FOX-C-MAX Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Love Bug season is starting in Florida and I am looking at options to protect the front of our 2013 Tri-color white C-MAX. Looked at LeBra vinyl cover for about $70. Anybody tried these, any pros, cons, or other options Appreciate any suggestion you have tried.Thanks,FOX-C-MAX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottwood2 Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 I looked into these before. I did not buy one based on what some said about having issues with abrasion of the paint on the car and moisture issues. I wanted something to put on and leave it on. Most say that these are good for trips where you put it on and take it off at the end of the trip. I ended up with a bug guard and was happy with that. Again that was for my last car, not the C-Max. Hope this helps FOX-C-MAX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelleytoons Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 We had ours "coated" at the Orlando Ford Dealer who swears it will solve the love bug problem (and if not, it's covered by a warranty, although I'm not sure what they will do if they can't make it right other than repaint it). That was the main reason we got the coating (which I otherwise think is a scam).We'll see (I don't worry half as much about them outside as I do them getting into the interior -- one got in last night and I went crazy trying to get it out). FOX-C-MAX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vmmvmmm Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 3M (or similar) Clear Bra is the only way to go. It's pricey, but so worth it. I used to own a MINI Cooper S, notorious for the upright nose, and typically riddled with pock marks after a few years of unprotected driving. I had one put on when I purchased the car new, and it kept the front end pristine for 8 years, when I finally sold it. It doesn't look like an add on at all, keeps the OEM look of the car, and doesn't cause any abrasion issues. FOX-C-MAX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kostby Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Here's an older thread: http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/502-clear-bra-kit-availability/ ptjones and FOX-C-MAX 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockwallRick Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Ugh!! Hate those nasty critters! I think the bras are more trouble than they are worth! I have heard that dryer sheets will take luv bugs off but haven't yet tried it myself? FOX-C-MAX and George Kain 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG ROCCO Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Yes - definitely good - not sure they are worth the price ($7-800?). When we had gotten to an impasse in negotiating the deal, we agreed to buy the car if they would throw in the clear bra for free - we didn't realize they cost that much, and I'm not sure the Sales Dept. did either, since it is something usually sold by the F & I person you talk to after you agree to buy with the Sales peeps. FOX-C-MAX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 (edited) I had a leather bra on a car back in the 90's when they were very trendy. Dirt getting underneath+vibrating at highway speeds makes for great sandpaper type interaction with the paint. Never had another one since. I (DIY) added a 3M clear bra to the hood on my first CMax and it worked very well. A second pattern for the bumper/front fascia didn't do as well (bubble up at edges). BUT they protected the paint very well (highway commuter) and peeled off easily when we traded it in. Edited September 9, 2014 by fotomoto FOX-C-MAX and ptjones 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FOX-C-MAX Posted September 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Thank you all for your replies, it is certainly appreciated. I think based on the information provided I am going to try the DIY 3M Clear Bra for now. Again thanks to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian_L Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Ugh!! Hate those nasty critters! I think the bras are more trouble than they are worth! I have heard that dryer sheets will take luv bugs off but haven't yet tried it myself? Bras on cars? I thought they went out with Trans Ams, sports jackets with rolled up sleeves and vans with plush carpet? Seriously though. This is a C-max, not a 911. Is it really worth the expense to save yourself a bit of work with a sponge and a bucket of detergent? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Is it really worth the expense to save yourself a bit of work with a sponge and a bucket of detergent? You're in BC so you may not understand how bad these "seasons" can get. Add in the a hot grill and sitting in an intense sun all day and these remains can truly get baked on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plus 3 golfer Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 (edited) A sponge and bucket doesn't remove rock chips though. :) I drive a lot of freeway miles in lots of traffic and believe that spending $500 upfront is better than spending $500+ later repainting the front end and perhaps the hood or more if one has tri-coat paint. I've used a vinyl bra and if you don't mind the looks, mine lasted 5+ years (100 k miles) before the elastic attachments stretched so some of the attachment became somewhat problematic. After that I removed it and lived with the rock chips. I've also used the 3M clear bra on one other car and have it on the C-Max. If you don't mind spending around $500+ or want to do it yourself, IMO, it offers great protection from rocks and bugs come off rather easily (although you still have to scrub some off). Edited September 9, 2014 by Plus 3 Golfer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-MaxSea Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 (edited) Lazy way out. Don't plan to ever wax a car again. Happy with Opticoat & clear bra.http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/1295-opti-coat-any-one-try-yet/ or one of these: Edited September 9, 2014 by C-MaxSea ptjones 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopherTheME Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 +1 for 3M Sotchguard (ClearBra). I installed it with a pre-cut kit and its worth every penny. I didn't do the front bumper tho, just the hood, side fenders, and mirrors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelleytoons Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 (edited) Coincidentally (or not) I got my Exterior protection in the mail today. Covers my exterior "against damage including UV Rays, fading, discoloration, acid rain, snow [yeah, not likely here :>], ocean spray, tree sap, insects (including love bugs) [their wording, not mine], bird droppings and more". I have it for three years, with option to renew at that time. So -- not worried (yeah, no protection against rocks, but that's a whole other story and not particularly relevant to the OP). It cost me $350 (so less than some solutions and more comprehensive). Edited September 9, 2014 by Kelleytoons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian_L Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 I had no idea such add-ons were so popular. The automotive equivalent of an "anti-aging cream". Oh, the vanity of it all.... C-MaxSea 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowStorm Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 I had no idea such add-ons were so popular. The automotive equivalent of an "anti-aging cream". Oh, the vanity of it all....Botox for cars! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScubaDadMiami Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 Although I pretty successfully done a touch up on my C-MAX, I've decided to take mine to a body shop for professional touch ups, every so often. This was a big reason for going with Oxford White: the touch-ups will cost less. ptjones 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kunari Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 3M (or similar) Clear Bra is the only way to go. It's pricey, but so worth it. I used to own a MINI Cooper S, notorious for the upright nose, and typically riddled with pock marks after a few years of unprotected driving. I had one put on when I purchased the car new, and it kept the front end pristine for 8 years, when I finally sold it. It doesn't look like an add on at all, keeps the OEM look of the car, and doesn't cause any abrasion issues. I agree, I've put clearbra (or like) on all my cars since 1999 and love how it helps protect the hood. I've already got a install date for getting it on my CMAX, going with the "premium" level this time to get the whole hood covered Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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