Protecting paint on long trips

[whatthefunk]

I recently purchased an '03 Protege5 in great shape. Paint on the front is flawless, and I'd like to keep it that way, if possible. Car is about 6-7 hours from my town - with some highways full of construction and rock-flinging big rigs in between. I'll be driving it down in a week or so, and (after reading some horror stories about hood and bumper dings) I'm looking for an inexpensive way to protect the car on the trip (and on long highway trips in the future). I've resarched bras and plastic nose covers, and all come with mixed reviews and warnings. So...what do you folk do to protect your hoods on long highway trips, if anything? Is it worth the effort to buy and install a bra? And yes, I know bras look hideous and dated - I'll only be using it (or whatever I buy) to drive the car down, then I'll take it off. Truth be told, not many bras stay on for long around me, anyway. (thumb)

On a related note, if someone out there has a used bra or hood cover of some sort they're not using, I'm interested.

 

[NCZ13]

blue painters tape.

just cover the front end in several layers and youll be good to go.

 

[ForceFed]

Or Green From a Body Supply house....Neither will leave residue and will protect the front end for less than $15.

 

[Nomad]

or you can buy a bra and as long as it is only used on a clean car for that one trip at a time then you are good. The bras will scratch the paint once they are left on all the time and dirt gets embedded under them. You can still put painters tape under where the bra edges are to protect from flapping at high speed. Lot easier than tape and reuseable.

You can always buy a 3M clear bra and install it. Longer lasting and does a great job while being nearly invisible.

Then you wouldn't have to worry about the one or two long trips, or the 1,000 small trips that can do just as much damage.

 

[formerjackman]

Just stay more than 2 car lengths behind other vehicles

 

[ForceFed]

That doesnt help as much as covering.
Cant dodge things you cant see.

 

[brickisred]

I bought a bra to use for road trips. Works great. I make sure to wash the car beforehand, or at least spray some Meguiar's Quick Detail to get the dirt off. I take it off as soon as I reach my destination. www.mazdastuff.com has them for $75

 

[NCZ13]

3m clear bra isnt exactly the cheapest alternative, and if not taken care of properly can look like s*** after awhile...

 

[TreFlip999]

between 300-400 dollars for the clear bra...Painters tape works just fine

 

[DE31]

painters tape is great LOL

 

[TreFlip999]

painters tape is great LOL

HAHAHHA be careful or youll end up in the ricer thread

 

[InFlames]

lol was that because of a long trip or a track event?

 

[TreFlip999]

Would it be illegal to drive with the painters tape over your headlights during the day? ill be driving from WA to CA in august and most of the trip should be during the day

 

[brickisred]

There's a guy on ebay selling headlight protective film for around 10 bucks. Pre-cut for Protege. I bought some and it is worth the $

 

[ForceFed]

Would it be illegal to drive with the painters tape over your headlights during the day? ill be driving from WA to CA in august and most of the trip should be during the day

I don't see why it would be illegal...as long as its light out and you don't need the lights..then sure.

You are only required to have lights on when its About an hour to Dusk and an hour after dawn..
"Technically"...
...and I am sure that varies from place to place...But thats the rule of thumb.

 

[TreFlip999]

I don't see why it would be illegal...as long as its light out and you don't need the lights..then sure.

You are only required to have lights on when its About an hour to Dusk and an hour after dawn..
"Technically"...
...and I am sure that varies from place to place...But thats the rule of thumb.

Knowing my luck Id get dinged for it lol