06 Red Z06

John Z

New member
I've been thinking about getting a nose mask for my pearl white 01 Nissan Pathfinder but I was warned by a detailer because it could potentially damage the paint on the car. Is this correct? What do the members here think about nose masks? Is it not a good idea? Thanks.
 
Like anything, it requires proper usage. If uncared for or mis-adjusted they can cause damage. A loose cover (or bra) will flap in the wind and cause light abrasions. Installing a bra on a dirty car will grind in the dirt. Leaving a wet bra on a car for an extended period (they don't breathe well) can cause paint fogging. Only buy a top brand like Colgan.



Having said all that, I will admit to owning a bra for my Boxster and have had several in the past. I have had excellent results with them since I am careful.



The major downside to the bra is that you "have to put it on". I am lazy and whenever I forget to stick it on I get a chip!



I have found that the best overall solution (none are perfect) is the permanently attached "clear bra film". This is on the car 24-7 and is as maintenance free as you can get. It is also less unsightly (to some) than the vinyl bra.
 
THe only time I would use them is on a long highway trip, and when I arrived I would remove it and wash the car before putting it back on. THey are not good for prolonged use. Wind tends to shift it which abrases the paint surface dulling it. If any dirt gets under it, you are gonna have scratch city! Also, depending on what kind of paint protection you have, you can have uneven paint fading from UV exposure in the long run. I would look into the clear bra system like XPEL.
 
I have a nose mask on my BMW Z3. My dealership ordered it for me. Its custom fit. Spend the money on a custom fit model for your car.

Depending on your environment, you need to check under the masking for grit/grim/dust...etc.... If you don't remove the mask and clean both the car and the mask, then you are asking for problems. I haven't had any trouble. I'd rather have to remove the mask and do some detailing than have my nose dinged from road trash.
 
I haven't tried one yet but I like the idea of the Mag Bra. It appears easy to install and it won't flap, rub or trap dirt. However it is currently only made for Porsches and since it's magnetically attached I would need to use some of the clear film on the vinyl front bumber for complete coverage.

<em class='bbc'>click pic for more info[/i]
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by Brad B. [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>The problem is, though, that the most exposed leading edges of modern cars are plastic. [/b]</blockquote>
Yes that's why I mentioned it in my post. The MagBra would work well in conjunction with some clear film on the front bumper.

The thing with Porsches is that the hood is so low to the ground that it takes a beating from sand and road debris. I have zero interest in using a standard bra for the car because I went that route with a quality vinyl bra on a T-Bird once. I think I'll try this product out. I also like that there aren't any straps or anything to remove to open the hood.

The manufacturer's applications are limited but I thought you all might find the idea different and interesting. Maybe it will spark someone's creativity for creating their own protective device for their car's front end.
 
Sorry, Short Cut didn't read your post close enough. I'm a skimmer!



I wonder if the material could be manufactured in different colors? Too much to ask, I'm sure.



I don't have a clear bra on my hood top surface because I don't like the visual "line" it makes where the film ends. But extra temporary protection there on long road trips might be a good idea. If the material came in my cars color I would be interested.
 
This is one of my clients many cars. The vehicle only has 2300 miles on it. The paint was buffed in 06 by the dealer to get rid of some defects and instead made it worse by causing holograms and swirls. Also there was slight water etching.

Products used-Rotary, Kompressor and ccs pads, Megs M105 and 205, Menzerna 85rd, P21s wheel gel and TAW, Fuzion, Pakshak ww's and microfibers, various brushes, solvent and Riccardo clay.

Note: Myself, red cars and my camera do not make for very good pics so the defects did not come out as bad as they looked.

Also want to give credit to Chris(Da Fats) on the detailing forums for waxing the car.

Here are a few pics of the defects.

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On to the finished product.

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