I am about to pull the trigger on a 09 Sportshift coupe. I doens not have a clear bra/protection on it. My Porsche had one that was well done very hard to see and provided great protection. How much has stone chips been an issue with those without a clear bra on the bumper/hood/fenders? Does anyone have a good lead for a quality installer in the DC/VA/MD area? And what should I expect to pay?

 

I had 3-M material put on mine in Chicago--I think it was 8-mil for the frontend heavier material for the headlights--15-mil, and backs of mirrors and door edge. Total was $740. Then he mentioned "Crystal Fusion" for the Windshield for $75 additional. I did that also, and think it saved me from having a cracked windshield when I get hit with a rock--only a little tiny barely noticable pit resulted. See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngt8rjTnrnw

 

I also installed the clear bra all over my AM - after purchase. Works great - I even had a major stone hit - went thru the bra material but did not screw up the paint. Another example is I did the same bra material for wifes P-car, another major stone/rock (?) hit - it did go thru the bra material, the paint and also dinged the metal in the hood. So it is not a "miracle material" but does work well in most cases.

 

I never do the clear bra - personal preference but I don't like the plastic on my cars - reminds me of my grandmother's living room that she covered with plastic - My DBS, Carrera GT, SuperSports (Drive her solely in bad weather) and.... Cars TO ME are made to be driven and they get rock chips and such - shows you DRIVE them - Putting cars in plastic just - TO ME - is counter to the passion of driving....

 

The 3-M material properly applied is nearly invisible. It's more like my grandma putting "Scotch Guard" on her sofa. ;-} I like to drive my V8V as much as possible (6,000+ miles in the past 5 months), but also like to keep it "ding-free" so I'm careful where I park, and free of rock chips in that beautiful front end. Straight-lines are easy for the eye to catch, so I had my "bra" extended about 6-inches above the headlights, and then cut so it took a slight forward curve across the hood. You wouldn't notice it, even on my midnight blue, unless I show you where it is. Also, putting the heavier material on the headlights (15-18mil) protects them from rock breakage. I had the 3-M installed in August, before I drove the car from Chicago (where I bought it) to NV where I live--thus the 6,000+ miles so soon.

 

I had protective film applied to all the painted surfaces at the nose of the car, 1/3 up the hood and fenders, to the headlights, to the side mirrors, to the A pillars, and to the door handles for $700 in Atlanta. I think it's well worth it. You are protected and you really don't notice the film unless you closely inspect the paint.

 

The Vantage has VERY pronounced fender flares that will attract stone chips. It also has that thin strip below the front grill that gets road rash pretty badly. If you're spending 90-100K on a car, then spend another $750 and protect it.