[Scottyz]

PPF the bumper. Problem solved. It works. I’m still shocked the car is so easy to clean now. Bus wipe right off with now effort whatsoever.
I wish I knew of this stuff when I bought my Escalade. I would have PPF that vehicle too.

[ItsChristianInHD]

Go Novistretch. I’m getting one. Worth the cash.

[SilverBlueSS]

Had clear bra put on my 17 SS almost 2 years ago, front end still looks new. Also had my 15 Corvette done 4 years ago, all is good there too.

[XPEL]

Originally Posted by trcsr

I live in SE NC and we get a lot of bugs 6 months out of the year. They are difficult to clean off and will damage the paint if left on too long. So, I am considering getting a Bra for mine. What are the downsides as well as the upsides of these? What experiences have anyone here had? I very rarely drive in the rain and it is stored under cover. Suggestions, please? Thanks.

As mentioned in the thread, the only real downside with PPF (clear bra) are the upfront costs. Paint Protection Film will be your best bet for an actual layer of protection, plus, the majority of films on the market these days are extremely easy to clean and maintain. Which means your days of spending too much time cleaning bug guts off your Camaro will significantly decrease.

The recommended coverage for a Camaro (any Camaro) is to protect the full front end, rocker panels, and sometimes the door cups and luggage area. This package generally ranges between $2195 - $2695 but does include the full hood, full front fenders, front bumper, headlights, side mirrors, and rocker panels including a piece behind the rear wheel. If you're just worried about bumper impacts, then doing a bumper in PPF generally is $450 - $650 or so depending on adding headlights and if you have a front splitter/lip.

Check out this video from YouTuber Engineering Explained (2.25m subscribers) on Paint Protection Film. "Scratching & Healing My Own Car"

Another option instead of PPF would be to have a ceramic coating installed. I want to start by saying that ceramic coatings DO NOT stop rock chips or scratches. They do however, make cleaning incredibly easy and even add extra depth and shine to the finish.

Here is another video on "Everything You Need To Know About Ceramic Coatings" from EE.

[ScatPack]

Xpel the front bumper, half the hood and the rear rockers.

Worth every penny. Most super car buyers have the entire car covered in a clear bra. If I had that cash, I would too.

[zirad54]

Novi is good for medium to long trips. My car is a daily driver, city. but when I do head out without the Novi, I just make sure a take care of all the bugs before putting her into the garage. it really depends on how and where you drive and how much cash you have.

[KingLT1]

I had xpel done for 1000.00 which covered the front bumper, head lights, mirrors, rockers, and the rear quarter panel in front and behind the rear tires. The place that did it removed the factory piece (in front of the rear tires) because its too small and installed a new one that goes up to the body line. Combine that with a 10yr warranty, I am in the camp that thinks it's well worth it.

[gpskinzhut]

Clear-bra it if you want solid every day protection. I wouldn't put a bra on and leave it on. I use a novistretch for long drives and it's 'ok', it still let's stuff through like bugs, tar, and whatever the hell else there is on the road.

[FH212]

Originally Posted by KingLT1

I had xpel done for 1000.00 which covered the front bumper, head lights, mirrors, rockers, and the rear quarter panel in front and behind the rear tires. The place that did it removed the factory piece (in front of the rear tires) because its too small and installed a new one that goes up to the body line. Combine that with a 10yr warranty, I am in the camp that thinks it's well worth it.

You got a heck of a deal. In my area they want $1000 just to do the rear quarters in front of the rear wheels. Another $1000 for the front bumper and another $1000 for the hood. I laughed and said I will re paint it when it gets enough chips. Screw that.

[ZED SLED]

To all the comments about vinyl bras and straps, those of us in the 21st century bid you welcome to the 20th, lol.

+1 more for Novistretch.

[Joemat]

Originally Posted by Torquem

I have seen it take paint off when removing clear bra. And this was by people who knew what they were doing. Installers don't talk about it much, for obvious reasons. But it's a distinct possibility.

That is extremely rare and usually on re-painted areas, not factory paint. If using the right tools and technique it should not happen. I have removed 8 year old PPF on factory paint using both steam and heat with no issue.

There is no downside to using PPF on these cars, especially on high impact areas.

[KirkH]

Novistretch works well and does not cause any paint damage. Acidic bug guts left too long on your paint will cause paint damage, in the form of etchings.

[Cruisin]

[QUOTE][Novistretch works well and does not cause any paint damage. Acidic bug guts left too long on your paint will cause paint damage, in the form of etchings./QUOTE]
I can attest to the value of a Novistrech bra. I was on a 700 mile plus trip this past weekend and the cottonwood trees are shedding seeds big time. I’m glad I had the Novistrech on which saved all this crud from getting into the radiator fins and cooler fins on my car!

[shaffe]

Originally Posted by hotlap

I’ve put Xpel on my last three cars. It works.

I bought my 18 HW last August and have driven it daily to work on a highway project that is expanding from three to four lanes. Literally torn up everywhere with tight lanes ...plus the abuse of Wisconsin winter. I have no damage on the warped areas after 6k miles

Can you see where it ends or is it noticeable?