To bra or not to bra, that is the question.

[jedi]

With the recent cold and snow, I am thinking of getting a bra for my 95 C4. Any suggestions? Any brand recommendations? I had a bra on my camaro which ruined the paint, but that was 10 years ago. Have they gotten better about protecting cars with out destroying paint? With all the salt and grit on the roads I am worried about my front end paint. Your comments would be greatly appreciated.
Jedi

 

[Geof180]

i have a mask i use on my 96.... it is the mini-mask type - sold by mid america - which covers only the very front of the nose...

i only use it though, when i drive from here in the springs back to texas where i am from.... i have had no problems after having the mask for a year now...

oh - and i think it is a safe assumption to say that paint technology has improved exponentially in the past ten years... a good friend of mine in the paint business back home suggested that i not leave the mask on for extended periods of time (weeks, months, etc) without taking it off to let the paint breathe.... he also suggested waxing the crap out of the covered area before putting it on as well....

Geof

 

[3TT3V]

Another key to longevity of the Bra is to remove it if it gets wet and alow it to dry before re-installing it. Or do most of you guys just leave it on all the time?

 

[RLD92]

I have one of the speed lingerie bras the directions with it say not to leave it on for extended periods or paint damage will result. It is color matching and I do like that, Hope this helps.

 

[GS Diva]

I also have a Speed Lingerie nose mask that is color matched to the Grand Sport and only use it on trips back and forth to car shows primarily. I've had no trouble with it at all. It fits incredibly tight so there's nothing for the wind to grab. As RLD92 says, don't leave it on for any length of time, especially when it is wet!

By the way, Speed Lingerie is a great company to deal with and stand by their products 100%.

Elaine

 

[MoeJr]

I never liked the looks of a bra myself. You really shouldn't have a paint problem as long as you aren't driving on dirt raods or sand covered roads in the winter. The new paint is pretty durable.

 

[vetteguy]

Speed Lingerie is the best but a little pricey$$

 

[Hotred94]

I believe you either avoid a bra or you live with it forever. Have you ever seen a bra removed after being on a car for about a year? I've seen several, and it seems there are always abrasion marks on the paint. Bras collect dirt and moisture, then rub those things around as you drive down the road. So my 2 cents is that if you want a bra, then plan on never taking it off; if you just want a temporary protection thing, then you may be better off without it.

 

[LPDesRoche]

I suppose a bra would be ok just for long trips to keep the road debris and rock chips down, but for the big picture DO NOT LEAVE IT ON THERE. It will scratch your paint and leave a mark for sure no matter what amount of wax you use.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Vibration and Abrasives

My father was a household goods mover for many years.
I have learned how to load the impossible into the improbable, tie trucker's knots and learned that padding and minimal movement is key to transporting furniture without damage.

Any abrasive that gets between your vette and the bra WILL cause a mark (scratches) because of vibration from the engine or road travel.

I don't use a bra on the 78. My philosophy is "Chip happens".
I feel that each character giving chip represents some nice smiles per mile. If you wish to use a bra, be sure the vette and bra are clean and dry. Wax the vette very well, especially where the bra will be applied. Check it often and remove to clean and/or dry immediately when needed. I'd only use it as long as you have to and not leave it on indefinitely.
Heidi

 

[BigRed]

Im not a bra fan especially on these cars...which we hold so dear with finiky fibreglass paint jobs..

Id rather take the single rock chip Vs dirt building up in the lip of the bra and scratching up a 4 foot line across my hood. Ive had bras low and high quality and the only difference is material and clamping methods.

If you do go bra PLEASE use somekind of chamois or plastic underneath the bra and keep the space between the bra and the car STERILE!

 

[90 Corvette ZR-1]

I have SL bra that I use on my Z when I travel to BG. Looks good, fits perfect, but is expensive. The inside is flanel lined, and they are a very nice company to deal with.

 

[BigRed]

Mine were to but on the lip (Where the bra ends car begins) Its usually hemmed over with means tight vinyl on the car. Thats where crud gets trapped, if it wasn't for the hem the bra's are great!

 

[BlackNBlue95]

Im not a bra fan especially on these cars...which we hold so dear with finiky fibreglass paint jobs..

I had this discussion last night...

As I told my girl friend last night I'm not a big fan of the bra.. Though my car has enough chips which I touched up thanks to www.paintscratch.com ... I can't stand the look of the bra's even if they are color matched... I just like the natural look...... of the paint that is..
-Rick

 

[90 Corvette ZR-1]

I only use mine if I am spending a large amout of time on the road. IE going down to BG. Other then that, I am braless