Anybody got one? I'm supposed to get one later this week but the installer here doesn't have a template for R56 Coopers yet and has done only one R56 MCS! Not sure how I feel about being first, but they are experienced MINI clear bra installers. Any thoughts/observations?? Seems the re-contoured (and dead sexy) R56 bonnet might be easier to deal with as the contours aren't as extreme as the previous MINI models.

 

Gokart,

I had one installed on my new R56 MC about three weeks ago. I am very pleased with it. This is the first time for me to purchase one, but I received recommends from several people here and went with an installer that a NAM member had used.

I did not ask him whether he had installed an R56 yet, but I knew he had vast experience with Minis and even an Enzo Ferrari. That shop preferred Venture Shield rather than the 3M product.

I think this is the first time I've responded to one of your posts. I have always admired your attitude and way of looking at things. You're one of my favorite posters.

 

You honor me, sir. At present I feel quite the idiot because my car comes in this week and I am TOTALLY LOSING IT!!! My thin veneer of calm and decorum is fading fast!!!:impatient

Thanks for the input...I do feel better knowing the install went so well for you!!

 

I concur

 

I will be very interested to see how you like it. I should be getting my lightning blue R56 in a month or so and am still debating whether to get the clear bra. Keep us updated.

 

I have a clear bra on R53, and all I can say is do it, prevents so many chips, plus you don't gotta worry about all those bugs you'll kill eating through your paint. Most people don't even notice mine. It does make waxing and polishing a little more difficult because it does create an edge where wax/polish can get trapped and leave a white line when it's dry if you aren't careful to get it all off.

 

I got a clear bra on my SS/B Mini and love it. i went with the entire package which includes the front bonnet, front lights and fog lights, the front bumper, the side door edges, the back of the side mirror and rear bumper.

 

meche, I'm assuming that the installers had no trouble locating or dealing with the R56 template. Thats great!! I hope these local guys can get their act together by mid-week!!! I want to pickup my MINI...gettin' a bit antsy, ya know??? :impatient It's kinda weird being the first R56 Cooper install, but then mine is only the second Oxygen Blue MINI to come through the dealership, which is also a bit weird as I've not actually seen the color in person!! Considering all the factors...I'm actually surprisingly calm!!!

 

I use Final Detail spray on wax(my wife bought it from QVC)...no residues on the clear bra on my 330i!!! I do intend to put one on my R56 as soo as it comes in!

 

The guy that did my car also does cars for the Mini dealership, so he had templates from the begining.

 

Just a quick question if you dont mind me asking. I'm definateley planning on getting it done, but how much is the average install? Thanks, Joe.

 

You should read the negative post on clear bra, if you have not done so.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=96502&page=2

 

I just had the venture shield put on my R56, looks great. Unless you're standing over the hood, it's hard to notice it. You can get a partial hood (what I got) or have the entire hood covered. I would recommend shopping around and asking folks from your area (here on NAM too) about local shops. I did, saved me $300 bucks versus what the dealer would have charged.

 

It cost me 450.00 installed

 

 

am thinking of getting one... but will it really prevent from rock chips better than the rubber bra?

 

I'm not familiar with rubber car bras? Do you mean the leather ones? If so, the disadvantage of those is that they're ugly and once you pull them off, the paint underneath is likely to be a slightly different shade because of being under wraps.

The clear bras, according to car owners who have had them longer than me, say they work well to prevent chips.

 

A good installer does not need a template.

 

Agree with chopperace...no template is necessary if installer is skilled. Chopperace and I ended up using the same installer in the Denver area about a month ago. He now uses Venture Shield versus the 3M product which he prefers for durability and non-yellowing. I've been very pleased with the quality and installation.

 

I have a "rubber bra" on my honda as temperary protection and let me advise against it if possible. Its better than nothing (cuz we already got two dingers on the front which prompted the quick fix rubber bra), but it's a dirt magnet, rubs poorly on the paint and is a pain during washing. I'm setting aside a day this summer to pull it off, wax and polish the front end and replace it with a clear bra.

My understanding is Venture Shield comes in a template form. When the installer orders it, it comes all stamped out. You can go online, select the make/model to see what each template looks like and what it covers.. I can't speak about 3M.

 

http://www.ventureshield.com/pattern_search.asp#Results

 

Aye, a clear bra is a great investment. I'm not having mine dealer installed, I'm going to with a local company. I'll have it installed the day after I take delivery. My wife and I had a clear bra put on her '05 R53 after we purchased it used. We also had the installer put the material on the doors. We paid about $400 to have it installled including the extra pieces for the doors.

It has saved us quite a few dings and chips. Just make sure that any place that installs it offers a lifetime warranty on the product. Ours did (they've been in business for 25+ years and they offered a thicker material than Mini sells).

 

after seeing how many chips our 04 Cooepr had accumulated on its nose after 37K miles, it was a no brainer to put it on the 07. Barely noticable. Just make sure the installer has done MINIS before. Lots of cuts and curves especailly below the bumper line on the S cars.

PLEXUS is an excellent cleaner/polish for this material

 

Well, I finally got mine installed and it looks great! It was a bit surreal as the shop my dealer uses for all clearbra installs had not done any R56s at all, and in fact had a lot of trouble even getting a kit!!! Their normal supplier didn't even have a pattern!!! Weird. Worked out well in the end though, but these local folks really need to get their act together, imo.

 

I'm glad to hear you had it done. It is a great investment. On a side note, I posted some pictures of my wifes '05 MCSa in my picture gallery. You cannot even see the clear bra in the pictures. And as I've previoiusly said, we even had the material placed on the doors.