There are some vendors that cut their own patterns and can actually cover any portion of the bonnet, A pillars, etc... Go to www.xpel.com and use the dealer locator to find one near you. DAP members have the computers that can cut any shape you want. I just noticed they have a MINI as an example on their front page!

Clearly, whether to use clear bra or not is a personal issue. For me, personally, I know I'd be MUCH MORE troubled seeing chips in my paint than the few times I can spot "the line".

If the OP was talking about the removable bra, I bought the Calgon bra (at a good friend's recommendation) and it's MUCH better quality than the OEM bra sold. I only use the Calgon bra when I go on club rides and long trips. For sure, you have to keep it clean underneath and remove it should it get wet.

 

My first month, I got a large rock-ding next to my grill..no clear bra would have prevented the damage it caused. I was super-PO'd for a few minutes, but I breathed VERY deeply, and accepted the reality. Had I blown another $500+ AND gotten this ding, I think I'd have been PO'd an awful lot longer! Maybe even jailtime! LOL
I still have to call insurance for the windscreen crack..been busy stuffing my turkey.

 

Excellent point!

 

People...

I'm talking about the 3M clear mask material that is permanent (at least I think it's permanent). It is installed on the bumper and a portion of the hood. I think some companies call it "InvisibleMask. Here's a link to what I was thinking of.

http://www.invisiblemask.com/site.html

By the way...the above link is only a link that I found via Google - I know nothing of that company or its reputation.

Thanks for the discussion...

 

You can take it off. I have it and love it! Living in the West we use sand (small rocks) for winter conditions and without it my hood would be peppered. If I lived full time in FL or didn't use mu mini as a daily driver I don't think I would do it. I did have the option for a full hood cover but didn't go with it. From other cars I have owned I think most of the chips happen on the leading edges. I know have about 16000 miles on my car and have driven across the country a few times. I do have 3 small chips above my clearbra but can almost guarantee I would have MANY more without.

 

I've had clear bra's on three cars, including my '09 Clubman. Unless the cost gets even higher, I'll order it on my next car.

Another comment - this stuff is pretty hard to install. I've put it on two cars and chose to have the dealer put it on the Clubman.

Lastly, I rarely notice "the line" on my Lightening Blue Clubman S with bonnet stripes (the shield is cut around the stripes).

 

I didnt get the clear bra on my clubman. As I was washing it today I noticed my first and only stone chip it was so far back on the hood behind the headlight that it would not have made a difference since it dosent cover that far back I have however ordered the light and fog light covers, I think it will protect them from cracking if it by a stone, unfortunatly its to cold to install them. I was thinking of getting the one that covers the rear bumper since Ive manage to scratch that loading the rear, however would not the clear bra scratch as well? Not sure its worth the price.

 

They are frightfully expensive for what they are, but oh well.

 

I think it's better to just take your chances and repaint them in 3-5 years for about the same price. Obviously there's some outliers that have really horrible roads and the clear bra truly does make a difference. However, I think the repaint would be a better investment.

 

Repainting... an investment ??

Next time I have a claimant filing a Diminished Value claim, I'll tell them you said re-painting their vehicle increases the value.

 

I'd rather purchase a car with a freshly painted hood versus a hood with rock chips thank you very much-especially if it's done at a good place.

And taking what I said into another context is real mature. :P

 

After my experience, I agree! :D