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Bra or 3M protective film ?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by taco_runner, Aug 24, 2020.

  1. Aug 24, 2020 at 12:29 PM
    #1
    taco_runner

    taco_runner [OP] New Member

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    All our vehicles have multiple stone chips at the front and hood.. my new 4Runner just had it's first two stone chips yesterday when we drove to Sedona..

    Anyone on here using protection at all? I know it's supposed to be for offroading, but I'm not yet using it offroad :D ..
     
    travelinscout and TRDPro916 like this.
  2. Aug 24, 2020 at 2:15 PM
    #2
    MatthewMateo

    MatthewMateo New Member

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    I have Xpel installed on the front of my Golf R and I would say it's a requirement for a new vehicle. This stuff is way different than the old film that would yellow for years past. 10 year warranty and it's saved my front end from many rock chips. This will be the first "mod" I do when I take delivery of my Venture in a couple weeks.
     
    taco_runner[OP] likes this.
  3. Aug 24, 2020 at 3:24 PM
    #3
    TRDPro916

    TRDPro916 New Member

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    Get Expel protective film on the bumper and headlights/fog lights. I bought the film itself and installed it myself. Only rock chips I have now are on my windshield lol
     
    A&P and taco_runner[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  4. Aug 24, 2020 at 3:38 PM
    #4
    taco_runner

    taco_runner [OP] New Member

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  5. Aug 24, 2020 at 10:03 PM
    #5
    tundradan

    tundradan New Member

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    Don't get a bra! We had one on our car a number of years ago and went through a dust/sand storm. It got underneath the bra and by the time we got home had nicely sanded the hood. Not worth it!
     
    taco_runner[OP] likes this.
  6. Aug 25, 2020 at 9:16 AM
    #6
    PCRIDE4RUNNER

    PCRIDE4RUNNER New Member

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    I got the AVS slim/stealth stick on bug guard to help with this as most chips were right on the front nose. I've notice chips everywhere... side of the fenders near the front etc.. honestly if you have a black or dark paint you'll notice it more. I figure I'm just driving it and don't care too much anymore. You could send your kid out to play with his friends with elbow guards, knee and wrist guards and butt pads if you want. Really though its a trade off between having a film /armor all over your 4R which you can see and when that gets damaged it looks like hell anyways and you won't want to pay the $800 again to skin your 4R.
     
    taco_runner[OP] likes this.
  7. Aug 25, 2020 at 9:23 AM
    #7
    Hondo

    Hondo New Member

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    I just had clear bra applied ontothe roof before I swapped out my roof rack. If you're trying to protect your paint I'd say clear bra over anything else
     
    TRDPro916 and taco_runner[OP] like this.
  8. Aug 29, 2020 at 12:58 AM
    #8
    MatthewMateo

    MatthewMateo New Member

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    TRDPro916 likes this.
  9. Aug 29, 2020 at 3:03 AM
    #9
    Matt83

    Matt83 New Member

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    I wont put a clear bra on my 4Runner because I would destroy it in the woods.

    With that said, my wife's VW GTI has had Xpel on the hood, bumper, mirrors and A-Pillars since new. It is coated with Optimum Ceramic coating as well. The stuff is awesome, small abrasions heal themselves, easier to wash and with the ceramic coat on everything, never have waxed the car. Just maintain the coating. Four years later, water beads right off and it is the easiest vehicle to wash.
     
    taco_runner[OP] likes this.
  10. Aug 29, 2020 at 8:39 AM
    #10
    TRDPro916

    TRDPro916 New Member

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  11. Aug 29, 2020 at 11:32 AM
    #11
    Gamma Ray

    Gamma Ray Be excellent to each other

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    Who cares? This never shows everything anyway.
    I like going braless.
     
    newtotoyota and erfer1 like this.
  12. Sep 3, 2020 at 9:02 PM
    #12
    Johnrg

    Johnrg New Member

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    Front end of mine and front of hood and fenders too and including the hood scoop leading edges covered. Mirrors too. Day 1, girl on old Bronco with wide metal mirrors sideswipes me and knocks my mirrors back. Film took the impact and rubbed out and no loss of paint. Recent trip through Taos and to Colorado. 64 being chip sealed, ugh... Pulled over to let a yahoo past where the chip seal started as was on my tail. He lit up his tires and showered me with gravel. About 4 or 5 dings on my drivers side and took one to the front, but film saved the paint. Film abraded slightly is all. Have a van with film for 10 plus years that's also silver and looks good. Another car was 20 years old with same film. Same as on most cars wheel arches, rub areas. Only sure way to save the front of the car from being pockmarked.

    IMG_20200214_140411.jpg
     
  13. Sep 3, 2020 at 10:04 PM
    #13
    flyinhoot

    flyinhoot When in doubt, Throttle out.

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    Monochrome everything. LED reverse lights.
    I used to use protection. Until I didnt...
     
    newtotoyota likes this.
  14. Sep 6, 2020 at 9:46 PM
    #14
    13-4Runner

    13-4Runner New Member

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    Minneapolis
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    Bras are bad, they will ruin your paint. Believe me, a couple friends used them a few years back and they both had damaged paint. Not only that, if the bra is like the old black ones they look horrible IMO.
     

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