How do you protect your car from rock chips?

[TorQue45]

I really hate those rock chips from the front bumper.Do you use some kind of bra or alter the way you drive to avoid those rock chips?

[AZhitman]

Ston-gard (search Internet).

(I think that's the correct spelling).

3M makes a "clear bra", which is a thick, clear adhesive layer of plastic... Lasts about 3-5 years and is pretty much invisible.

[TorQue45]

Are you using clear bra?

[AZhitman]

I am not.

Considering it though. I have no chips, and wanna keep it that way.

[docsmile71]

repaint the front bumper every few years...other than that, the clearbra is the next best thing. I've repainted my 1995 Q 3 times so far. I guess once every 3 years...not too bad.

[HeavyDuty]

There's another co. using the 3m stuff called Invinci-Shield.

Stuff works well, allows the paint to fade naturally underneath, is waxable, etc. You don't notice it unless you're looking for it.

[maxnix]

http://www.stongard.com They use the thicker stuff on the headlights than anyone else. I have seen their front end applications of the thin stuff on FX and G models. Very trick, but not for the DIY. It takes skill to heat and stretch it to fit the curvature of the panels correctly.

They even have a picture of a 911 that was scraped in the parking lot with a deposit of paint on it from the offending vehicle. Just removed the stongard appliqué and installed a new one.

[AZhitman]

I recently acquired a set of clear covers that wrap the entire headlight and corner marker in one shield...

Gonna experiment with some different things.

[maxnix]

I recently acquired a set of clear covers that wrap the entire headlight and corner marker in one shield...

That would make it impossible to remove the units individually. I would separate them.

[AZhitman]

Don't want to put on my Captain Obvious cape here, but the "recently acquired" covers *are* removeable for those incredibly rare occasions that one would need to remove a headlight or turn signal.

Separating them would involve an ugly cutline at the very least and ruining the clean appearance.

[HeavyDuty]

http://www.stongard.com Very trick, but not for the DIY. It takes skill to heat and stretch it to fit the curvature of the panels correctly.

:Werd

One thing though, AZ, is that with a one piece, won't you get Gra-Du stuck to the backside of the gap between the two?

[AZhitman]

I think I may not have been clear.

The pieces I have are a solid, clear polycarbonate cover, much like the GTS headlight covers that used to be popular.

[Rex]

So, they're a yellowish, multi-piece flexible cover, held in place by bungee cords??? j/k

<sorry, couldn't resist as I'm a smart arse at heart>

[AZhitman]

Note to self: Bring a "package" for Keith to Lexington...

[maxnix]

So, they're a yellowish, multi-piece flexible cover, held in place by bungee cords??? j/k

<sorry, couldn't resist as I'm a smart arse at heart>

This is what my Polycarbonates became. Mostly just scratched, but they did remove paint from rubbing where they wedged into the bumper.

I assumed from the posts you were using the 3M sheet with contact adhesive.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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[Rex]

Polycarbonate made from a good quality substrate (sic), shouldn't discolor and should offer some flexibility as the material is nearly un-breakable. It can (somewhat) easliy scratch or dent, and I wouldn't be surprised if it rubbed paint off whatever it makes/made contact with.

<understand the contact adhesive thought, given the posts, but I think it was a different "option" being offered>

[maxnix]

It was at a wear point where a locator tab met the bumper finish. Bumper paint lost. Did scratch like mad also until it was well fogged, and it did fracture when the hood closed on that tab.

Esthetically, I have to say I like the 98% invisible Stongard 3M armoring on both the hood and front fascia and the headlights. We will see what the long term wear is like.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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