Bras: any use outside of long trips (Seattle environment)

[Jdub]

The front of my SC is littered with chips, and the front bumper has a scrape or two. No matter, I bought the car mostly for its running shape.

Still, the rest of the car is OK in looks, and a bra would cover the very worst the car has to offer. But this is Seattle, where it rains all the time, and I understand that wet+bra=destroyed paint job. So if a bra cannot be used in the wet, am I fooling myself thinking that a bra is a decent, short-term fix for a paint job? I cannot afford paint at this point, though I am getting close.

Should I go for a bra on the car and leave it on despite the wet (that is, all day until I get home or even longer), or will I be sorry I ever used it in this way?

Thanks much,
Jw

[mwbaum]

everything I've read says NEVER leave a wet bra on....will ruin the paint

[pbs911]

I second. Never leave a wet bra on the car. It will ruin the paint. Also, never leave a bra in your glove box or under the seat either unless your single.

Have you looked into he Magnibra? I don't know, but it seems it could be left on in the rain.

Here's the link:
http://www.magbra.com/design.htm

Looked at the site. Magnibra recommends that its product is removed during the rain.
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Paul
78SC Targa
Pelican Parts Members Gallery

[This message has been edited by pbs911 (edited 11-05-2001).]

[makaio]

JDUB,
Sounds like your car and mine have the same kind of 10 yard paint job. (looks great from 10 yards) Anyways, I run a bra on mine when the weather is nice,to hide all the paint chips and damaged front valance, and when I'm on the track. But, yeah you really should remove the bra when it is raining.

If you do buy one, try to get a 2 piece one. I purchased a 1 piece one for $20 off e-bay brand new. Good price, but it is a pain toremove whenever I need into the boot.

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Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC

[cegerer]

There're no 'ifs' or 'maybes'. Leaving the bra on when wet WILL ruin the paint. The 2 piece bras are nice for trunk access and I think they look better, but they can't be taken on and off quickly - the trunk latch must be adjusted with tools each time you do. It's easy enough to do, but it has to be done. The bra WILL make driving less stressful since you don't have to be quite as vigilant about cars throwing gravel at you.

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1971 911T - 2.5L Big Bore

The Gray Wolf!
My Porsche Owners-Gallery Page!

[pbs911]

The 2 piece bras . . . can't be taken on and off quickly - the trunk latch must be adjusted with tools each time you do.

On mine the bra has an opening so it fits over the latch. I never had to use any tools whatsoever to put the hood section of the bra on or off. I guess it depends on the manufacture.

I always run the hood section. I haven't even put on the fender section.

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Paul
78SC Targa
Pelican Parts Members Gallery

[RoninLB]

Paul--the hood latch must be adjusted with tools, not the bra. My 77 with porsche dealer bra needed the latch to be extended to allow the extra added thickness of the bra under the lid tip to allow the latch to engage. Clear??

[J Richard]

I ran both the coligan 2 peice type for a long time, then I found the factory bra's used a thinner peice of backing material and only the straps of the fender cover went under the hood. It was much easier and you didn't have to fuss with re adjusting the hood. I leave the hooks fastened in the trunk, when it looked to get wet I wipe down the bra with a dry rag pop off the bottom and fender clips and flip the whole thing into the boot. slide the hood piece off and you're done in about 2 minutes. Putting it back on after a quick car wash is just about as fast. I used to not worry about running a bra unless on a long trip, then one day I got caught on a local road with a truck that sprayed gravel in front of me. Perfect paint gone to hell.

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93RSA