MRRAZZY2003

I am planning a 3,000 mile trip - a great deal of which will be interstate - unfortunately. The front of my 2004 C-5 is like new - black car. Do I chance it or invest in a mask? My concern is the potnetial for rubbing on the paint and only creating another problem. Any experiences would help. I am looking at Mid America's Mini Mask (vinyl) and then they have a standard (polyester) as well.

Corvette_Ed

The GM bra, which I have been using on my cars for a couple of decades, will not damage your paint. It has a very tight fit, it's very soft underneath, and only requires that you put a nice coat of wax on the nose prior to install. I use one on my own Vette, and will be doing so again when I head to Arizona in a few weeks. I'm not the least bit concerned about having any damage done to my paint.

pcbunn

I used one for years before I had the clear film installed. As long as it is tight and doesn't flap you will be ok.

Big Duk

I use the elastic bra. Works great. You dont encounter many rocks on the interstate.

MRRAZZY2003

Dumb question: where do I source a GM mask? Through a dealer?
Thanks all!

Mr.Bill

Corvette_Ed

I got mine on eBay, but GM PartsHouse.com or PartsTaxi.com would be dealers to check with. Both are forum vendors.

jerrad

If you dont mind it looking terrible you can go the blue painters tape route.
Or you could do a few thick coats of black plastidip and just peel it off at the end of the trip.

LS2NSUV

Just purchased a GM bra for a trip up north on the west bank. Installation was a snap and it worked flawlessly. Nice snug fit too. Very happy with the product. Purchased through West Coast Corvettes and right now they have free shipping on it.

Vetteman Jack

Go with the GM bra - as has been mentioned, it covers the front end and lower portion of the hood very well, has a tight fit, easy on/off (once it has been on the car a few times) and has a soft backing that does not scratch or mar the paint. I've run one of the GM bras on all my C5s - totalling probably 9+ years and never had a problem with them.

MRRAZZY2003

Thanks everyone! Great support! Appreciate it and safe travels!

jrose7004

I use one of those $100.00 elastic kind. Works great.

toughshift

I bought mine in April from a local Chevy dealer. He ordered it for me. It cost $100.00 plus MN sales tax $7.28 = $107.28 total.
Sort of a PITA to put on...lots of stretching, but when you're all finished, it looks very nice with no problems.

Timmy_Jones

Plasti dip. Cover the radiator and other parts behind the bumper and spray away. I would guess 2-3 cans and maybe 4-5 coats. Shouldn't cost you more than 10-15 bucks.

Mr.Bill

It seems that a few of you guys think the PD is the cure all for everything, I will tell you this there is no way it can protect the front from rock chips and whatnot as the GM bra can. If you are trying to save money and can't afford good protection then so be it.
Mr.Bill

Munch

Dumb question but why do people feel they will get more stone chips on a trip compared to regular driving of the car? If you need a bra for a trip shouldn't you just have a bra on all the time?

Mr.Bill

Big difference going 30mph than 70mph.

TNX ZORA

Vehicles pick up stones while off the interstate, especially on unimproved roads. Then, with tread grooves packed with stones and reaching higher interstate speeds the stones are released by centrifugal force, flying into your front end or windshield.

To the OP: The GM bra works great and is reasonably priced.

MSG C5

Is the "GM Bra" the same from all forum vendors including West Coast Corvettes? I read earlier that the "Official GM Bra" has changed manufacturers over the years.

Corvette_Ed

I don't know. The only way I know to tell is if it has the Corvette logo on it.