Some serious bra talk

Roger3125 · 02-09-2006, 01:47 PM

Considering all that exposed sheet metal I am seriously considering getting a bra for the Pruis. I had heard good and bad tales of them.

The good is, of course, they protect the front from dings and chips. The bad I heard is they are big hassle to put on. Those who have one can you tell me (us) if what I've heard is true...

You have to be sure the inside of the bra is pristine clean. You have to lie the bra in the sun to allow it to relax in order to handle it. Storage when not in use. Some have told me its such a shassle they no longer use theirs.

Please, some feed back from the 'experienced'. Thanks all

Greyskye · 02-09-2006, 01:57 PM

I'd go with one of the 'clear bra' variations; a clear film which is applied to the front end, air dam, and the forward facing parts of the side view mirrors. No paint dings, no worries of paint fade on areas not covered by a fabric bra, or of paint damage on areas covered by the fabric bra.

And from a distance of 6+ feet, you can't even tell it's there.

richard schumacher · 02-09-2006, 02:05 PM

Support for Bra Talk ® is provided by the Natural Endowment of the Eumenides, the Victoria's Secret Foundation, and viewers like you.

tumbleweed · 02-09-2006, 02:08 PM

They look good, I saw a white Prius with a black one (I guess they are all black) on it yesterday. I won't buy one though. I had one for my previous car ( Honda Accord) and it looked great and protected the front from rock damage. Or at least it would have if I had used it, but I never used it. It was a pain to put on and it came with a warning that if it got wet underneath it might cloud the paint. So the day the big rock fell off the truck and put a dent in my hood the size of a quarter the bra was at home in the garage.

alsgameroom · 02-09-2006, 02:10 PM

To each his own, I like the look of the classic type of front end protector.

I purchased a Colgan bra for misti. It was easy to install and it wasn't a problem stretching it out to fit, it went right on though I did lay it out in the sun 'cuz the instructions said to. I don't feel it would have been necessary with this one.

My biggest problem was the instructions which are generic in nature, were a bit of a pain to follow. ie: "if your cover has these type of tabs to this else do that" kind of thing. As it turned out the prius is one of the easiest of the configurations mentioned in the instructions...I probably did not even need the instructions.

The part that fits the hood has elastic straps, the left one goes in a hole on the underside of the hood located by the left side near the rear of the hood. There is no hole on the right (drivers) side but it hooked on to the bracket which hinges the hood prop rod. the only issue is that you have to disconnect the s hook before swinging out the prop rod.

The other drawback I found is that this model does not cover as much of the fenders as the stock covers which go about 4 to 6 inches further (from pics I've seen).

this cover is about $40 less than a toyota branded cover.

its your move....hope this helps

2Hybrids · 02-09-2006, 02:13 PM

Well the thread title sure got my attention!!!

We have a black one on our '05 - I like the way the black looks against the driftwood color and the black trim. My wife wanted to protect her baby from rock chips and the famous Florida blind mosquitoes.

Before we put it on, we applied a thorough coat of wax on the area to be covered (while the bra was relaxing in the sun). We take it off every 3rd car wash to rewax and clean the bra. Seems to look okay so far.

narf · 02-09-2006, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roger3125@Feb 9 2006, 11:47 AM
Considering all that exposed sheet metal I am seriously considering getting a bra for the Pruis. I had heard good and bad tales of them.

The good is, of course, they protect the front from dings and chips. The bad I heard is they are big hassle to put on. Those who have one can you tell me (us) if what I've heard is true...

You have to be sure the inside of the bra is pristine clean. You have to lie the bra in the sun to allow it to relax in order to handle it. Storage when not in use. Some have told me its such a shassle they no longer use theirs.

Please, some feed back from the 'experienced'. Thanks all

[snapback]206438[/snapback]

I 've in the Boulder, Colorado area, (home of gravel covered roads) so I've had one of the traditional black vinyl bras on all of my previous cars. They were always a pain to deal with. You have to take them off every time you wash your car. When you wash the car you should also wash the bra to get all the fine sand and grit off of the inside, then wait for it to dry before you put it back on.

This time, I had the 3M clear bra stuff put on by a local installer. He covered the front half of the hood, bumper, headlights! grill, and the back of the mirrors, and charged me $300. It's only visible if you look closely and it works. I'm sold on the stuff.

galaxee · 02-09-2006, 02:32 PM

have the black toyota one on ours.

have taken it off maybe twice. the top half comes off once a month or so to wash underneath. no paint trouble at all. they say paint fogging can happen but i haven't seen any evidence of that at all. looks beautiful. once you put it on, leave it on. also great protection from stones and various other highway debris.

hdrygas · 02-09-2006, 03:50 PM

I have one of the Toyota Bras. The install was not bad at all but have 2 people to stretch it the first time. Hint for those in coder climates it helps to put it in the dryer on low for a bit to soften it up. Putting it out in the sun should work if you have sun and warm enough temperatures. I understand once it is on the first time it is easier to put back on. I think it looks good on my silver and it lets me identify my car in the parking lot. We are getting so many Prii that that is becoming a problem. For those in colder areas that are thinking about a radiator cover I am on version 0.3 of an add on radiator blocker that attaches to the Bra comes on and off with Velcro and has a zipper to open it up when you go on the freeway. I will have pictures as soon as the final 1.0 is done

Mystery Squid · 02-09-2006, 03:58 PM

I'd say it depends upon your location Given you're in So Cal. somewhere, it might not be a big deal.

My experience with bras have sucked. <_<

er, AUTO bras, that is. :P

Here in New England, they suck. Too much crap gets underneath too quickly, especially in the winter, and there's a serious risk of scratching if you don't pull it off ever soooo gently *bada-bing*

....

If I were to do it again, I'd go with the clear film stuff.

02-09-2006, 01:47 PM	#1
Roger3125 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Orange County, So Calif Posts: 189 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Considering all that exposed sheet metal I am seriously considering getting a bra for the Pruis. I had heard good and bad tales of them. The good is, of course, they protect the front from dings and chips. The bad I heard is they are big hassle to put on. Those who have one can you tell me (us) if what I've heard is true... You have to be sure the inside of the bra is pristine clean. You have to lie the bra in the sun to allow it to relax in order to handle it. Storage when not in use. Some have told me its such a shassle they no longer use theirs. Please, some feed back from the 'experienced'. Thanks all __________________ Super White, Pkg 3, born Jan 3, 2006, ++ClearBra++BT tech brace++Rear bumper guard

02-09-2006, 02:08 PM	#4
tumbleweed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 1,692 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: V Package: Adv. Technology Thanks: 33 Thanked 104 Times in 84 Posts Friends: 0	They look good, I saw a white Prius with a black one (I guess they are all black) on it yesterday. I won't buy one though. I had one for my previous car ( Honda Accord) and it looked great and protected the front from rock damage. Or at least it would have if I had used it, but I never used it. It was a pain to put on and it came with a warning that if it got wet underneath it might cloud the paint. So the day the big rock fell off the truck and put a dent in my hood the size of a quarter the bra was at home in the garage. __________________ Tom

02-09-2006, 02:10 PM	#5
alsgameroom Join Date: May 2005 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 117 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	To each his own, I like the look of the classic type of front end protector. I purchased a Colgan bra for misti. It was easy to install and it wasn't a problem stretching it out to fit, it went right on though I did lay it out in the sun 'cuz the instructions said to. I don't feel it would have been necessary with this one. My biggest problem was the instructions which are generic in nature, were a bit of a pain to follow. ie: "if your cover has these type of tabs to this else do that" kind of thing. As it turned out the prius is one of the easiest of the configurations mentioned in the instructions...I probably did not even need the instructions. The part that fits the hood has elastic straps, the left one goes in a hole on the underside of the hood located by the left side near the rear of the hood. There is no hole on the right (drivers) side but it hooked on to the bracket which hinges the hood prop rod. the only issue is that you have to disconnect the s hook before swinging out the prop rod. The other drawback I found is that this model does not cover as much of the fenders as the stock covers which go about 4 to 6 inches further (from pics I've seen). this cover is about $40 less than a toyota branded cover. its your move....hope this helps __________________ proud owner of "Misti" - '05 Millenium Silver (Coastal EV mod, front end protector, classic chrome splash guards, side window vents, priushoods leather glovebox & dash covers, GT Seat Covers, Heated Seat mod, HeatShield Front Sunshade, zinno wax!)

02-09-2006, 03:50 PM	#9
hdrygas Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Olympia Wa Posts: 3,650 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	I have one of the Toyota Bras. The install was not bad at all but have 2 people to stretch it the first time. Hint for those in coder climates it helps to put it in the dryer on low for a bit to soften it up. Putting it out in the sun should work if you have sun and warm enough temperatures. I understand once it is on the first time it is easier to put back on. I think it looks good on my silver and it lets me identify my car in the parking lot. We are getting so many Prii that that is becoming a problem. For those in colder areas that are thinking about a radiator cover I am on version 0.3 of an add on radiator blocker that attaches to the Bra comes on and off with Velcro and has a zipper to open it up when you go on the freeway. I will have pictures as soon as the final 1.0 is done __________________ Belle, a Millennium Silver '04 BC #9 "Becoming one with my Prius, ICE on ICE off" Belle has been passed on to my daughter. I have a new silver Prius 08. No name yet we have just met but not been introduced.

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02-09-2006, 01:57 PM	#2
Greyskye Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA Posts: 98 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I'd go with one of the 'clear bra' variations; a clear film which is applied to the front end, air dam, and the forward facing parts of the side view mirrors. No paint dings, no worries of paint fade on areas not covered by a fabric bra, or of paint damage on areas covered by the fabric bra. And from a distance of 6+ feet, you can't even tell it's there.

02-09-2006, 02:05 PM	#3
richard schumacher Destination: Eschaton Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 5,510 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: #6 Thanks: 99 Thanked 93 Times in 66 Posts Friends: 0	Support for Bra Talk ® is provided by the Natural Endowment of the Eumenides, the Victoria's Secret Foundation, and viewers like you.

02-09-2006, 02:13 PM	#6
2Hybrids 100% Committed Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Eustis, Florida Posts: 567 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Well the thread title sure got my attention!!! We have a black one on our '05 - I like the way the black looks against the driftwood color and the black trim. My wife wanted to protect her baby from rock chips and the famous Florida blind mosquitoes. Before we put it on, we applied a thorough coat of wax on the area to be covered (while the bra was relaxing in the sun). We take it off every 3rd car wash to rewax and clean the bra. Seems to look okay so far.

02-09-2006, 02:32 PM	#8
galaxee resident lab rat Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: boilermaker territory Posts: 9,675 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 94 Times in 37 Posts Friends: 26	have the black toyota one on ours. have taken it off maybe twice. the top half comes off once a month or so to wash underneath. no paint trouble at all. they say paint fogging can happen but i haven't seen any evidence of that at all. looks beautiful. once you put it on, leave it on. also great protection from stones and various other highway debris.

02-09-2006, 03:58 PM	#10
Mystery Squid Junior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	I'd say it depends upon your location Given you're in So Cal. somewhere, it might not be a big deal. My experience with bras have sucked. <_< er, AUTO bras, that is. :P Here in New England, they suck. Too much crap gets underneath too quickly, especially in the winter, and there's a serious risk of scratching if you don't pull it off ever soooo gently bada-bing .... If I were to do it again, I'd go with the clear film stuff.