TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Dec 07, 2010 5:12 pm

hi all,

my vanagon came with a bra... I don't like it... my wife likes it, she wants to keep it on, I want to take it off...

question: what is the percentage of blocked air to radiator with a bra? 50%? 30%?

yeah... please laugh words... :lol:

thanks,

Tue Dec 07, 2010 5:19 pm

It will also scuff the paint, but if your wife wants to keep her bra on, that's her choice :shock:

I couldn't help it!!

Steve

Tue Dec 07, 2010 5:25 pm

I bought a bra for my Westy and I think it's a good addition. The trouble with the
bra is leaving it on the van. If it gets wet, then it will retain moisture and under the
bra you may develope some rusting issues. When you are on the road, I think it's
real value is there. Keeps bug guts and rocks off your front end, not to mention anything
going into your radiator. You can always compromise and use it when it's good weather
and you are going on a trip?

Tue Dec 07, 2010 5:26 pm

Hate 'em..
But they do save the front end from rocks,... some.
I do not recall any cooling issues when it was on.

I took mine off 10 yrs ago. And have LOTS of deep paint chips to show for it. Dozens.
If my paint were perfect.. or really really nice.. I'd probably use it again.
But as noted, the edges can scuff the paint..

If you do decide to use one, lay down some wax before installing the bra.. and clean it regularly.

Tue Dec 07, 2010 5:30 pm

My experience with bra on a white compact was it wrecked the hood but I never took it off and never looked under it when washing. I'm against them BUT with the Vanagon and because you already have it, use it for highway trips, take off to dry and clean. So don't burn your wife's bra. Sorry couldn't resist. Just don't wear it all the time.

Tue Dec 07, 2010 5:57 pm

My wife likes the bra, I don't......PO had moisture get behind the bra and turned paint milky. Needed a respray.....So, I remain a no-bra-er...

Tue Dec 07, 2010 6:38 pm

Mine has had a Bra on it for the whole time I've owned it. Since it is exclusivly a road machine, I know it has saved a lot of paint chips and the inherent rust that goes with them. It shows a few skuffs near the outer edges, but, after 25 years, those paint chips can really add up. I wish there was some sort of bra for the windshield. I keep having to replace it.

Tue Dec 07, 2010 7:19 pm

Full disclosure: I own a company that installs 3M ClearBras and headlamp protection.

The vinyl bras generally do as much damage as they protect against. So it would be a wash financially, except that you're paying for the bra as well, so generally a negative investment. At some point in the future, I'll be offering a Samba deal on 3M headlight protection - precut headlight covers. Unfortunately, not a good idea to do that for a bra as they're actually pretty difficult to install and have it look good.

If you have a vinyl bra, be sure to remove it and clean and dry it after washing the car, after driving in the rain, or after driving in dusty conditions. Er, pretty much remove it after driving. The question was asked how much air do they block - I didn't know they went over air openings?

DougM

Tue Dec 07, 2010 7:22 pm

IdahoDoug wrote: The question was asked how much air do they block - I didn't know they went over air openings?

The vinyl has openings of fine-netting/mesh material over the radiator grills.

Tue Dec 07, 2010 7:23 pm

PS - there is a windshield film I tested and liked. I'll find the name. They last a couple years and can take quite a whack with no glass damage. Eventually they start to get wiper lines, but if you're careful not to run them dry you might stretch it to 4 years. I ...... still can't remember the name so I'll keep typing. The film is from Utah - Clearplex. There, got the name. Tough to put on properly.

DougM

Tue Dec 07, 2010 8:09 pm

3M Clear Bra /Lamp Covers leaves nothing to the imagination :wink:

Ask Idaho Doug

Tue Dec 07, 2010 8:16 pm

Get rid of it, they destroy your paint......this is the result of the PO leaving a bra on for an extended period of time. Don't ask me why the passenger corner came out all right :? , everywhere else is crap.

Tue Dec 07, 2010 9:35 pm

Better without the bra.

Tue Dec 07, 2010 9:47 pm

No cooling issues whatsoever with mine.

speedtek wrote: Get rid of it, they destroy your paint......this is the result of the PO leaving a bra on for an extended period of time.

I've got bras for all three of my cars and every road trip, save for wet weather, the bras go on. Used correctly, they are very much worth it: no rocks chips, no bug guts. In fact, I'll be getting mirror "bras" in the near future; on the last adventure my van's painted mirrors got pelted. :evil:

The POs of my van left the bra on for 8 years straight. Surprisingly, no damage done other than dull paint (and worn out felt at the door jambs), which buffed right out:

My bra rules:
Clean the paint before installation.
Clean the bra before installation.
Only install the bra when dry.
Remove the bra in wet weather.
Use the bra only for road trips, not daily commuting. If you do use the bra 24/7/356, remove it often to clean both it and the car.

Tue Dec 07, 2010 9:47 pm

If any of you guys who are so dissatisfied with your bras want to get rid of it for a modest price, please pm me. I could use one for other purposes that they were intended.

Thanks

Tue Dec 07, 2010 9:54 pm

PM sent.

Tue Dec 07, 2010 9:59 pm

speedtek wrote: Get rid of it, they destroy your paint......this is the result of the PO leaving a bra on for an extended period of time. Don't ask me why the passenger corner came out all right :? , everywhere else is crap.

My bra on my white Westy hasn't done anything like that. of course I wash it and dry it every time I wash my van which is after every trip. I also make sure it gets at least two coats of wax a year, even tho it spends most of its' time in the garage. I think it's just how you take care of things. Your previous owner didn't do such a great job it looks like. My bra is the original that came with it in 1986 and the vinyl is still good because it gets protectant sprayed on it after every washing and it is stored in the garage.
It's not the bras' fault it is the owner.

Tue Dec 07, 2010 10:01 pm

Love My Westy wrote:
My bra on my white Westy hasn't done anything like that. of course I wash it and dry it every time I wash my van which is after every trip. I also make sure it gets at least two coats of wax a year, even tho it spends most of its' time in the garage. I think it's just how you take care of things. Your previous owner didn't do such a great job it looks like. My bra is the original that came with it in 1986 and the vinyl is still good because it gets protectant sprayed on it after every washing and it is stored in the garage.
It's not the bras' fault it is the owner.

I don't disagree, you're absolutely correct. Unfortunately, most people can't be bothered with the maintenance that is essential when running a bra on the front. In this day and age you're better off with a 3m Clear bra if you're worried about rock chips and protecting the paint.

Wed Dec 08, 2010 4:45 am

I don't get it.

Cover up your car to protect it so it will look nice?

Even if it works (which people have just proven that they don't) you can't see the nice protected paint because there is a big black veil covering it.

Wed Dec 08, 2010 6:09 am

I think the bra may have been used to cover the issues on the grey van as the po's (aka my parents) had a bra on our van 24/7/365 for many years though it was put on the last time after body work from an accident the only issues from the bra were from the velcro put below the lower grill, and some bubbling of the paint from cracks.