Full Car Bra NOT Clear Bra
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 35
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From: California
Full Car Bra NOT Clear Bra
Has folks had any experience and or recommendation on a Full vinyl front end bra for the RX 350 sport. Clear bras setup seems to be what folks are opting for but I like the flexibility of being able to put on for road trips/mountains and being able to remove it for local driving. I prefer not to pay or try to install a clear bra that will discolor/fade/peel/etc. over time. I still don't like seeing the film line across the vehicle permanently, but maybe that's just me. I've used Colagon in the past for my BMW X5 and it worked out great as I can remove whenever but inquiring with RX sport owners their experience. Can't seem to find an image online for our model and year but maybe everyone is getting clear bras now? Thanks.
Full Vinyl bra on Ebay
Full Vinyl bra on Ebay
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 643
Likes: 52
From: Alberta
You're probably having a hard time finding them because they're not very popular anymore. In my past experience, those vinyl covers tend to cause more damage due to sand and dirt getting trapped behind them. Modern paint protection films done by a professional installer do not yellow or peel over time. I've had 3M on a 2010 vehicle without any problems (and that car is white). I also don't like seeing the line on the hood, so the way around that is to cover the whole hood in PPF.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1,034
From: Illinois
For me, the paint protection film is the way to go.
In the last few years, it has become more common to cover more area with paint protection film. The package that I have on my ES includes the full bumper, full hood, full front fenders, mirrors, door handle cups, and door edges. Some will also cover the A pillars and leading edge of the roof. By covering the full hood and full fenders, you are adding protection to vulnerable areas, and you eliminate the ugly lines where the paint protection film ends. Except upon very close inspection, you wouldn't know that the film is on the car.
High quality modern paint protection film products should not yellow, are self healing, and don't allow for things like tree sap and bird droppings to damage the paint. A high quality complete paint protection film package with professional installation won't be cheap, but it is, to me, worth the price for the protection that it gives the vehicle.
Over the years, I've used many of the products like Cologan bras that you are looking at, and I still have one for my older (2005) GX) but, for any new cars that I get, going with paint protection film is an easy choice.
In the last few years, it has become more common to cover more area with paint protection film. The package that I have on my ES includes the full bumper, full hood, full front fenders, mirrors, door handle cups, and door edges. Some will also cover the A pillars and leading edge of the roof. By covering the full hood and full fenders, you are adding protection to vulnerable areas, and you eliminate the ugly lines where the paint protection film ends. Except upon very close inspection, you wouldn't know that the film is on the car.
High quality modern paint protection film products should not yellow, are self healing, and don't allow for things like tree sap and bird droppings to damage the paint. A high quality complete paint protection film package with professional installation won't be cheap, but it is, to me, worth the price for the protection that it gives the vehicle.
Over the years, I've used many of the products like Cologan bras that you are looking at, and I still have one for my older (2005) GX) but, for any new cars that I get, going with paint protection film is an easy choice.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
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From: NJ
kvtram, there's more grill than bumper on the 4RX . It would be hard to cover the limited painted surfaces. I had a front end mask on my 1RX. Lexus made it. It did catch dirt underneath and caused damage to the hood when a hook came loose. I also had to replace it because of stretching.
Clear bras are much better now with extensive warranties. They're maintained just like the paint. Plus the edges can be wrapped - no visible lines. That's what I did with my hood. The downside is the expense. Another alternative is a temporary clear bra. Spray it on the areas you want to protect . Then after your trip peel it off. Search CL, there's plenty of threads about it.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 418
Likes: 119
From: Southern California
I understand where the OP is coming from as I have had bras on previous vehicles. My wife used to take a route where gravel haulers were ever present and PPF simply could not take the hits as well as a vinyl bra. I prefer PPF, but for long road trips and conditions as previously mentioned, there is a place for a bra versus PPF. I would be interested to see what Colgan has designed for the 4th Gen RX as I've never seen one on the road.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 117
From: ca
HIghly recommend against a real bra.
HIGHLY. IT traps debri and scratches the hell out of your paint and it looks SO UGLY.
PLease consider xpel as a clear bra alternative. With technology these days these babies last forever and don't yellow.
ALso there is a guarantee it will not yellow.
I Do agree in the sense that the actual bra has physical protection for longer trips but for me it's not worth it. The clear bra is not as strong as a real bra but it protects it almost as good. Hit tons of gravel from a truck and only one small piece tore my clear bra but the paint under it was fine.
HIGHLY. IT traps debri and scratches the hell out of your paint and it looks SO UGLY.
PLease consider xpel as a clear bra alternative. With technology these days these babies last forever and don't yellow.
ALso there is a guarantee it will not yellow.
I Do agree in the sense that the actual bra has physical protection for longer trips but for me it's not worth it. The clear bra is not as strong as a real bra but it protects it almost as good. Hit tons of gravel from a truck and only one small piece tore my clear bra but the paint under it was fine.
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: CA
The last clear bra I had was installed by AeroTect. I know you guys don't do installations anymore, but you're greatly missed.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 426
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From: CA - USA
Thanks, minusplus. We've always loved the Club Lexus community, and that's why we're back only in a different role. We're always happy to point you guys in the direction of a qualified installer.
- Jason
- Jason
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
kvtram, there's more grill than bumper on the 4RX . It would be hard to cover the limited painted surfaces. I had a front end mask on my 1RX. Lexus made it. It did catch dirt underneath and caused damage to the hood when a hook came loose. I also had to replace it because of stretching.
Clear bras are much better now with extensive warranties. They're maintained just like the paint. Plus the edges can be wrapped - no visible lines. That's what I did with my hood. The downside is the expense. Another alternative is a temporary clear bra. Spray it on the areas you want to protect . Then after your trip peel it off. Search CL, there's plenty of threads about it.
I added the 3M Defender (spray on bra) on my IS and NX and it's fine for 18 months or so then shows its discoloration. It's also tricky to apply and a pain to remove if not applied thick enough. But apply it too thick and drips will form... I was happy with it but it's not for the novice DIYer...
OP, agree with everyone here. Clear bra is the way to go for all the reasons mentioned, but if you were fine with your BMW removing and placing on the traditional bra when needed, I see no harm in getting the traditional one.
Good luck!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 701
Likes: 166
From: NSW
[QUOTE=corradoMR2;10187025]WOW Anita, your 1RX looks stunning!
I added the 3M Defender (spray on bra) on my IS and NX and it's fine for 18 months or so then shows its discoloration. It's also tricky to apply and a pain to remove if not applied thick enough. But apply it too thick and drips will form... I was happy with it but it's not for the novice DIYer...
I like the sound of this stuff, hadn't seen it until a couple of weeks ago in a car parts store. I was assuming it's not much good as I never seen anything mentioned anywhere when researching clear bra films. In Australia they want around $1200.00 to apply film to just the front of car (including only a strip across hood) and as I'm a bit of a tightarse I couldn't justify the cost. This spray on stuff would be way less in cost - you say 18 months it starts to show discolouration, that would be fine, happy to reapply yearly for the few dollars it costs. How many cans did you use on the NX? Has it actually stopped chips do you think?
I added the 3M Defender (spray on bra) on my IS and NX and it's fine for 18 months or so then shows its discoloration. It's also tricky to apply and a pain to remove if not applied thick enough. But apply it too thick and drips will form... I was happy with it but it's not for the novice DIYer...
I like the sound of this stuff, hadn't seen it until a couple of weeks ago in a car parts store. I was assuming it's not much good as I never seen anything mentioned anywhere when researching clear bra films. In Australia they want around $1200.00 to apply film to just the front of car (including only a strip across hood) and as I'm a bit of a tightarse I couldn't justify the cost. This spray on stuff would be way less in cost - you say 18 months it starts to show discolouration, that would be fine, happy to reapply yearly for the few dollars it costs. How many cans did you use on the NX? Has it actually stopped chips do you think?
RX 350 F Sport Bra
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
[QUOTE=GSFRX350;10187286]
Yes, it worked well in stopping chips. I didn't have any when I peeled it off yet the film did have some scratches/chips. Same with the IS.
Discoloration and fade starts to show before the 18 months but you can gently apply wax to shine it up a bit to make it look almost like new. One downside is wet drip marks show when it rains and remains visible a couple hours after until it dries.
One can applies the three or so coats needed to do the front bumper. If you do the hood, you'll need another can. In N.Am, the can is about $20 USD. Good luck!
WOW Anita, your 1RX looks stunning!
I added the 3M Defender (spray on bra) on my IS and NX and it's fine for 18 months or so then shows its discoloration. It's also tricky to apply and a pain to remove if not applied thick enough. But apply it too thick and drips will form... I was happy with it but it's not for the novice DIYer...
I like the sound of this stuff, hadn't seen it until a couple of weeks ago in a car parts store. I was assuming it's not much good as I never seen anything mentioned anywhere when researching clear bra films. In Australia they want around $1200.00 to apply film to just the front of car (including only a strip across hood) and as I'm a bit of a tightarse I couldn't justify the cost. This spray on stuff would be way less in cost - you say 18 months it starts to show discolouration, that would be fine, happy to reapply yearly for the few dollars it costs. How many cans did you use on the NX? Has it actually stopped chips do you think?
I added the 3M Defender (spray on bra) on my IS and NX and it's fine for 18 months or so then shows its discoloration. It's also tricky to apply and a pain to remove if not applied thick enough. But apply it too thick and drips will form... I was happy with it but it's not for the novice DIYer...
I like the sound of this stuff, hadn't seen it until a couple of weeks ago in a car parts store. I was assuming it's not much good as I never seen anything mentioned anywhere when researching clear bra films. In Australia they want around $1200.00 to apply film to just the front of car (including only a strip across hood) and as I'm a bit of a tightarse I couldn't justify the cost. This spray on stuff would be way less in cost - you say 18 months it starts to show discolouration, that would be fine, happy to reapply yearly for the few dollars it costs. How many cans did you use on the NX? Has it actually stopped chips do you think?
Yes, it worked well in stopping chips. I didn't have any when I peeled it off yet the film did have some scratches/chips. Same with the IS.
Discoloration and fade starts to show before the 18 months but you can gently apply wax to shine it up a bit to make it look almost like new. One downside is wet drip marks show when it rains and remains visible a couple hours after until it dries.
One can applies the three or so coats needed to do the front bumper. If you do the hood, you'll need another can. In N.Am, the can is about $20 USD. Good luck!
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