Full Nose Mask

thric3r · #1 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 10:01 AM

Just wondering what people's experiences are with the full nose mask on the '09. I have a clear-bra installed on the lower hood and mirrors, but the front bumper is just getting mauled from highway and some necessary backroad driving.

I don't mind the look of it from the pictures I've seen - as long as it really does stretch out and fit nicely. On that note also, how is the installation of it? I'd assume pretty easy but you never know!

Any input on it would be great, thanks!

stevet47 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 10:36 AM

Since you have a black fit, I say go for it. Would probably look decent on a black car.
The only bad thing I have heard about full masks (for any car) is that you need to remove it every other car wash or so, and wash the paint under it, because dirt gets under it, and will scratch the paint.

Committobefit08 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thric3r

Just wondering what people's experiences are with the full nose mask on the '09. I have a clear-bra installed on the lower hood and mirrors, but the front bumper is just getting mauled from highway and some necessary backroad driving.

I don't mind the look of it from the pictures I've seen - as long as it really does stretch out and fit nicely. On that note also, how is the installation of it? I'd assume pretty easy but you never know!

Any input on it would be great, thanks!

Since you have the hood and mirrors already done... I would just buy the bumper clear bra kit and install it yourself. If you don't feel comfortable installing it some local shop should be able to install it for you.
Here is where I get mine from. They have a front bumper kit for $149.

Paint Protection Kits

I just bought bulk film and did the front bumper, fogs and hood myself.

kenchan · #4 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 02:11 PM

+1 on adding clearbra to your bumper. just touch up the chips before you install it.

thric3r · #5 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 02:16 PM

Don't you guys find the clearbra gets scuffed and shows up just as visibly as a scratch or something? it might just be because mine is currently scuffed AND dirty, but it does seem that way when a good rock hits it.

kenchan · #6 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 02:18 PM

the point of the clearbra is you're SAVING the car for your next buyer. LOL hahaha.

Committobefit08 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thric3r

Don't you guys find the clearbra gets scuffed and shows up just as visibly as a scratch or something? it might just be because mine is currently scuffed AND dirty, but it does seem that way when a good rock hits it.

Perk of a clear bra is that the scuffs aren't in the paint and all you have to do is take the clear bra off and replace it and it looks brand new again. Exactly why I buy it in bulk and apply it myself. Every 5 yrs I will replace it when it starts to look crappy and it will keep my car looking brand new. Did this on my 01 Acura CL-S and people couldn't believe my car was 8 yrs old. Same with my TSX. My 07 TSX looks like it just came off the lot. No rock chips on the hood or bumper.

Like Kenchan said it protects your car to keep the resale value higher.
It will be much easier to sell my car down the road if I have a perfectly clean front than a Fit that has been shot with a machine gun of rocks.

dman · #8 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 02:49 PM

I have a clearbra (Ventureshield) on the entire hood and front bumper professionally installed. The clear bra did get scuffed when I hit a piece of tire on the freeway, but the paint is still saved. I'm going to try to clay bar the scuffs out though.

kenchan · #9 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 03:49 PM

you can get precut ones here.

www.autopaintguard.com

ryan has helped me out a few times. he's a good guy.

Codger01 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009, 12:17 AM

I have the nose mask (bra) on my Fit. This is not a zero maintenace option! Actually the last two cars I have owned I had a nose mask. Helped enormously with preventing/reducing paint chips. But you do have to take it off frequently to clean/vac off the felt lining on the inside as dirt & grit do collect under it- usually at the bottom & around the wheel wells.
Plus you have to keep it off for a while from time to time to prevent "tan lines"- the paint under the mask will not fade as much as the rest of the car! Here in Ca it is not so bad if you get rained on with the mask on, as it usually only rains in the winter & the cold temps prevent paint fogging. If you are in the mid west/east you have to guard against that as water trapped under the mask can "fog" the paint when you have hot weather.
The mask is not easy to put on or take off either - not the greatest of designs, but the front of the Fit is not like your "usual" car..
You have to weigh the hassles against the results - I'll stick with the vinyl mask.