So I bought a used car that came with a full hood and bumper clear bra kit already installed. I love keeping my Mini ultra clean and the clear bra had silvering, water spots and stretch marks that really bothered me. Last Saturday, I had the clear bra removed. When it was removed, a patch of clear coat was stripped from the hood of my car. Some minor stone chips around the bumper and hood were also revealed when the clear bra was removed. They were probably made before the clear bra was installed.

I took the car this morning for an estimate to Pittsburgh Mini Cooper Body Shop (P&W). To repaint the hood it was $900 and to repaint the bumper and the hood was close to $1500.

I’m pretty sure P&W can do a perfect job, but I’m looking for something more affordable and hoping not go over $1000 for the bumper and the hood.

Can someone please recommend a good body shop/painter in Pittsburgh? Also, can someone shed some light of what the average price is usually to repaint a hood or a bumper and a hood?

After this incident, I don’t think I’m going to put another clear bra on after I paint my car. Yes, they offer good protection, but running the risk of the film stripping the clear coat or the paint when removed, defeats the purpose, since I have to repaint the car again.

 

The estimates seem a little high to me.
You should check with at least another shop for a better price
I had the rear bumper done my 04 BRG and it was about $500 (came out perfect)

 

I know I might be reaching but plasti dip is incredible for a clear bra! Putting 4-5 coats on the whole hood would be ideal for your problem! If anything happens to it peel it off without pulling any paint off!

Hope that helps

Monte