Clear Bra Removal tips/tricks

[scootertrash19]

Anybody have any special tips or tricks on removal of a 8-9 year old Clear bra. I have removed decals, window tint, and debaged vehicles but never been asked to remove a clear bra before. I have a heat gun and adhesive remover but just wanted to see if there were any tricks I need to know, Thanks!

[Kingsford]

Never done it before but can only think to myself... 8-9 years... Anyway you do it, isn't going to be pretty.

[ArmyAcadia09]

Don't quote me or blame me and I accept no responsibility but I saw someone on FB through the detailing page using a steamer

[Kingsford]

Don't quote me or blame me and I accept no responsibility but I saw someone on FB through the detailing page using a steamer

 

Innovative Detailing? If so I think he's around here somewhere on the forums.

[LFairbanks]

I watched a guy rip mine off as it had to be replaced.  A huge rock tore a gash in it and slight dent that I had a PDR guy remove.  But no paint damage.  He just peeled it off and then had this thing that reminded me of one of these erasers that he went over the surface with to remove any leftover residue.  

 

http://www.officedepot.ca/erasers/staedtler-art-gum-eraser-92511.asp

[Maserati Mike]

Call The original clear bra in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can find the online ask for Dan or Curby.  They install their product on my Maserati and are great people.  The will help you out... or I will cut them.lol

[GXPaycheck]

Find installer. Drop car off. Pick up when done. Easy peasy.

[Team Adam's]

Rich, removing on that's that old isn't going to be fun at all.  They are made to be replaced every 3 years or so, as they get brittle and tear very easily when they age beyond that.

 

I removed one from a black C6 Corvette that was 5 years old and it was a nightmare.  I tried a hair dryer, heat gun, steamer, adhesive remover...everything short of a chainsaw.

 

When they are old, they don't peel off in nice, big sections.  Rather, tiny chunks, which makes it slow going.

 

One tip I'll share though; when pulling it off, pull parallel with the panel, like you're pulling a tablecloth off a table.  That helps keep the adhesive on the bra material itself, and will minimize the amount left on the paint you have to deal with.

[Kingsford]

Everything short of a chainsaw.

Disclaimer... Don't use a chainsaw... Might scratch the paint. 

[Ricky Bobby]

I saw a writeup from Phil @ Detailers Domain where he had to use steam and it still came off in little pieces.

 

It was on a 10 year old 996, I think he used a ton of 3M adhesive remover and plastic razor blades as well.

 

Bingo here is the write up from a 2001 Porsche 911:

 

http://www.detailersdomain.net/2013/07/11/detailers-domain-01-porsche-911-clear-film-removal-nightmare/

 

 

There is another writeup from a 2005 911 where it wasn't as bad and just needed steam to remove and it came off nicely, this was disgusting though.

[BigBlue2007]

Phil does amazing work. 

[scootertrash19]

Thanks for the tips! I have not seen the truck yet (White Toyota Tundra), and have not given him a quote. He said on the phone the bra has faded and turned yellow, but didnt mention anything about cracking like what has been pictured in the previous posts. If i get the job I will be sure and do a write-up!  Thanks again!

[LFairbanks]

They are made to be replaced every 3 years or so, as they get brittle and tear very easily when they age beyond that.

 

 

I know mine was quite a bit older than that and still looked like new.  I want to say it was 6 years old when I replaced the damaged area.  I believe it was a 3M product and not the "original clear bra".  I went with the 3M product as I knew that others had issues with going brittle and yellowing.  3M guaranteed against this.  I even had some thicker pieces applied over the headlights to protect them as well.  I know longer have the truck however.

Edited June 7, 2014 by LFairbanks