Shield or Bra

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Bruce Campbell 2

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Trying to decide on a Bug shield or the Hood Bra, any suggestions?



Also a good place to buy accessories – above - and the window vents (in channel) all preferably Ford OEM if they come that way.

 
Personally I would choose the bug shield for one reason. If you don't take off the bra everytime you wash it the water gets trap in the fabric, both from rain and washing it. Don't get me wrong a bra is nice looking and helps pretect agianst road debre but if you don't remove it and clean underneath it regulary it will destroy your paint underneath, then when your bra gets old and you need to take it off you have an outline rough paint of the bra
 
Have you thought about a clear bra, i dont know if they help much or not but i think it protects the paint



GeorgeT
 
The clear shields work great, on lgt colored cars,I had one installed on my stang (black) for two weeks than had it removed.

After two coats of wax it stuck out like a sore thumb, 600 bux down the drain.:angry:
 
Actually, George, the exact opposite. When I got the truck, it already had the Ford branded bug shield and ventvisors. I removed all that. The 3M film is now on the hood, fenders, front bumper, front air dam, mirrors, door handle cups, door edges, tailgate cup, tailgate edges, and a 6" strip down each side of the bed around the tie-downs. I've been debating doing more. It's not completely invisible, but on my color, it's damn near. Every pic of my truck y'all have ever seen has the film on it and nobody's ever noticed. What Bill said is right, though. It's most noticable on white and black vehicles. Also, the pre-cut kits are WAY more noticable as they don't go all the way to the edge of the panel. To look best, it needs to be done right out of bulk film and trimmed with a scalpel by someone with LOTS of experience. Here are some pics from when when mine was done. Form your own opinions. :)



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/3M/P1000597%20(Small).JPG">



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/3M/P1000604%20(Small).JPG">



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/3M/P1000608%20(Small).JPG">



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/3M/P1000616%20(Small).JPG">



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/3M/P1000620%20(Small).JPG">



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/3M/P1000622%20(Small).JPG">



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/3M/P1000628%20(Small).JPG">



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/3M/P1000637%20(Small).JPG">
 
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Dang, that is almost invisible...How does that stuff work? Is it similar to tape or something like that? How does it stand up to washing and waxing? What about the elements, does it help with that stuff? (I'm assuming it does else you wouldn't have spent the money for it)
 
It's clear 8 mil thick urethane with a traditional automotive clearcoat on it. I wash my truck 4 times a week on average and it's fine. It keeps bugs and rocks from damaging the paint. They just either bounce off, or damage the film, but never touch the paint. I also wax about once a month and you just wax right over it. Since it's traditional clearcoat, it likes wax. Like Bill said, you will get wax build up on the edges. I have an 8 pack of kids extra-soft toothbrushes on my detailing shelf just for that very problem. You let the wax dry, buff, and then gently toothbrush the edge.



I'm debating on doing the rockers and sides of the rear bumper cover next in case of debris from tires. I HATE mudflaps.



By the way, it's REALLY expensive, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. (I also don't pay retail for it and don't pay for installation, though. :D)
 
Well, this hit a good spot and thanks for the info on the clear shield. I think I will go with the Bug shield. While I think the Bra looks great, I don't want problems down the road.



Now any thought on the second part of my question?

"Also a good place to buy accessories, Bug shield and window vents (in channel) all preferably Ford OEM if Fords even come that way." I ran a search through the forums and came away with, EGR is sturdier, but I'm wondering if ford makes a set that is any good? (don't ask me why I am interested in the Ford name on them...I don't think I have a good reason:blink:)



Also I would like to see a picture of the Autoventshade's and EGR's if some member can let me know which they have in their library.
 
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Depends where you go and how much you want done. For perspective, the amount on my truck would normally cost about $2k retail installed.
 
In the Rockies where I live, 3m clear bra is a must. Not so much the bugs, but the sand damage. There is nothing like it. I have been installing it for several years. Insist on 3m though. My 07 has it on the hood, fenders, grille, headlamps, fogs, front hood mldg, painted areas of front bumper (XLT), door edges, front edge of bedsides, under fuel door, tailgate edges, top painted area of rear bumper, lower edge of tailgate where the jack handle goes, and probably some I forgot. I think 2k is a little strong for a price, but it's pretty much what the market will bear. I wish it was smooth enough to put on my windshield. My 2004 Element had the entire hood covered to avoid the lines. Anyway, it's by far the ultimate protection for sand, bugs etc. In my garage the other day, one of my kids opened the door on the wife's Pathfinder into my Trac. I was ready to strangle until I took a look and saw that all it did was leave a scuff mark, thanks to the clear bra on the door edge. It did leave a dent, but I also do PDR, so no problem.
 
You can always email Seattle Sport Trac, and ask him if he could and what it would cost for him to cut a hood piece out of the same 3M material, Dingo and Brad are talking about.



He still has a website even though he is not a site sponser any longer. He still sells FORD and Sport Trac items. Never hurts to ask him questions.







 

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