3M ClearBra Outline

[doo925]

I'm hoping someone can help me out with a small problem. I've got a 3M Clearbra on my car and over time, a fine white build up of wax and polish collect along the edges that I can't get rid of. Does anyone have an effect but safe solution to this problem? I take the car to as many Show n Shines as possible and have been told by more than 1 judge that the 3M outline is preventing me from getting 1st place points.

[Superior Shine]

Use your finger wrapped in a micrfiber towel. It will help if you have good finger nails.

If it were my car I would peel the bra off and throw it away.

[Jimmy Buffit]

Adding a 50/50 mix of water and isopropyl alcohol to Joe's suggestion may help.

Me, I'd rip it off, also.

Jim

[rtr0id]

do u guys have another recommendation for protecting againt rock chips?

[sneek]

Funny, i was thinking about getting a clear bra on my car, but now i am not so sure. I don't think i would peel off the bra as its around $350.

[chrisx]

If you are thinking of removing the bra and puting something temporary, then AutoSkin (up to 6 weeks protection) could be your answer.

As for the wax buildup I have heard using a toothpick helps. Try using the 3M blue painters tape (comes in various widths) along the edge next time you wax.

[doo925]

How come you guys are so against the ClearBra ? The Nissan 350 Z needs some sort of frontal protection and I would never think of using one of the old style black leather looking contraptions. This car is also a daily driver so I don't think a weekly professional detailing job is very practical to keep it looking good. I'm very happy with the ClearBra and wouldn't drive without one.

[Deaner5]

I've seen some of those and they seem ok, wish I had something to protect my car against the two summers I worked construction and drove behind semis. As for getting the wax out of that seam, I have a Black Magic detailing tool that has brustles on one end and a rubber point on the other. The thing was cheap and at Wal-Mart and it may help you out, it certainly can get a little farther then my finger and a towel. Hope this helps!!!

[chrisx]

As with most things in life there are compromises. In this case protect the front of your car and you might see the line on the bonnet and dirt builds up, don't protect the front of your car and you get stonechips. Personally I had the clear bra on both my cars (now going to do it on my newer cars shortly) and although you can see the line on the bonnet on certain angles, I just hate the look of stonechips.

At least if you want to take the film off down the track the paint underneath will be "as new" condition.

[TrufflePig]

i'm against these things.

they tried to sell me one for the MINI and i said no way.

personally i don't think they look good when you're close to the car and secondly, when your detailing the car, there is that problem of wax. but you could always just tape the edge of it. a nd lastly, you can't just peel it off after a few years, you're pretty much screwed with it. that's what the dealer told me.

i asked what happens if you want it replaced. and they said well we can put another one on top or something like that.

imagine the paint after you peel it off after its been on for say 5 years or so in a hot place.

[maxpower]

clearbra

on my G35 I use an old tooth brush.......works great to remove the dried wax/powder. the used brush will not scratch the paint

max

[sneek]

Re: clearbra

Originally posted by maxpower
on my G35 I use an old tooth brush.......works great to remove the dried wax/powder. the used brush will not scratch the paint

max

why not try one of these
Triple Duty Detail Brush

[Newport Viper]

The little plastic sword you use in a martini. Really.

[SL1CK]

I was just about to recommend what Sneek recommended, the little brushed could get in there easily. If the accumulated wax dust is truly in a "dust" type form, go buy a bottle of Compressed Air and blow it along the edge of the bra. See how that turns out.

[doo925]

This stuff isn't "dust". It's hard, dried wax. Not a lot mind you, but enough that over time it starts to show. I kinda like the martini stick idea if done carefully. I tried the old tooth brush idea on my 1st 350 and all it did was scratch the paint. I wouldn't recommend trying that one again. As for the ClearBra though, I wouldn't drive my Z without one. Sure the wax build up is a pain but one that I think that I can overcome. But I've seen more than 1 unprotected Z front end and it wasn't a pretty sight