2016 Tacoma Front-end Bra

Not 100% true for quality clear bras.

For example, I had an Xpel Ultimate* for several years - no issue with yellowing. I kept it protected with a good car sealant (just wax it like the rest of the car), and it even helps reject staining from bugs. Hell, the damn thing had a 10 year warranty against yellowing, etc

Also, I don't think the "fading around the clear bra" and "different color than the rest of the vehicle" is an issue either, as long as the clear bra passes UV through the film. That way the paint under the film will fade at the same rate as the rest of the vehicle:

*Note: I am not a shill for Xpel, it's just the only clear bra I've owned for a significant period of time. I just don't like good clear bras getting a bad rap due to misinformation. Especially when the other option is a scratch disaster.

 

I use this bra from Wardlow Custom Masks to protect my hot rod on longer trips on the road. I've got 100k invested in this car and no damage to my paint. As you can see the dark maroon coupe next to me has one too. When I get to my destination of course I take it off in about 20 seconds. I plan to get one for the taco too.

 

That is really great to hear...but I am seriously skeptical that you don't have swirls, spiderwebbing or micromarring under that bra. (seriously not trying to be a jerk), but have you looked closely at an angle and compared it closely to the remaining paint? Or maybe you polish enough that you fix the minor issues all the time? A quick google shows the kind of abrasion damage the vinyl car bras can cause since dirt and dust inevitably gets caught behind it.

Edit: just to clarify, I am not saying your are wrong if your paint is perfect to your eyes. I am hazarding a guess that you might be one of the few folks who keep their vehicles clean enough to preemptively protect from the risk of abrasion issues with the bra.

 

...^^^... I would use a removable cover like you are talking about, just keep it from flapping in the wind and damaging your paint. The love bugs are horrible down there at certain times.

It's the "stick on 3M type clear plastic" that have cased me problems. I wish I would have taken a photo of a 3 or 4 year old Lexus that the whole front was yellowed, crinkled & dried up plastic. I have no idea what brand of cover, but it looked really bad and never get that factor matched paint back again.

When I have left plastic bras on, this has happened to me .... (1) the glue hood line edges can be seen and catches dirt somehow .... (2) the paint patina is NEVER the same if you don't take it off soon after installation (more noticeable on darker paints) ... (3) I took mine off the 2016 in first 3 weeks and it still beads water differently at the glue lines and under that plastic.

If i clean and wax the paint, the water will probable bead the same. My paint patina (small micro-scratches) is ok because t's light colored (silver) and took the plastic off soon after delivery.

Good luck with whatever you do and let us know if you find a good removal bug screen.
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Well you're right I do keep the car waxed etc for shows and there are no blemishes at all. The back side of the bra is a baby soft material especially designed for protection. I'm sure like anything else there are cheaper versions but mine was bought from a high end vendor. I also only put it on when I know I will be on a roadway or freeway for a longer period of time.

 

...^^^... The transporters used to drive expensive firetrucks (Dupont Imron paint & twisted 24K good leaf) on the road to shows (especially in FL) and make a plywood front to protect them.

Those custom bras are super cool and thanks for that information.

PS ... Great looking rides too ...
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Do you think there is an advantage of having the the grill covered by mesh? Would the LOADs of bugs from road trips harm the engine at all?

The clear Bras dont cover the grill....