How to protect your front end on a trip?

[chetJ]

Hi Guys,

The family will be taking a trip to Boston tomorrow in the T4R beast and I am somewhat worried about the front end of the truck- don't want a lot of bugs and stuff permanently mummified on it!

I know that the 3M clear bra would probably solve this issue, but it is expensive to get done and it would be difficult to justify that expense at this point in time.

So, my question is- since I am only looking for this temporary protection - would the green automotive tape sold by 3m work to afford at least some protection against bugs and may be some rock chips? Has anyone used it before for this purpose? Would/ does it come off easy?

Any suggestions?"

 

[adio3x]

Blue Painter tape

 

[BatangSMB]

Avoid as much as possible following big rigs especialy the ones that dont have mud guards/flops. In the case of bug splats, i used to put wax in the front end before going on a long trip.Makes it easier to come off without bonding to the finish.hope that helps.

 

[phillyd2]

Drive backwards:bluejump:

 

[chetJ]

ADIO3x- Does the tape come off easy or will it leave residue?
Batang-Those are good suggestions- I just waxed and applied sealent to the T4R- so that should help!
Phillyd2- Thats a great idea- expect that the back end of the T4R is known to be a dirt hog! So imagine what that would look like!

 

[philsey]

Saran Wrap?

 

[sc1911cwp]

Bras trap dirt and eventually scuff the paint.

 

[harper7]

Hi Guys,

The family will be taking a trip to Boston tomorrow in the T4R beast and I am somewhat worried about the front end of the truck- don't want a lot of bugs and stuff permanently mummified on it!

I know that the 3M clear bra would probably solve this issue, but it is expensive to get done and it would be difficult to justify that expense at this point in time.

So, my question is- since I am only looking for this temporary protection - would the green automotive tape sold by 3m work to afford at least some protection against bugs and may be some rock chips? Has anyone used it before for this purpose? Would/ does it come off easy?

Any suggestions?"

They make universal "bug screens" for the front.Like this one and I think I remember seeing them at Pep Boys too. Buy Victor Bug Screen - LG 20" x 76" 22-5-00906-8 at Advance Auto Parts

I just make sure there is a good coat of wax on the front and don't worry too much about.Scrub them off and rewax the first chance I get.Just make sure your windshield fluid is full . About to embark on a 3000+ mile journey west myself in a couple of weeks.

 

[kinnakeettom]

Pam................wash as soon as you are at your destination.

Works great, to keep the love bugs from making a mess, on Hatteras.

 

[FERAL 4R]

Option 1:

Duplicolor Temporary Shield Protection Paint

The Shield from Dupli-Color provides temporary spray-on protection for your vehicle where bugs and road grime can do damage. It's ideal for the front end, rear quarter panel and rocker panels. Spray on Shield as a temporary bra for long road trips, quick mud flaps or as a bug guard. Shield sprays on easily and dries in less than a minute. And best of all, it stays on until you wash it off. You can power wash it off or use soap and water. Rain, snow or moisture in the air won't affect it. This product leaves no residue on a vehicle's paint. Give your vehicle the protection that it deserves with Shield.

Option 2:

Specialized protective film for high speeds, auto cross, road trips...TRACWRAP protective film

Option 3:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+maintenance/everyday+and+storage/surface+protection+film+roll.do

All this was like a 10 second Google search...

 

[chetJ]

Feral- thank you for those options. The problem was that not even knowing that such products exist and also not knowing what I should be searching for. However, these products looks like they might do the trick

 

[FERAL 4R]

Feral- thank you for those options. The problem was that not even knowing that such products exist and also not knowing what I should be searching for. However, these products looks like they might do the trick

I hear ya. I think the last link is probably the best bet for you. Inexpensive and quick to apply/remove. It will definitely serve the purpose.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I like the temporary paint solution since it provides even coverage and is easy to remove.

 

[adio3x]

Painters tape leaves no residue. A lot of people do it when they go on long car cruises, I used to tape of my integra's when I went to car meets in different states.

 

[bluebullet]

That's why I went with the Shoreline Blue. It was the closest color match Toyota has to painter's tape. :driving:

 

[seattle_kurt]

No offense, but seriously 4runners are trucks, not Ferraris. The dirtier they get, the cooler they look.

 

[FERAL 4R]

No offense, but seriously 4runners are trucks, not Ferraris. The dirtier they get, the cooler they look.

Uh, yeah... But, getting dirty is one thing...Taking a trip and having dead bug guts and rock chips all over the front, is something else.

The day I drove mine home, no less than 10 min old, a rig threw a rock up and it hit my hood leaving a nice crater...I had a conniption right then and there, no foolin'.

 

[Antman]

That's why I went with the Shoreline Blue. It was the closest color match Toyota has to painter's tape. :driving:

...that's pretty darn funny.

 

[derekmclee]

Front End Protection

You can see the picture about front end protection. I drove more than 2500Kms from Vancouver (Canada) to California (Disney Land). I have to put on the bug screen. There are thousands of bug that I found on the screen.

In addition, I also put on 3M bra on the hood, front bumper and mirror. I have to tell you, never install these kind of 3M film by yourself. You MUST find a certified installer for you. It is because, you cannot install it properly due to many angles in the front bumper. You can ONLY install the hood, mirror and front lamp but you CANNOT install front bumper part.