Front Protection?

Most of us probably agree that the removable bras for Porsches leave a lot to be desired. But every little paint chip shows up especially on the dark colors (like my Arena Red Boxster) and the metallics are hard to touch up well. Anyone have experience with the clear shields that are marketed under several names. May all be a 3M adhesive film? Can they be installed smoothly on the convex front of a Bosxter? Do they really work? Are they worth the exspense, etc? Thanks, Maury

Have seen many cars with this film & it works, if fitted correct, a good idea is the new stronger waxs, they do help but paint will still get chipped. As for me I stopped worrying about stone chips years ago, its a car, they get stone chips. Not seen many cars in the UK with 'bras' cheers

From what I've seen they work (and are removeable). Since I have a mile of gravel to get to my place I'm sure going to try it.

I've got it on my current B6 S4 and love it. Got it installed on front bumper, front hood, and rear bumper. There are several brands, the two I can remember are Stongard and 3M. When installed by an expert they are beautiful. And since it's a one piece on my front bumper, and one piece on the rear bumper, I am sure it can fit to very complex forms. I have yet to hear someone who got a clear bra installed properly and does not love it (and I know a lot of Audi owners who have them). On the other hand, I know a couple of people who regret not getting it. Because of stone chips, they are getting the front hood repainted, and will install clear bra right after the repainting.

When I bought my first Porsche back in the 90's, I parked away from everyone, did not drive on rainy days, did not drive it when I knew I would be driving on dirt roads, etc. I owned that car for almost 3 years and had less than 3,000 miles on it. It was perfect on resale, and I did not get much more than the value of the car if it had 15,000 miles and a few paint chips. I deprived myself of enjoying that car. After that I now drive the hell out of the car. I am not worried about a few paint chips. I enjoy my cars and drive them anywhere, anytime. If a lot of guys are tracking these cars, are you seriously worried about a few paint chips?

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr id="quote" noshade="noshade" height="1" /> When I bought my first Porsche back in the 90's, I parked away from everyone, did not drive on rainy days, did not drive it when I knew I would be driving on dirt roads, etc. I owned that car for almost 3 years and had less than 3,000 miles on it. It was perfect on resale, and I did not get much more than the value of the car if it had 15,000 miles and a few paint chips. I deprived myself of enjoying that car. After that I now drive the hell out of the car. I am not worried about a few paint chips. I enjoy my cars and drive them anywhere, anytime. If a lot of guys are tracking these cars, are you seriously worried about a few paint chips? <hr id="quote" noshade="noshade" height="1" /> ...exactly! These cars were made to be driven and driven hard - it's a crime not to. The Cayman already has some protective film (like most Porsche's) just where the rear arch pops out to protect from crap thrown up from the front wheels.A bra is just overkill IMHO. </blockquote> If you're concerned buy a cheap pick-up for the work run /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/wink_smile.gif Dean Edited by - V6 TT on 10/02/2005 05:11:06 AM

sspender is right. In the first grade my teacher handed out crayons and told us to break them in half and tear the paper off. An artist would say that's the only suitable way use crayons. A significant portion of the class refused to 'destroy' the pristine condition of their new crayons. Moral of the story: Crayons and Caymansare meant to be used, people are strange, and sspenderis right! I would consider a clear bra only if I couldn't see it at all, totally invisible.... Anyone have a close up pic of one installed?

I've had clear bras installed on just about every car I've owned since 1997 and highly recommend them. Some pics of my past cars are on www.invincaman.com in the customer testimonial section. I know that at least 2 patterns makers are aware of the Cayman and going to do patterns for it once they get their hands on the car. If you have any questions about it the person to ask is Alan Seligman at [phone removed] as he's been doing this for over a decade and many Porsche owners will testify to the quality of his work and knowledge of the materials, patterns, etc. It's not for everyone, but at least get all the info you can before making a decision.

My truck looks like it was hit with a shotgun blast behind the rear wheels after a few years on my gravel one mile driveway. There is no way I'm not going to try to protect the Cayman.

Thanks for all the great feedback. I certainly intend to drive and enjoy theCayman, including on the track, but don't want to abuse the front if it can be protected. I have found that many 911's do not like to be passed by 'lesser' cars, hence you have to hang with them through a few corners before they are ready toadmit that another car is really faster. Just sold an '89 944 turbo that looked great except for the front stone chips. Maury

I have seen three Porsches (two Carreras and one Boxster)with 3M clear 'bras' and they all look fine. (The bra is almost invisible when applied on a darker color, and can be removed if you don't like it). For such a small investment, why not protect your car? Do you fellows who say 'a car is meant to be driven', etc, etc refuse to wash your baby when she gets dirty? I think not.

No, but if you read my first post on this thread, with my first Porsche, I spent more time washing than driving. My point is I am not going to save this car for a sunny day and a flat asphalt road with no traffic. This car will be driven and appreciated. I understand your point about the price is not significant, but frankly I do not like the appearance. Like a lot of things when dealing with cars, it is personal.

Santa Fe, I highly recommend them. They have always worked well on my cars. As long as you are getting a light color car white/silver look best they can come out spectacular. My advice though is to do your homework on WHO is best to put it on. Dealers claim to have the best guys but there are truly big differences in quality. I live in Colorado and found an amazing artist who does these and he literally tucks the clear bra into the rubber seals so you barely see any lines at all. He's worth the trip if you are ever up here.

Santa Fe, I highly recommend them. They have always worked well on my cars. As long as you are getting a light color car white/silver look best they can come out spectacular. My advice though is to do your homework on WHO is best to put it on. Dealers claim to have the best guys but there are truly big differences in quality. I live in Colorado and found an amazing artist who does these and he literally tucks the clear bra into the rubber seals so you barely see any lines at all. He's worth the trip if you are ever up here.

Send me the details. I always enjoy a drive north and a trip in the silver Cayman is on order.