Clearbra worth it?

[Bakaboy]

Washed my focus yesterday and I noticed about 5 chips in front, 3 on bumper and 2 on hood. They're not exactly big but the paint chipped off most probably from road debris on the highway. What's alarming though is my previous daily driver didn't accumulate the same amount of chips years after I purchased it, but the focus already has at less than 2 months (2800kms). Heck, at 6 years the bumper and hood still looks quite good on my old 3. I've no experience with clearbra, but it got me thinking that it might be a worthwhile investment. I got a local quote for $528 + tax (12%), which kinda makes me cringe but what do you guys think?

PS: Anybody can recommend a shop around Vancouver BC area? Thanks.

[Sponsor]

[2012sel]

I would put it on myself if I knew it wasn't a nightmare to install. I put on Lamin-X headlight vinyl and that stuff was a major pain. I see the pre-cut kits and think there's no way to put that on and do it right without experience.

I did install the clear rear bumper protector from Lamin-X and that went OK.

I've had one tiny chip on my hood in 9 months of driving (knock on wood/forehead). I have less then 4 miles of driving on gravel in that whole time though. And they haven't had to put down salt or sand around here yet. I consider myself lucky so far.

[Qksc2]

At that price it is cheaper to have the hood/bumper resprayed when it gets bad enough lol


It's not to hard to install. You need the right tools and patience. I taught myself how to do vinyl wrapping, I can't see this stuff being any different.
It's definitely a slow and steady process.

[next_ceo]

At $500 I don't think its worth it, however the clear film I purchased for my CTS is fantastic (nearly invisible) and I only paid about $50 or so on ebay. Installed it myself in about 1 hr.

[angelicchaos]

to OP yes it is fairly pricey but i had mine done a couple of days after I bought the car..So far I am glad I had it installed. Some say DIY. but IMO get it done professionally. The front bump alone is 350.00 and if you mess it up or wreck it you will have to buy another piece..I have the 3M Film

[BlueIce]

IMO you can get like a paint pen from the dealer. Ive done that before and it works pretty good.

[newmission]

Killer pricy yes! But find someone who is confident in doing it and you'll save a big headache. My personal tint guy did mine for a hundred bucks. I bought the kit of ebay first. But worth it yes. Bugs come right off too! Before I had to use the scrubby side of my microfiber sponge.

[josephd]

I have no experience with it, but seen cars with it on. And After looking at the hood and grill of my Focus. If I ever bought a new car, I would spend the extra and have it put on.

[Twenty]

I'd say definitely worth it. It saves the original paint, that's the important bit.

[cchaos]

I think it's worth getting it installed right after buying the car. The cost of getting a hood professionally repainted is at least that much, and that doesn't prevent you from getting new chips.

The Focus does seem like a magnet for chips. According to my dealer, the reason is that it's relatively low to the ground, but even taking that into account it seems to chip easily.

Since I had a clear bra installed last summer, I have had no new chips. It's worth just the piece of mind for me, since I don't have to worry so much when driving in freeways like I did before.