Paint protection film / Clear bra / PPF

[Rahul]

Hey there, I saw this question was asked in 2015 but did not receive many responses. I am hoping there are more members that have explored this route since then.

I am about to have my hood repainted, and am considering applying a clear bra to protect the car once that is done.

I know this treatment is very effective for modern cars in protecting against rock chips, dings, scratches etc.

Has anyone done this for their classic? Anything to be aware of, any disadvantages, issues, regrets, bad experiences, etc?

Thanks!

[bwiele]

I would expect your experience to by the same whether on a modern car or classic car.  Bottom line is, it's a sacrificial layer that protects the paint.  I've used it quite a bit on my modern cars, and it's very effective.  One piece of guidance - you should wait at least 30 days for the paint to cure before applying the film.  Otherwise, when the time comes to take the film off to replace it, you will have issues with the paint peeling away with the film.

[Rahul]

Thanks bweile, appreciate the response

[Sigman]

I would say getting the paint ceramic coated with CQuartz Finest Reserve or  Ceramic Pro.

Cheers,
Michael

[zoegrlh]

My daughter’s car has the paint protection film. She has a Honda that she has had for 10 years+, the problem with the films that over time it will dull, and turn a mold like look to it. I would not recommend on a classic car that will be in your stable, or passed to a new owner, the film will yellow for sure in time. New cars not so much of a problem because most owners don’t keep a new car for years and years, they get traded for newer cars. My two cents.
Bob

[Rahul]

Yep that's true Bob, but I think the decent quality films are supposed to last up to ~10yrs without yellowing, at which point it becomes a decision to peel it off and reapply a new one.

Certainly is tempting to avoid the hassle/cost of fixing up door dings, minor scratches and rock chips over 5-10 years.

I do regret not doing it on one of my other cars, amazing how much damage the paint can collect on a longer drive due to grit/roadworks or just carelessness from other car owners.

[johnk]

I would say getting the paint ceramic coated with CQuartz Finest Reserve or  Ceramic Pro.

Cheers,
Michael

I thought ceramic coating protected against dings and chips but it really doesnt.  Had the front of my jag covered in Expel clear bra amd then the entire car including the clear bra coated with ceramic pro. I since learned Ceramic pro doesn’t even protect the car from washing with a course rag let alone paints and chips. My Alfa is covered with ceramic pro as well.

Just go with high quality clear bra material. That is what I am doing to finish my restoration.

[Cees Klumper]

Our white 2011 BMW Z4 had a bra on the hood. It had somewhat discolored and wasn't pretty to look at so I took it off, car looked better after that. Our white 2008 Volvo C70 has similar miles (100K) and never had a bra, and the hood looks great. I would not put one on.  Our cars don't see that many high-speed miles anyway.

[johnk]

The product they sell today is much better than what they sold ten years ago. I would not compare them. Also white can be touched up with a brush for those that have it, however a metallic paint like mine is much more noticeable to touch up.

[zoegrlh]

Has anyone taken off film?  What is the procedure?  Have a Honda that needs to have film off. Thanks

[specracer]

I have, cross your fingers...... It could be not too bad. Hook with your finger nail and start to pull carefully. You will want heat, the sun, or heat lamp. I found on some films, you actually want to pull the film AWAY from the direction you are removing. It keeps more of the adhesive on the film. You will want to be sure you have a quart of 3m adhesive remover on hand. you might need it.

Now if your not lucky and its some of the nasty films 10+ years ago, you might have quite a fight to get it off, and a LOT of adhesive to get off the paint once the plastic is gone. 

Has anyone taken off film?  What is the procedure?  Have a Honda that needs to have film off. Thanks