Hello guys,

I am very happy I found this forum! I purchased a 2006 LS 430 in May 2013. It's Flint Mica. The mileage was 26,500. I have about 36,000 miles on it now.

I recently took my car to the Lexus of Jacksonville dealership to have my clear bra removed from the hood because it is cracking. They quoted me $550.00.

It appears they are planning to only remove the clear bra and I believe adding a coat of clear coat to the hood and grill area. When they added GRILL to the proposal I was unsure of what they were referring to. Any understanding anyone can provide would be helpful.

Is this the proper procedure after removing a clear bra? I truly dread getting a car repainted, it can be a nightmare. I want to make sure they are not ruining my car.

Thanks in advance,

Jimmy

 

First, Beautiful ride and welcome to CL!

Second, why haven't you had that collapsed lip below your fog lamp popped out with a heat gun yet?

Third, I'm sure there are still some topcoat dings, scratches and possible dulling effects from the protective clear bra. That may be why they are stating to recoat, but usually a good cut & buff proccess will bring it back to a quality shine. Did you look to see if there are clear bra strips on the grill also? I wouldn't think there were any.

 

Make sure you get the best installer that's available. If there were any indentations by stones etc, the paint might be held in now by the clear bra and you might have some touching up to do or repainting to do regardless. Good luck and let us know how it works out.

 

Thanks for your replies.

Mark, thanks for the compliment! I did get the lip popped out with a heat gun. The interior is so new you can eat off the floor. I got lucky. I looked forever. I didn't have any new photos.

I will call the dealership tomorrow and request that they check on cutting and buffing my hood.

Anyone know of any great detailers in Tallahassee or Northern Florida that can tackle this job?

I will post pictures after results.

Thanks again,

Jimmy

 

I need someone really good?

What should I look for?

 

Beautiful car ! go to autogeekonline.net that is a hub for detailers. Post an AD or read around on there and you will find a detailer in no time. Mike Phillips is a legend when it comes to auto detailing. Maybe send him a private message and see if he knows a detailer in that area.

 

Thanks for the compliment. Sweet!

I really appreciate it.


Thanks again,

Jimmy

 

What's Mike Phillips user name?

 

here is a link for you:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...mike-phillips/

 

Nice car. I have a flint mica 2005. That just looks superficial to me. Personally, i would just go on Yelp put in clear bra installers and go with the highest rated one. I bet your fine underneath. Don't spend any extra money yet. You might only need a clay bar and some wax

P.S. When your car is out of warranty stay away from the dealer. Just find a good indie mechanic and always use oem parts.

 

Thanks for the link!

 

Thanks for the compliment and tip as well!

 

This post really scares me since I have a clear bra as well. I don't understand the point of these protecting the finish if you have to reclear or paint when they are removed or reinstalled. Mine has not started cracking thank God but does have some light bubbling and chips on the lower bumper.

 

These clear bras protect the paint and they are not difficult to remove. If you try and get stuck - then dial up a detail shop.
They are removed by heating the coating up carefully with a heat gun, then peel it up carefully and slowly.
Afterwards, clean with a wax remover (SemSolve, AcryliClean, etc) and then clay, polish and wax.
Done, and a lot more rewarding than forking over 1/2 a grand. Won't take more than an afternoon.

 

When these clear bras starts cracking they are a pita to remove, because they don't come off in one piece and if you have any type of chipping underneath you can really damage the paint. I've removed several of these and it's not cheap. You must take your time if your gonna tackle a job like this. Good luck