Hey everyone,
I finally sold my WRX. Now I'm ready to order the MCS. I've been on this forum for a few months now but I still have a question...

I'm ordering mine with the JCW Aero Kit and I want to get the clear bra installed on the front bumper and front half of the bonnet. I just got a quote from Rob at Proform of $1,300 Should I get the dealer to do it instead? I saw on the Mini website that it's only $240 for the bumper and front half of the bonnet. Is that correct?

 

That is the price for the product only, without installation. All the items listed under the dealer installed options reflect only the price of the part. Installation is not included.

 

That's what I thought. And I'm pretty sure they just outsource it to some local shop. But, I was't prepared to pay $1,300 for a clear bra. If the dealer comes in anywhere under that, I'll probably get them to do it.

So, what have most people paid to get it installed, dealer or local shop?

 

My dealer sold me the bra and did the install for under $400 total as part of the sales negotiation.

 

There are a bunch of posts on it. $1300 sounds on the high side. The dealer will farm it out and add a mark-up to what the shop charges them. do a search of clear bra and you will find many posts. If I had done it, I'd tell you. But, I haven't yet.

 

Yeah I did a search for clear bra and read all the posts, but I didn't really see anything about prices. I've never had it on any of my cars, but I really want to get it this time around. Too many rock chips on my last car.

 

Should not cost you more than 1000 total aftermarket. I am looking around now.

Spary on clear bra or invisishield 3m are the two i am looking at, both near the same price.

Look around to body shops in the area that do the work, and check out some of the NAM sponsors in the area, maybe even call other mini dealerships around you.

I am trying to confirm now, if stripes can be taken on and off of both surfaces without harm to the bra.

 

I went to a local shop for my wifes MCSa. It cost about $400 and we had the material put on the doors. It doesn't come up all the way because the mirror was in the way but 95% of both doors is protected by the material.

When I pick up my MCSa in August, I'll pick it up and drop it off at that same local shop to have the clear bra material put on it the very next day after picking it up.

 

Oh, I had originally ordered Invisishield as their site said the installation wasn't too difficult, after I recieved the kits, I decided to try and find an installer. My local shop would install it but wouldn't warranty anything. I ended up sending that kit back and went with their product that was roughly the same price and they offered a lifetime warranty on the product and installation.

 

We charge 649.00

 

Just get it done locally. I had my WRX (keeping) done by a local guy that came recommended for about $200 including film on the headlights and foglights. You don't really need to do the bumper. Paint on plastic parts gets a plasticizer that makes the paint flex as the plastic does. This means you almost never get chipped paint on a plastic bumper. You can come and look at the paint on my Corrado's (also keeping) bumper versus the hood. Big difference!

 

Total cost including installation for me $690

 

Proform is the best. The money is in the installation, not the material. He did my Porsche and he does them for many of the local Porsche and BMW dealers. Clearbra is ALL he does ... just take it to his shop. He warranted mine for life regardless of what the material warranty says and he does his own designs. He is amazing to watch and can cut custom pieces wherever you want with a razor right on the car ... something not to try at home.

If you want cheap prices, try http://www.hprcustoms.com/

Yes, Proform is more money but he knows what he is doing. You usually get what you pay for

 

Not to start a cat fight with those who believe in the clear bra's but - my experiences with the two main product lines taught me that a mylar film is no match for most sharp edged rocks. Although they may keep a chip of paint from being knocked out, there may be a cut (dirt and water collector) in the mylar and a nick in the paint. My educated expectation now is that the mylar is great for 'very' minor rock encounters (if it would have chipped the paint - it would have cut the mylar) and for protection from bugs. If you are really annal about your car - don't forget to protect the light lenses, door mirror fronts, and the windshield 'A' pillars.

 

On my WRX the hood and front bumper had small chips in the paint from everyday driving. I don't want this to happen to the MCS. I know what the front bumper is painted with, but rocks will still chip the paint. Believe me, I've seen it. I'm getting ready to order the car this Saturday so I have a little time to find a local shop I guess. I still think $1,300 is ridiculous for installing a clear bra. I don't care how good you are. It can't be that hard. If I can do this...


...then I might try and do it myself. I'll find out from the dealer how much they charge and then I'll ask around locally.

 

Don't get the bonnet stripes installed if you get the sport pack, since they just need to come off again anyway to put the bra on.

Good look on the order.

 

Usually you get what your pay for.

 

Yowza!! You DO have the Tamiya model kit(s) of that car, don't you?

 

Yeah, I have several models of this car. The die cast model I got from Europe was what I followed when putting on the decals .

To an extent, you do get what you pay for, but the materials are the same. If you don't like the work that's done, tell them to fix it until you like it. I'll check several places before I make a decision.