| snoman |
:bonk:
Took my newly cleaned up MDX to Vermont to visit my son on Sunday, and killed about 24,500 bugs on the 6 hour round trip.
We returned late, and I made a commitment to myself that I would start to work on cleaning the bugs off the next morning. So I went to my local AutoZone and bought some kind of bug/tar/pitch/gunk remover that was safe for clearcoat finishes and started to work.
As much as I worked on it, I seem to have a few places where it looks like the bugs have permanently damaged the paint 'cuz if I look close I can still see the outline of where they once were. All of these are on the vinyl bumper - not on the metal portion of the vehicle.
So I guess my question is: if you run into a bunch of bugs at about 80 mph, do they make a permanent dent in your bumper, or do I just need to do a better cleaning job?
And did you know:
Q: What's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind when he hits your windshield?
A: His asshole.
:2: |
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by snoman
:Took my newly cleaned up MDX to Vermont to visit my son on Sunday, and killed about 24,500 bugs on the 6 hour round trip. . . . As much as I worked on it, I seem to have a few places where it looks like the bugs have permanently damaged the paint 'cuz if I look close I can still see the outline of where they once were. All of these are on the vinyl bumper - not on the metal portion of the vehicle.
So I guess my question is: if you run into a bunch of bugs at about 80 mph, do they make a permanent dent in your bumper, or do I just need to do a better cleaning job?
. . . :2:
We have all been there, done that. I got so miffed at it, that I invested in a nose mask from Tim, well worth the protection from road trip "buggers." I only use the lower portion as I have the Formfit hood deflector (also from Tim) on all the time. I also use the Colgan mirror covers on road trips, the wee buggers can really do a job on your side views :3: |
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| Morph |
quote:
if you run into a bunch of bugs at about 80 mph, do they make a permanent dent in your bumper, or do I just need to do a better cleaning job?
To answer that you need to look carefully from different angles and determine whether the damage you are seeing is above or below the paint, in other words - is it sitting on top of the paint or is there a pit etched into the paint? If it's on top of the paint then you need to do a better job cleaning (try kerosene or a clay bar, but be sure to rewax the area afterwards). If the damage appears to be in the paint then the bug's body has etched your clearcoat.
As a bug's body begins to decompose after impact, the remains become more and more acidic. The longer you leave the carcasses on, the greater the risk of permanent paint damage. If you don't wax regularly (every 2-3 months), the acid will etch faster and make the carcass even more difficult to remove.
Another factor is that some bugs are more acidic than others, for example - Love bugs in southern states are so acidic even birds will not eat them and they can etch paint on an unwaxed car after only 12 hours. Sunlight and heat will also accelerate the decomposition/etching process.
Ways to prevent/reduce bug damage:
1) Wash it off immediately. I always have a bottle of quick detailer and a microfiber in the storage compartment for just such emergencies. Same goes for bird poop.
2) Wax every 2-3 months. Wax is a sacrificial barrier between your paint and the elements, however it gradually wears away and needs to be replenished. Even the most expensive natural waxes breakdown after 8-10 weeks. Synthetic waxes last a little longer but are generally more expensive and labor intensive.
3) Use a vinyl bra for road/highway trips. But be sure to remove it and clean on a regular basis. When not used properly, vinyl bras can do just as much damage as not using one at all.
4) Paint Protection Film - You can prevent damage from all small projectiles and eliminate extra maintenance to the front bumper/hood area completely with an invisible bra. However they cost around $400-$600. |
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| dipersp |
| Something else that works great after cleaning as much as possible - get a clay bar and go to town. |
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| anjan |
Hmm. Got me thinking. Called the Diamond Shield place in town and apparently its $350 if I installed it myself. $725 if they install it. That's an expensive alcohol-water spray!!! :rolleyes:
I think I'll order it and install it myself. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by greatscot
We have all been there, done that. I got so miffed at it, that I invested in a nose mask from Tim, well worth the protection from road trip "buggers." I only use the lower portion as I have the Formfit hood deflector (also from Tim) on all the time. I also use the Colgan mirror covers on road trips, the wee buggers can really do a job on your side views :3:
I use the exact same configuration, also with great success. Previously, I found some hitting the back of the mirrors to be some of the hardest of all to remove.
I do wish there was additional webbing lower on the grill for the additional cooling openings.
Previous to the bra, I slicked up the front end with gobs of Mother's wax while not a Zaino finish, made them much easier to remove. |
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| Morph |
quote:
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Called the Diamond Shield place in town and apparently its $350 if I installed it myself. $725 if they install it. I think I'll order it and install it myself.
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I strongly advise against this. I am an experienced installer of paint protection film and I even had some difficulties doing the MDX. Professional installation is expensive because the material is difficult to work with if you do not know what you're doing. Material cost is very high and the cost of error is very high since the entire piece of film would have to be replaced.
Large pieces of film (like the MDX front bumper) are very difficult to install correctly, you have to know how and where it needs to be stretched, and once you squeegee a section down with alcohol/water you won't have much time before its set. Even if you are able to get it all down, you will most likely have noticeable "fingers", bubbles and other marks.
If you want an invisible bra, pay an installer to do the work properly. This way you'll have a warranty and if they mess up anything they eat the cost of having to use a new piece, not you.
Also, be sure you are getting 3M film, they created this product decades ago and continue to refine it to perfection. 3M supplies OEMs at the factory and offers the best warranty. Good installers will only use 3M film. If they don't then they are saving money by using cheaper product while charging the end consumer the same.
Check out 3M.comfor more info. |
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| anjan |
I understand what you're saying but let's say you buy a computer for $1100. Will you pay $1300 to install it? Maybe $125. And yes its the same thing as installing a clear bra. There are computers that are extremely complex to install but they come with clear instructions. One could argue that if you miss a step you can fry some very expensive parts. But 99.9% of those tasks are easy enough for DIYers.
The trick is starting from the middle and spreading out. Now if a professional installer is not greedy and charges something like $50 then I'd be glad to let him/her have at it. Otherwise, its ridiculous. |
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| laborlitigator |
| I'm just glad no pictures were added. |
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| Fabvsix |
Simple solution:
Always carry Z6 in the rear ! |
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| anjan |
| Hmm. Not a bad idea! Does it remove bug splatters effectively though? |
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| Fabvsix |
| if removed in a "timely" manner ! One who "waits" days later......Comet would remove it .....:rolleyes: |
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| Blackura |
quote:
Originally posted by anjan
Now if a professional installer is not greedy and charges something like $50 then I'd be glad to let him/her have at it. Otherwise, its ridiculous.
Just a different perspective to consider:
A surgeon's scalpel probably costs about $20. Why not do your own surgery and save on that ridiculous surgeon's bill? |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by Blackura
Just a different perspective to consider:
A surgeon's scalpel probably costs about $20. Why not do your own surgery and save on that ridiculous surgeon's bill?
Of course, all these jobs are the same - neuro-surgeon, nuclear physicist, Air Traffic Controller, NASA Propulsion Scientist, Plastic Sheet Applier. :rolleyes:
All these people you see at Jiffy Lube have spent years earning a Ph.D. to learn skills that save/better lives. All we can do is quiver in our shoes at their grasp of everything that comes with 4-step instructions. Give me a break :2: I'll catch you next time you try to install an accessory yourself or even change your oil. You should be paying a "professional" who has perfected the art of donning a greasy overall :D And I mean don't even try to wax your car with the Zaino. One misstep and you could mar the paint irreparably on an expensive SUV. Go to a professional where the job will be guaranteed. :2:
Thanks for the perfect example of a hyperbole. :p: |
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| X4ME |
| Common sense dictates that you spent almost $40 K on a car and if you're going to use it on a road trip (especially long ones with night driving as it attracts more bugs) one would buy a front end nose mask for say $130 and save yourself the trouble and pain of having to look at damaged paint. It sure is a real piss off though :3: |
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| jatharp |
Hmm. Got me thinking. Called the Diamond Shield place in town and apparently its $350 if I installed it myself. $725 if they install it. That's an expensive alcohol-water spray!!!
I think I'll order it and install it myself.
__________________
ANJAN
We are still waiting for photos of your SELF INSTALLATION of your clear bra!!!:confused: |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by jatharp
Hmm. Got me thinking. Called the Diamond Shield place in town and apparently its $350 if I installed it myself. $725 if they install it. That's an expensive alcohol-water spray!!!
I think I'll order it and install it myself.
__________________
ANJAN
We are still waiting for photos of your SELF INSTALLATION of your clear bra!!!:confused:
Good to know I have groupies now :2: Keep waiting. I'll get to it when I have time. What's interesting for you and other who claimed that the installation is worth more than the price of the product - I called back the shop and told them that the installation price was BS and do they really expect to do business at that price. I was put on hold for 30 secs and they came back with a price of $510 installed.
So, when I call them on it, the installation price drops from $375 to $160, a drop of 57% in price. How do you explain the sudden change in price? Suddenly the installation service is not worth that much anymore? Exactly the scalping by auto installers I was referring to. I should try that next time I have the plumber over and he will drop his rates 57%? Right! |
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| Warzau |
| I've heard spray a layer of silicone spray over the front end helps remove them later. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by X4ME
Common sense dictates that you spent almost $40 K on a car and if you're going to use it on a road trip (especially long ones with night driving as it attracts more bugs) one would buy a front end nose mask for say $130 and save yourself the trouble and pain of having to look at damaged paint. It sure is a real piss off though :3:
Exactly. 3M film, etc. is nice, but you have the same problem as bare paint. Just another surface to collect bug-juice.
The bugs are removed when you remove (or clean off) the mask.
Just don't don the mask in damp, rainy seasons. And take it off when washing, polishing, etc. It will serve you well.
In some parts of the country, you only have to be driving down some country roads on a regular basis that will get you loaded up, does not have to be a long trip. |
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| slocko |
| another perspective. lease the car so you don't have to worry about those things :) |
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| jatharp |
Anjan
How many areas are you getting quotes on them doing the clear BRA on? $500.00 range is a good price to do hood nose, bumper cover, fender tips and Mirror faces.
BTW! a GROUPIE IS AN ADMIRER. Take that for what it's worth.:confused: |
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| anjan |
I did mean it as an admirer :4: Nothing like someone waiting pensively for a project. Now, I don't mind paying the $160 to get a $350 film. However, I decided to use a nose mask from Tim right now to avoid the possible paint chips (more than the bug juice) over my vacation next week.
After that my first priority is a HID kit followed by a Valentine One. Will get to the clear bra after that. However, to burst your bubble, I'm not burdening myself with the install for $160 especially with enough home projects before the baby comes :D |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by slocko
another perspective. lease the car so you don't have to worry about those things :)
Tried that once. Darn bugs still kept coming...and then there's that residual at the end!
:D |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Tried that once. Darn bugs still kept coming...and then there's that residual at the end!
:D
:19: |
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