Clear bra removal - seems like a nightmare...need some input

RaydiantDetail

RaydiantDetail

New member
Hey Autopia Fam,

I had a potential client reach out to me to detail their `04 645. After speaking to them they mentioned they had a clear bra on the car that they would like removed and redone. I don`t do clear bra application so I said I could do the removal process. Prep and polish the paint and we could have someone come and do the clear bra application. Anyway long story short I went out to see the car and give a consultation. The bra has been on the car since `04 and the previous owner lived in Alabama and it sat outside in the hot sun all the time apparently. The new owner just bought the car last year.
Oh the clear bra horror...

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I have removed a few clear bra`s on some details but usually pretty small areas and never a clear bra that looks like crocodile skin or the Mojave desert.

My concern is that at this level it may damage the paint underneath during the removal process? I would of course have to be super careful and my thought was to use my VC 75 steamer to assist and take my sweet time.

I quoted around 2 - 3 hours just for removal only because I am not sure how long it would take to be honest. Its only on half the hood, half the fenders, the headlights, and side mirrors. Oddly, not the front bumper though which has tons of rock chips.

Should I even attempt it or just leave it to the pro who would be doing the new ppf install? (I am thinking about the latter to save me headache and any issues, it may not be worth the money - even though money is nice)

Any advice/ feedback always welcome and appreciated.
 

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I would farm that removal/application out......that hood/fender section looks like it would start coming off in little pieces
 
Ronkh said:
Looks like it will come off like a "theft proof price label"

Good luck
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Lol. I am still debating even attempting to do it.

briarpatch said:
I would farm that removal/application out......that hood/fender section looks like it would start coming off in little pieces
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That was my concern! Appreciate the input.

You know when you want to attempt something and you have two different thoughts going on. One says dont be a sissy and just do it, the other rationale side says let it be someone else`s headache! Lol
 
That`s the worst clear bra I`ve ever seen and our summers down here get well over 100*. I guess it would be like a clear bra installer trying to buff a really swirled up vehicle...he probably wouldn`t want to even attempt it.
 
I remember people bringing me lacquer paint jobs that looked like that and expected it to look new again :wall
 
yikes, good luck. I am very interested to see what approach you take. Since it is fractured in so many pieces, I wonder if an eraser wheel would help "chipping" it off (?) . Also, I personally would consider the gentle use of a plastic razor blade to aid in removal in combination with whatever approach you attempt , since that`ll definitely need polishing afterwards.
 
Raydiant -

While a steamer is indeed going to be your best friend but as you can see, it`s beyond it`s usable life....
I would avoid the removal job unless you`re willing to take the the risk of some hrs with a plastic knife and alot of choice language words.

Either you are blessed at it might come off in small sheets or you will be scraping all day with a plastic blade.
You`re talking a 12 year old install.....not that it may matter, but the paint underneath might not exactly blend with the exposed paint a well.
 
This could provide a great learning experience when you think about it, if you can remove this...you can do anything hahaha . If the customer is realistic, I would explain the risks and potential outcome, do a test area and then if you`re willing to help them out by tackling this, come up with a price that`ll be worth your time. I`d probably rather spend a weekend removing this clear bra, than doing a full detail inside out on a vehicle probably since I`ll be focused on just one area/aspect of the vehicle while tackling something others may decline,which then frustrates the client.
 
Migue said:
yikes, good luck. I am very interested to see what approach you take. Since it is fractured in so many pieces, I wonder if an eraser wheel would help "chipping" it off (?) . Also, I personally would consider the gentle use of a plastic razor blade to aid in removal in combination with whatever approach you attempt , since that`ll definitely need polishing afterwards.
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It`s most likely going to come off in hundreds of little bits, just bill accordingly. It`s not a tough job, just an odious one.

Lastly, make sure you have a quality adhesive remover... your going to need it.
 
Call around to PPF installers and explain to them the severity of the film and ask how much time they would need and at what price. If you feel compelled to remove it, base your time and price off of their quote.
 
A lot of good points here. Talk with client reference the dangers and potential out come. Also what other places would charge if you want and go from there


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I wouldn`t touch that with a 10` pole! Send it to a PPF shop and let them deal with that nightmare. Once they get cracked like that I won`t touch them.

This is the worst one I`ve done, not as bad as that car.




 
After removing with a heat gun and plastic squeegee I used goo gone to remove the adhesive. Then I polished and sealed the paint.

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They took it back to the shop and they said they can`t remove it. Well I could.


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