New car, road trip coming, OTC required... suggestions for paint protection?

C

ciparis

New member
Hi all,



I'm sorry if this is redundant -- most of the reviews I found so far focus on appearance, so this seems a bit different.



I just bought a new IS (breakwater blue, sort of a light blue/silver metallic), and I need to get *something* on it right away, before I hit the road this Friday. I don't think I have time to order and get something to me (I'm in the Bay Area, so I could be wrong if someone is in next-day UPS ground range).



What I need, though, is durability and protection. I don't care right now about shine, gloss, or anything else -- I just don't want to wreck my paint with bugs / bird mess while I drive across the country.



Something like this shouldn't be able to happen:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220634



Recommendations? I have no preference for paste / liquid, whatever works best. It's brand new, never waxed or anything, so I really just want to put one product on to get it sealed up.



I bought some 303 Fabric protector for the carpets and leather (sterling perforated, white basically), hopefully that'll help protect the interior.
 
You can certainly find an OTC Meguiar's or Mother's product locally. Or perhaps Duragloss Aquawax which is available in a few auto parts stores. Check www.duragloss.com and see if there is one located near you and give them a call. It's so easy to use that you can probably take it on your trip and refresh if you want to.



When you get home, you can decide what you'd ultimately like to use and do a full detail.

Maybe try to pick up a good QD as well to get bugs and bird mess off asap while you are traveling. Try to find some microfiber towels too. Viking makes some awesome OTC MF's and I found them at KMart. Target has some decent Vroom MF's, the grey or blue are OK for paint or possibly some Meguiar's MF's would be fine if you can find them. Don't forget to seal/wax your wheels too.



Have a great and safe trip!



Eric
 
I'd go for the AquaWax. So far, I've had really good results with nothing sticking to the front of my car with the stuff. Spray a couple coats on the car and you're good to go! I will be making a trip to Orlando this week and am planning on adding another coat, to repel bugs and dirt. And, you'd be surprised that when it rains, the rain will actually wash a lot of the grit off, since it will not adhere to the AW's surface! It's really quite amazing for a simple spray sealant product that is used like a QD.
 
I'm thinking that Meg's NXT is probably the best product you're going to find that'll provide the durability for a road trip. Remember to apply thin!!!
 
You really should invest in a clear bra... The waxes will help but it won't protect you from all the rock chips, gravel kicking trucks and other stuff you will encounter in a long road trip.



If you don't care how your car looks on your trip, go buy a roll of 3M Painter's Tape (blue color) and tape up the whole front end of your car. It will protect your paint from most stuff and peels off easily when you're done. I've done it in the past.
 
... and don't forget to stick a bucket, washmitt, & an Absorber in the truck before you leave. When I drove cross-country, I'd take a little time each night to get all the bug jizz off the front of the car. That stuff can murder paint!
 
Painter's tape!



jonas-spoon.jpg
 
the other pc said:
Painter's tape!
Click to expand...



Love it :)



Well I decided to take Blake and ZK's advice, and made an appointment to get the clear bra on tomorrow morning. I'm amazed they could fit me in so quickly. I'm getting it done by Premier, in Fremont.



I wasn't able to find any Aquawash, so I grabbed the "Consumer Reports" winning liquid, along with some spray teflon stuff for touch ups. I think in this case I probably have needs in line with what they tested for (which is pretty shocking). I'll get pickier about looks when I'm back home next month.



I'll be sure to pack a quick-wash kit for the road -- thanks for the suggestions everyone!



Now to go get started on the Rain-X applications...
 
ciparis said:
Love it :)



Well I decided to take Blake and ZK's advice, and made an appointment to get the clear bra on tomorrow morning. I'm amazed they could fit me in so quickly. I'm getting it done by Premier, in Fremont.
Click to expand...



If I'd known you were in the Bay Area, I'd have recommended Invisigard to you. They are the exclusive installers for 12 bay area dealerships including Prestige Acura/BMW/Subaru, Sonnen Porsche/Audi, and Ferrari of San Francisco.



But then a clear bra is a clear bra.. just make sure the installation is good.
 
[quote name='the other pc']Painter's tape!



The civic is bathed a bit more in a blue sea of painters tape than I use, but it is an effective protectant for trips.



Gotta love the goofy looks you get....
 
Someone else posted a link to a webpage where you could buy this clear plastic that you put on your vehicle like saran wrap and it prevented most debris from hurting the paint. Geez I wish that I kept that link.
 
Z K said:
If I'd known you were in the Bay Area, I'd have recommended Invisigard to you. They are the exclusive installers for 12 bay area dealerships including Prestige Acura/BMW/Subaru, Sonnen Porsche/Audi, and Ferrari of San Francisco.



But then a clear bra is a clear bra.. just make sure the installation is good.
Click to expand...



They did a fantastic job, just got home with it. They even wrapped the hood edges underneath on the bottom and sides, very nicely done.



They seem to have a pretty good reputation on the Lexus forums. Looks like they know their way around a Ferrari as well :)



http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/gallery_ferrari_enzo.shtml



My wife has the camera right now, so pictures will have to wait until I get to TX Saturday evening.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top