Colgan is the only one to fool with. You get what you pay for.

The key is not to put it on and leave it. They are made for trips and even the best bra's will mark the paint. The darker the paint the better chance for marks.

DO NOT keep it on when wet.

The other key is to keep it tight. If it is lose it will flap and damage the paint.

If used properly they can be a good tool. Used improperly they are just another way to mess up the paint.

Read the instructions and use as they say and you should be fine.

DO not fool with the cheap stuff as most times you will be disapointed. There are a couple that were not bad but few are good. Wolf had a ok one but they are close in a buy out right now.

 

I have a llumar clear bra. I have found the the traditional bra has a possiblity of rubbing through the paint if one puts enough miles on while the bra is installed. Besides it takes away from the overall looks of the vehicle. I also live in Florida with the twice a year love bugs and all the road construction. The clear bra cost $550 but that is far cheaper than a nose paint job. the clear bra is invisible and waxes just like the rest of the painter surfaces.

 

I love those and they are great for bugs. But I have noticed they take a beating here in the winter as bad or worse than paint at times with the stones. The clear plastic dings up and you can't do much but replace it.

It might also be some brands are better than others.

With my black I can touch it up sand it out and buff it till it is gone. That is why I went with a solid color over metalic. The metalics look great but are hard to touch up.

I did put the clear covers on my head lights to protect the plastic.

 

I used a clear bra on a Scoin XB. What would have been a small dent, was not. What would have been a ding was not. Like you said it can get a ding in the plastic bra surface. Still, when it gets nasty you can replace all of part of it. (cheaper than repaint) I have the headlamp covers and the mirrors heads. I also have a strip on the rear bumper cover to keep it from getting cargo scratches. The bugs are cleaned up easy too.

 

Colgan on mine , for the last 3-4 months (i DO take it off/on often tho, it's not like it's on 24/7/365)

I like it, worth the $$, the only thing i had a problem with, is the fit around the side marker lights, can never get it to lay flat enuf to suit me

But other than that , i'm liking mine, plus i'm sure that there will be no more chips/sandblasting up front with it on

 

Yes, very......I am thinking of selling mine.......as I have the car up for sale.

 

I also have a brand new one in the carbon fiber look up for sale. Decided to go with the clear. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/deleted-threads-41/trade-ss-colgan-carbon-fiber-look-bra-25097/

 

It looks like you have the mirror bras as well...correct? My mirrors are the same color as my paint job. I saw Colgan makes mirror bras as well and yours being black...

Just an assumption, but now I am curious.

 

Yes........

 

One place I talked to does $500 for the custom cut HHR SS clear bra and installation, of which they say it can take 4-5 hours. I don't know at that price...though done right with quality materials...if its worth it. maybe an eventual repaint wouldn't be a bad thing as the whole car could be freshened up when the front end is repainted. I am back and forth on this.

I am definitely thinking about getting the headlamp ones, but again the custom made HHR SS and installation is $125...how much are new headlamp covers?

Not sure which way to go...since its new I want to decide soon before it does take some damage.