clear bra, it's done

montgb

iTrader: (7)

If you can afford full coverage, get it!

Sure wish I did...