car seat covers and/or bras

[swampy]

What is a good reasonably priced seat cover for my 2003 ssei? How about a bra? Are they practical-useful-harmful?

[WhiteArrow3800]

I was considering seat covers the other day because now I have the GXP seats with the white suede inserts and they pick up dirt pretty easy. But I haven't poked around anymore than just thinking about it so I wouldn't have any recommendations there.

As for bras, I have one for both my '93 and the '01. Both are LeBra brand and fit pretty snug. I only ran a bra on the '01 for the longer road trips out of state. But the '93 gets the bra full time because it's covering some damage from an incident with a ditch a few years back. Bra's can be used as protection, but the bra itself as well as the paint underneath needs to be properly maintained or it's going to be a lost investment and damage the paint underneath.

If I was recommending a bra LeBra car covers are nice if you go that route, but I won't be buying one again. I'd vote to go for a clear bra application, I've seen it applied and you really can't tell it's there unless you're looking for it. I'd have that done to my cars if they weren't already chipped from rocks.

[00Beast]

If the paint isn't chipped already on the front of your car, get a clear bra on there stat!

[crash93ssei]

I would be hesitant with seat covers because of the air bag.

A clear bra won't help because the corrosion starts from underneath, on the bottom side of the hood where a clear bra won't do any good.

[SSEi95]

I had a bra on my old '95. After a year r so it rubbed the paint enough to make it a little cloudy. I wouldn't recommend using one to anyone for just that reason. On my current 2k2 it came with the clear protective film style bra. The areas where it is applied do seem to be holding up well to nicks and chips and the film itself isn't really visible unless you get right up on it. I would recommend that application of a bra.

[WhiteArrow3800]

When my brother took over driving the '93 he'd just wash the car with the bra still on, and he used soap on the bra as well. At any rate, it was rarely removed and now if the bra was removed there is a clear outline on the hood and fenders where the paint has either become hazey, yellow'd, or scratched to hell. So the bra is more or less permanent since the damage was done. Maybe one day she'll get a new bumper cover and a repaint. Probably just wishful thinking...

A clear bra won't help because the corrosion starts from underneath, on the bottom side of the hood where a clear bra won't do any good.

Yeah, I didn't think about this. He's right though it won't stop the '00+ hood herpes plague. Mine hasn't shown up on top yet, but it's underneath the hood.

[swampy]

Thanks for all the response to my question. Good advice. I may get a bra for Lovebug season (May and Sept). Did not understand how seat covers would effect the airbag operation?

[1oldman]

Thanks for all the response to my question. Good advice. I may get a bra for Lovebug season (May and Sept). Did not understand how seat covers would effect the airbag operation?

The airbags are in the seat. If you cover the seat, you cover the airbag. I had a clearbra on my wife's '09 CTS. It only protects the paint from scratches and chipping. I liked it well enough I'm going to have one put on the wife's current CTS. You do have to be careful around the edges of it when you wash and wax the car. - BC

[swampy]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is a "clear bra"? Can it be taken on and off off easily or is it perm? swampy

[nos4blood70]

It's a clear plastic that is applied onto the paint, almost like a big sticker. It isn't permanent, but you can't just remove and reinstall at will.

[1oldman]

It's made of the same material as the chip guard applique on the rocker panels. - BC

[ga93sle]

They make seat covers that are specifically for seats with airbags in them. I've seen a few cars come through my work with them, and they seem to work properly...

[2003 SSEi]

I have a Bra for my 03 but I have a GM Accesssories part. I only use it for long trips and such. it is off the car 99% of the time

my personal opinion is that the GM is better than the Aftermarket, both in fit and quality of materials