who here has a Front End Mask on there Z?

[DatsunZsRule]

A.K.A. "bras" (The black leather ones. NOT the clear film stuff)

Just curious who all has one and how they like it or dislike it. I'm kicking around the idea of possibly getting one for my Z to protect her nose . Any photos are helpful too (especially if you have one on a 280Z like mine)

MSA shows a couple different kinds. One from Covercraft which is $89.95 The other is Colgan Custom Front Bras which is $139.95 IF someone here has the Colgan Custom Front Bra, any idea what makes it worth $50.00 more?

Here is the link to MSA's Exterior Accessories list which shows both masks http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/EA

Thanks in advance for your thoughts

[sblake01]

I have one. It's a two piece made by Le Bra. If you do get one make sure it's two piece which allows you to open the hood without having to mess with the bra. I like it, it fits nicely and protects the front end from dings but they do have their drawbacks. The paint underneath it won't fade like the rest of the car so unless you take it off from time to time.....well you can see the problem that causes. Mine has been on the car basically since the paint job dried in 1998. I occasionally remove it when I wax the car. When you remove it, you can definately see where it was. If you can live with that, it's cool. I have learned to live with it over the years but, I'll tell you what, if I ever paint the car again, no bra!

[Zak's Z]

I got one with my Z when I got it, but its kinda rough. My wife's Honda CRV had one when we bought it (a 2001 bought in 2005). When I took the bra off, the corners of the fenders by the hood had bubbles, and since then its rusted more. I'd only put a bra on a car now for a long trip or something. I should get to fixing those little spots before they turn into big spots.

[DatsunZsRule]

Thanks guys for the comments and for your photo too stephen

Zak, As you probably already know the reason for those bubbles forming is due to the mask being left on it either after washing it, or the car sat in the rain and the mask never got removed. You cannot allow moisture in there for any length of time or that will happen. I see that a lot where I work on RV's that use them.

I.M.O they are worth the pain of removing once in awhile. IF you ever do need a repaint Stephen, I recommend you still keep it on there. Like I said, it's worth the little extra work of removing it once in a while. I learned this the hard way when last summer some asshole in a pick up truck with big arse mud tires going the opposite direction kicked a rock up and as I was going by him the other way I heard the horrible SNAP sound on my hood and I said to myself after hearing the hit "ahhh you F'in son of a b!tch ) and sure enough I got out when I got home and found a ugly chip out of the paint on my hood gggrrr was I ever pissed :mad: I had to special order the paint to fix it and it was no fun. I'd rather have a bra that i have to remove once in a while instead of fixing nasty rock chips. just my .02 cents

My Z is only pleasure driven anyway the only removal I'll need to do is when cleaning/waxing it and as far as the fading issue is concearned, only time it's exposed to the lovely UV rays is when I'm out driving it or cleaning it and as already stated, it will be off when I'm cleaning it anyways. I keep her parked safe in the garage the rest of the time but lets face it, as long as you actually use your Z and drive it, rock chips are going to happen unfortunately so I think something like a Front End Mask would be a smart investment. I agree Stephen that the two piece one would be the way to go. I don't want to be removing it everytime I want or need to pop open my hood.

[Walter Moore]

My car obviously had a "front end mask" or "bra" on it at one time, because in the area where it had been the paint was horrible. It looked like when it was removed the paint had stuck to the plastic and partially peeled off with it.

If you put one on the car, make sure it "breathes" and isn't going to stick to the paint. Personally, I will just repair the rock chips. Indiana is way too wet to put up with the hassle.

[DatsunZsRule]

Both the ones MSA sell are breathable. I wouldn't buy one that wasn't. If you drive your Z in the rain (which I personally don't) then I agree it would be a hassle but then again so is fixing rock chips and getting the paint to match perfect.

[sblake01]

You might want to also consider the one I have. It's breathable, doesn't stick to the paint and like I said, I've about 10 years experience with it on the car so they're also durable. And it's in the same price range you mention You can put in part #55002-01 in the search box or just go through the drop down menus here:Le Bra

[DatsunZsRule]

Thanks Stephen. I already checked it out after reading your post #2. I think I'll be going with the same one you got. I'm impressed with it There price is $92.99 Not bad.