2013 Persona LeBra?

With them scuffing up the paint, vinyl bra's are not very popular now. Clear bra and 3m Car defender spray are other options.

 

Totaly agree with you. 3M clear bra provides the best protection. I had it installed when I first got my prius in 2010 and it still looks as good as new.

 

I wouldn't install one of those vinyl bra's. Just looks too dated. And I do think long term useage risks the bra itself damaging the paint.

I had 3M clear bra on my previous vehicle. For 3 years, and it did protect the hood well.

I'm still debating whether I want it on my new Prius. The cost has gone up, and while I did see benefit from my previous clear bra? There was a seem line on the hood where the 3M film ended that made washing and waxing a little more difficult.

I'm almost leaning towards living with it as is, and just also accepting some chips (hopefully) over the years. Could I live with "touch-up" until I needed a "re-paint"? .....still debating.

And as far as bugs? Well the clear bra still collected them, and they did stick. But with just keeping my vehicle well waxed and polished, I never had any trouble removing them.

It's not "bugs" that may motivate me to clear bra purchase, it's chips in the paint.

 

Alteast we're pointing you in the same direction...

Echo.... lol..

 

I agree. I went with the clear bra. Had it installed 2 weeks after I got the car. I had seven chips on the bottom of the bumper that sticks out... I painstakingly fixed them, but the BP touch up doesn't match. Long story short, I had to get the bottom resprayed and am waiting the 30 days for the paint to cure before I add the last piece of the shield. Get it installed ASAP if you don't want any chips!

Also, I received a sample kit from Toyota (part of the Toyoguard package) that included an exterior spot cleaner. It works great on removing bugs. Twice a year in Florida we have Love Bugs, some scientific/moronic attempt at getting rid of mosquitos. Now they swarm twice a year and splatter all over the car... They don't bite, but what a mess!

 

bubbles aren't so bad.. it's clear.. (just trying to make myself feel better for my poor work, but it still works!)

 

Ditto to the clear bra. First thing I added even after I picked up my car used.

 

Well if it means anything you guys are convincing me I should probably get Clear Bra again.

I'm NOT a DIY person, at least not on a project like this. What has surprised me is the increase in cost. Some of it might be simply a size increase between a Honda Fit and a Toyota Prius...more coverage area, means more material needed. But 3 years ago, I could get the hood and fenders of the Fit Covered for less than $300.

I've dug around and for only hood and slight side fender coverage, installed I'm looking at near $400 at best. For the full monty...which I think you really need...hood, bumper, mirrors etc...the cost is upwards of $800.

I think it's a great product....just wish it wasn't so expensive.

 

I recall it always being over $500 for a full front to be done.

 

I paid $600.00... I had two choices and I chose the package that goes 3/4 of the way up the hood.

 

Yeah, well like I said, I'm comparing it to the cost for my Honda Fit. The Fit was smaller, less coverage area, less material used.

It's a good product, good idea. I'll probably have it done.

 

I suspect the cost of the material is negligible relative to labor. I plan to DIY it.. and just section, like lower lip section that is painted, and front section of hood.

 

I've been talking to a lot of owners of the vinyl bras, and even some body shop guys. I was concerned with the vinyl bras causing damage as well. They've all said as long as you do a good job of maintaining it, such as taking it off weekly to wipe down the dirt that gets trapped in between, and cleaning the inner lining of the bra, you should be good. Some bras are easy to put on and take off, so it shouldn't be a hassle.

Initially I was looking at the vinyl bras just for road trips. That's when I tend to get rock chips on my front bumper, which I absolutely hate because you can't really fix that. I was even thinking of putting painter's tape on parts that I suspect the bra can damage the paint just to be safe.

I personally wouldn't get one for long term use bc they really are an eye sore. I'm still on the fence about getting one, but my next road trip isn't due for another 2 months or so.

 

Ok I'm the odd man out. I driver over 50,000 miles a year. I not only have a car bra but mirror covers as wel because my mirrors were getting beat up as well. DO Not buy any bra other the colgan. It has a soft felt side againest the car side. Very well made. I have wasted money on several other brands and they do not compare. I think I paid 350.