Opinions on bonnet protectors

Jamsvx · #1 10-22-2002, 10:14 PM

http://www.subaruparts.com/catalog/?section=3

Has anyone had any experience with the bonnet protector above??

My beautiful bonnet had 3 tiny chips in it when I bought it - now has heaps (due to chasing Ferrari's!) and I am keen to avoid any more.

Any thoughts/advice???

Oh...and not the full 'bra' but merely the bonnet protector.

Thanks

James

Seraph · #2 10-22-2002, 10:45 PM

James,
I think that would help from stone chips. Like the bra, I guess you should take it off when it rains so that you don't create swirl marks on your paint (due to dust rubbing with the bra -- I guess you get the picture).

I myself hate bras/bra looking things on cars since I am a lazy person. I don't want to take things on and off ever other day and cleaning it etc. I would use the clear protector tape that 3M produces. I have bought a roll (and left it at Doug's) before for such purpose. 3M claims that they use that product on Porches to prevent such marks from happening and since it is a clear tape, your paint will not have the 2 tone bra look after months of use. I believe you can get such product there. Otherwise, I'd be more than happy to ship it to you. They ran about 30USD when I checked last time (around April).

Lwin

#3 10-22-2002, 10:52 PM

I was quoted about $490US to have the clear 3M tape applied to my car. I wasnt too sure about having that particular shop doing it. They didnt seem to have done it very much before, and I have seen the stuff. It is very difficult to work with. I have quite a bit of expierance with vinyl films, but this stuff seems to be a lot more rigid. I have a bra that I put on the cavalier whenever I drive it. I then take it off right afterwords. But, I only drive that car at most 5 or 6 times a year, and only when its warm and sunny out. If you can afford the application of the clear film, that is the best way to go. (in my opinion)

Mike

Jamsvx · #4 10-22-2002, 10:53 PM

Thanks for that....I have seen such film used on a number of the Japanese imports that have come into Australia but was not sure of how they affected the paint and colouration.

If I cannot find it here I will take your offer up - was it hard to apply etc??

Thanks

James

#5 10-22-2002, 10:56 PM

If it is applied properly, and there are no air or dust bubbles, it is virtually invisable. It is very similar to the eyrathane film used in front of the rear wheels. If your car gets dirty, you can sometimes see the line where the film stops, but the dirt will wash right off.

Mike

Seraph · #6 10-22-2002, 10:56 PM

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Accessor...protection.htm

http://www.audiworld.com/reviews/body/3m.shtml

http://www.3M.com/us/auto_marine_aer...ages/ppf.jhtml

Lwin

#7 10-23-2002, 10:07 AM

I don't like them. Cars were meant to be driven, and having a show queen isn't as much fun to drive. Most importantlyi, they don't make any sense. YES, they protect the car,but you can't SEE the car anymore. You might as well coat your hood in cement and be like "Oh the paint is really well protected!". THe only reason I see to get one is to HIDE an already beat up hood.

- Ca$h

#8 10-23-2002, 10:12 AM

The product we are talking about is a CLEAR film.

Mike

WestCoastSVX · #9 10-23-2002, 01:20 PM

I don't like the look of any type of front end covers either. Or the maintenance involved (I live in Seattle and it rains a lot! Of course 90% of the people that have these on their cars in Seattle probably NEVER take them off.

). I do have the full cover on right now, but only to hide some damage. Once it is fixed there will be a nice full nose mask for sale!

nubs · #10 10-23-2002, 02:39 PM

Here is another option for the clear film.

http://www.bgsales.com/auto/stoneshield.asp

#11 10-23-2002, 04:13 PM

MAN! I'd LOVE to get some of that stuff for hte headlights. You could fix em up real nice like Mikes, throw some of that on there, and be like "BAM! My headlights look money!"

- Ca$h

nubs · #12 10-23-2002, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by $VX
You could fix em up real nice like Mikes,

- Ca$h

Which Mike?

Landshark · #13 10-23-2002, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by $VX
MAN! I'd LOVE to get some of that stuff for hte headlights. You could fix em up real nice like Mikes, throw some of that on there, and be like "BAM! My headlights look money!"

- Ca$h

you can get the clear film pre-cut for SVX headlights - is that what you mean? just don't order it from subaruparts.com - i've been waiting MONTHS for it

Seraph · #14 10-23-2002, 04:31 PM

Next time I wetsand the lights, I am going to slap a couple of layers of that on them and peel them off like rally drivers do. That's the way to keep them clean.

lwin

Jamsvx · #15 10-23-2002, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by $VX
I don't like them. Cars were meant to be driven, and having a show queen isn't as much fun to drive. Most importantlyi, they don't make any sense. YES, they protect the car,but you can't SEE the car anymore. You might as well coat your hood in cement and be like "Oh the paint is really well protected!". THe only reason I see to get one is to HIDE an already beat up hood.

- Ca$h

I don't particulary like them either but since my car is in amazing condition and was absent almost any scratches at all (a credit to the care and attention of the previous owner) I am not minded to add any more than I have already.

And its certainly not a garage queen - how do you think I got the paint chips in the first place!!

That said, I will probably try the one from subaruparts before the clear film since I'm keen to exhaust the options before committing to something adhereing to the bonnet.

Thanks for the links - very interesting and informative!!

James