I was just wondering what the forum's opinion is of using front masks for the Challenger. I know that a bad fitting front mask can cause more harm than good but I've used front masks in the past with other vehicles and have had good results because I only use them on long trips and remove them right after the trip is over. I'm also very careful to clean the car thoroughly before putting a mask on a car. I only use them temporarily to protect the car on long road trips. Once a year I take a 3,500 mile road trip to visit family and I'm really looking forward to taking the Challenger I've ordered from the factory on the road trip this year.
I think you answered your own question. I hate car bras but if it's only temporary, then go for it. I think the clear mask is the way to go but it can be pricey.
I was wondering about the clear masks using the nano-film. But I am concerned how the paint under the clear mask and the exposed paint would wear over time. In 7-10 years would the paint under the clear mask still match the color of the exposed paint?
I got xpel and it came with a lifetime warranty. If it ever peels or looks crappy they will replace it. Pretty amazing stuff that has a self healing element which I thought was [emoji90] until I saw it for myself. Several times I've gotten out of my car and have seen little dimples where it was hit by something. After a few minutes you can't see where the dimple was. It also eliminates swirls which I appreciate on my pitch black car.
I used a colgan bra on my car when I took my 6000 mile trip a couple years ago. It did a great job at protecting the car at a fraction of the cost of an expel bra.
Where did you get it? I went to covercraft and they offer both the Colgan and LeBra but they didn't have any reviews on the Colgan for the Challenger. Did you consider both brands?
I know that there are so many varieties of clear film protection out there now. All claim the their fame on "nano technology" and fair enough some work better than others. Too many flavors just makes it difficult. Seen novistretch before. Looks decent enough but the coverage is so so.
You've described exactly how I use the Colgan mask for my '11 Challenger R/T and my wife's '13 Charger R/T. I put the mask (front and mirrors) on for the trip and take it off when I get back home. I would never consider leaving it on permanently.
The Colgan for my Challenger R/T is a great fit! Nice and snug.
I've had enough road debris thrown at the car that the mask has paid for itself many times over. I had a Colgan mask for my '05 GTO that definitely saved me from having to have paint work done when a truck lost a pallet and a second truck threw parts of the pallet at the rest of us.
And .... kudos to Colgan's customer service. My wife's Charger was delivered with less than two weeks before our vacation and Colgan made the bra and shipped it to me in Florida with a few days to spare.
I used a colgan bra on my car when I took my 6000 mile trip a couple years ago. It did a great job at protecting the car at a fraction of the cost of an expel bra.
Agreed on the value. No doubt that the various plastic brands differ in quality and are reliant upon the installer knowing what they're doing. But, I've seen too many plastic applications that were too obvious, yellowed, or cracking from sun damage for me to risk spending the extra money. Plus .... if the plastic gets damaged, improper removal can remove at least the clear coat.
The colgan bra also has mesh that covers the grill. Mine was covered in bugs when we got back. I don't think the film does anything to protect the radiator from damage
Sounds like I need to order one. I noticed that the Colgan front mask is more expensive than the LeBra and I was wondering if it was worth the extra money. So far I have purchased a front mask for every new car I've bought since 1993.
Also thank you to the forum admin who moved this to the appropriate topic. I just noticed it was moved.