| norcalchuck |
I installed the Acura full front mask (bra) today. Took me about 2 hours of tugging and pulling to get it fitted. I found that using a hair dryer was the key. By heating in the areas that need to be stretched and adjusted, I was able to get it to fit. The parts guy said "make sure you let it sit out in the sun first". Right. Today we got pea sized hail all afternoon.
Have others encountered the same hassle in getting this thing to fit? I presume that after it is on the car for awhile it will stretch to fit. Also, I guess it's best to take it off between trips to the snow (with all the grit, sand and salt) as I believe moisture under that mask can damage the paint over time. Have others had any issues re damage to the paint from moisture? |
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by norcalchuck
I installed the Acura full front mask (bra) today. Took me about 2 hours of tugging and pulling to get it fitted. I found that using a hair dryer was the key. By heating in the areas that need to be stretched and adjusted, I was able to get it to fit. The parts guy said "make sure you let it sit out in the sun first". Right. Today we got pea sized hail all afternoon.
Have others encountered the same hassle in getting this thing to fit? I presume that after it is on the car for awhile it will stretch to fit. Also, I guess it's best to take it off between trips to the snow (with all the grit, sand and salt) as I believe moisture under that mask can damage the paint over time. Have others had any issues re damage to the paint from moisture?
Hi norcalchuck,
I hit that hail storm today around Turlock, really nasty.
Anyway, on the nose mask, I had one on my Intrepid, and only used it for road trips. Leaving it on in wet weather can trap moisture underneath. Looks like I'm buying the Colgan version. Good luck! |
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| SonShine |
I bought the Acura one from Tim @ hondacuraworld and it fit fairly well with only a bit of effort the 1st time. The key for me was having a good couple of layers of Zaino on before installing...:)
Of course, I live in the Phoenix area, so I don't need any hairdryers to heat things up during the summer...
P.S. Yes - it did get easier to install with time. |
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| HARDROCK |
| I had the same experience when I installed the mask for the first (and last) timel last year before my first road trip. I am not happy with the fit of the mask and don't like it being a two-piece kit. My old SAAB 900 had a one piece mask that fit so much better and who has ever needed to get under the hood of an "X" anyway? Is there an aftermarket one-piece mask out there? |
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| inky |
My acura mask is used only for trips but when a big old rock flew and hit it the other day it paid for itself. The mask is a poor fit in my opinion. Mine says MDX on hood piece. I have seen Acura on others.
Anyhow, it is useful for rocks and bugs.
I have seen the aftermarket brand referenced on this forum and it looks like a better fit.
Jim |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by greatscot
Hi norcalchuck,
I hit that hail storm today around Turlock, really nasty.
Anyway, on the nose mask, I had one on my Intrepid, and only used it for road trips. Leaving it on in wet weather can trap moisture underneath. Looks like I'm buying the Colgan version. Good luck!
I might consider the Colgan option too. Maybe let greatscot make the first move and see how it goes!
Pick up more bugs here in the Central Valley, but they are easier to peel off than all those crazy pedestrians in the Bay Area...:2: |
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| A2MDXer |
| I had the same experience of a very tight fit (and others did as well) - in fact it took me more like 4 hours - now it has loosened up and is much easier. |
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| ruacop2 |
What most people dont understand is how the material works and streches into place. It takes some patience and understadning how to evenly distribute the material so it will fit correclty.
I have installed several kits all have been one piece for a better look and I find it to be easier after you know what you are doing.
The material is made to stretch up to 25% of its soze before the adhesive starts to break down, but you dont need to stretch that much.
Anybody that needs help can pm me and I will be glad to help |
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| norcalchuck |
| I the factory mask back on yesterday. I found that after the first install it was a bit easier as it had stretched somewhat. Also, I found that using a hair dryer helped a lot in getting the right stretch in areas that need it. The parts guy's suggestion at the dealer re "let it sit in the sun for an hour" is useless in the winter. |
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| greatscot |
| I finally broke down and bought the OEM nose mask. Extreme pain in the rear to install. Anyway, only installed the lower portion as I have the Formfit deflector on top, drove to the coast, drove back late last night. Glad I had it on as many bugs met their demise on it. I'm leaving it on today and letting the X sit in the drive way in the sun instead of garaging it as usual. Hope that helps. |
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| ggalvan |
I recently ran across plastic sheeting with adhesive that attaches to the front end. Its clear you do not notice its there,but, what it does is protect the front end from bugs and small road debris. :eek: The cost is reletively cheap and is quite a remarkable improvement than that nose mask. Nose mask if its not properly fitted may cause damage to the paint.
The clear plastic is about .050 to .100" thick with an adhesive. Its precut and applied to the front end and on the mirrors where those items are exposed to road hazards. After couple of years it can be removed then a new sheet can be applied. This is the way to go.
:29: :5: |
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by ggalvan
I recently ran across plastic sheeting with adhesive that attaches to the front end. Its clear you do not notice its there,but, what it does is protect the front end from bugs and small road debris. :eek: . . .
The clear plastic is about .050 to .100" thick with an adhesive. Its precut and applied to the front end and on the mirrors where those items are exposed to road hazards. After couple of years it can be removed then a new sheet can be applied. This is the way to go.
:29: :5:
Is this the "Clear bra"? |
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| ggalvan |
That's it. Clear bra :10: is the way to go. I know someone that has it and its a works well and you can't notice it. Here's the link.
http://www.clearbra.net
:6: Clear Bra |
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by ggalvan
That's it. Clear bra :10: is the way to go. I know someone that has it and its a works well and you can't notice it. Here's the link.
http://www.clearbra.net
:6: Clear Bra
Impressive! I know others have discussed this on here. Thanks for the link. |
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| Curtsan |
| I recently received my Colgan Bra, and installed it with no problems....looks like a very good quality Bra. Only concern is that the Bendable tabs which hook around the wheel wells to hold it in place may wear over time....I like the idea of a snap in place system better, or smaller plastic clips which tuck in the fner liner...but overall happy with fit and no poblems to put on. I have the fender flares also, and I beleive this is the only bra which fits over the flares...(OEM Bra did not) |
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