Should I use a Front End Cover

C

cjkbme2w

New member
I am considering getting a Front End Cover, to help protect the front grille area from stones and other flying debris.



Does anyone use one of these?



I heard that over time, the paint under the cover will be

a different shade than the exposed paint. Is this something

that I need to worry about if I just use the cover when I travel,

and then take it off when I am parked.



Thx
 
~One mans opinion / observations~



Car Front Mask (auto bras) could cause a tremendous amount of paint damage as they trap dust and grit, and vibrate in the wind. It's no different than rubbing your paint with sandpaper. They also cause uneven fading because the paint under the bra is not exposed to the sun.



~Hope this helps~



Knowledge unshared is experience wasted

justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon
 
By front-end cover I guess you're referring to a bra?

http://www.carxpressions.com/carbra.htm

http://www.caraccessories.com/CarBras.asp



If so then they can indeed save you from a lot of rock chips/bug splats, etc. Depending on the car and type of bra of course.



If you keep your finish waxed/sealed and don't leave the bra on forever you shouldn't have a problem with paint fading. Using the cover for travel rather than 24/7 is how most bras of this type are intended for use. You also need to make sure the surface that rests on your paint is kept very clean (vacuum and/or brush).



I use one on my street rod for road trips and it has never caused a problem.



I would suggest that if you go this route you buy a high quality bra made for your car. An inferior bra will not have as good a fit, nor will the lining be as soft, both of which could cause marring of your paint. Sorry I can't make a recommendation, but the company I buy mine from only makes custom bras for older cars.
 
I have been using a car bra on my vehicles for years with no problems or paint damage. I usually only put one on if I am going on a long trip or if I have to drive on a road where I know I will get rocks or other similar situations. If you plan to leave it on long term than maybe you need to look at a clear bra.



One of the keys to a good car bra is getting a quality bra that fits. Ill fitting car bras will flap in the wind abrading the surface like sandpaper. You also want to take it off at the very least weekly to clean both the bra and the nose of the car and let the bra dry thoroughly before putting it back on. If it rains take the bra off as soon as practical and let it dry. Make sure you keep the area under the bra well waxed etc, etc.....



If you don't just throw it on and forget it you shouldn't have any problems. It just takes regular maintenance and cleaning just like anything else related to the hobby.



Mine is from Perfect Fit Car Bras.



2760frontquarterzymol.jpg
 
Thanks for all the useful information:



I was thinking of getting the car bra directly from VW

and customized to fit the Jetta, which is $143.92 (includes Ship)



Here is the link directly to the Jetta Bra.





ThxVW Driver Gear



Do you think that this would work?





Thx
 
cjkbme2w said:
Thanks for all the useful information:



I was thinking of getting the car bra directly from VW

and customized to fit the Jetta, which is $143.92 (includes Ship)........Do you think that this would work?
Click to expand...

That sounds like a plan.... Looks like it fits pretty well.



Just remember to keep your paint waxed/sealed and keep the liner of the bra clean and you're good to go :xyxthumbs
 
Like all the others have said, I only use the bra for road trips. I bought that bra for my fiancee's Jetta from www.vwparts.com for slightly less. It's not as easy installing it for the first time though since you have to replace some screws in your wheelwell (they're included). However, the Colgan bra I bought for my Bimmer was a snap since it just slipped on.
 
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