IS350atWOT

iTrader: (1)

I'm tired of looking at all the chips and dings on my front bumper. I'm wishing now that I would have put protective film over it, but I didn't. So what are my options? Is there a complete new front bumper in carbon fiber for a cool mod? Will vinyl wrap apply over the chips and dings or will I have to have it painted first? Just get it repainted?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Repaint is your only option at this point.

7No

iTrader: (1)

Back in the day, we used to remove the front bumpers from our '55 and '56 chevys as a mod. Scroll down to near the bottom of this page to see some examples:http://www.mantisrodz.com/myRidz/200...1_archive.html

So go for it!

mentroc

repaint and put on the clear bra, so this won't happen again

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Yes, it will happen again. It will just scratch and pit the clear bra instead of the paint, so the OP will be replacing the clear bra because it looks like crap after a few years of rock attacks - especially if he has a penchant for driving fast.

DHRP

iTrader: (2)

This is why I'm thinking of trying to install a clear bra myself. I've installed tint on at least 2 dozen cars and even the windows in my house. I know it's not the same thing but the process is similar.

mikefate

I just repaint mine every couple years. Keeps it looking good. First thing people notice are defects.

digger08

iTrader: (1)

The IS F bumper gives even the most experienced clear bra installer fits. I believe they rate our bumper about 8 out of 10 - partly due to the fact that they do not get much practice. In my opinion, it is way more difficult than tint - because of the curves, and exacting bumper holes.

I agree with Lobuxracer - if your going to keep the car a long time - it is actually easier to repaint the bumper, than remove and reapply the clear bra. The clear bra will be done in about 4 years on the front bumper - the sides and hood will last longer

If your leasing and or expect a short relationship then clear bra makes more sense.

It all depends how you like to throw your money around.

DHRP

iTrader: (2)

I was just going to do the 1/2 hood. The bumper looks insane and is like $200 which is too much money to "try" and apply it.

VtotheJ

iTrader: (2)

Anybody heard of Dr. Colorchip? Some guy on ClubLexus tried it on his IS, looks decent...

I'm actually considering it, but not sure yet.

DIY & review below:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...view-pics.html

flipside909

I've had clear bra the day after I picked up my IS F. Granted my IS F has seen lots of times over 100 mph...it still looks fine to this day.



PS...I did partial hood because I find it pointless to cover the whole thing.

CalitriSC

iTrader: (13)

+1, I have done this with all my cars. Always keeps it looking fresh. Good paint shops will respray a front bumper for $200-$300. Aren't the high quality clear bras over $1k? So even if you had it painted every year. It would take quite a while to catch up to the cost of the clear bra which leaves you with a permanent orange peal affect.

IS350atWOT

iTrader: (1)

On my previous IS350, Xpel came out and did the bumper. Took the poor guy 5 hours and it still had bubbles and a couple of wrinkles in it. He told me it was on of the hardest bumpers he had ever done. So that's why I didn't want to mask my bumper on the F. It just doesn't look very good. So I just did the front of the hood.

I'm kinda leaning towards just getting it repainted. I need to go and get an estimate. If it doesn't cost as much as a clear mask, then this is the way to go. Or at least it will look better.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, I'm in the repaint club too. I did a cost effectiveness analysis for the bra, and it doesn't make sense as long as you have a shop doing quality paint work for <$600 on a respray. Track duty hammers anything, and the effects of track time are pretty evident on the bumper, hood, and windshield.

flipside909

Panel repaints kill the value of your car if you sell/trade in. Bumper covers are easy to get away with...but not on sheetmetal panels. $600 for a respray is kind of cheap for a hood and bumper cover.

Clear bra saves if vehicle value is important to you during a resale.