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Bug guards, protective bras & film

132 messages,  Last post on Dec 28, 2007 at 11:46 AM

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What is this discussion about? Exterior

Messages Page 12 of 14

#103 of 132 Re: Bug Guards [gkman1] by ruskastud

Jul 15, 2005 (9:43 am)

Replying to: gkman1 (Jul 13, 2005 1:59 pm)
I just purchased the Wade (for '05 Tacoma) based on comments by owners in one of the other forums. I'll let you know what I think once I get it and put it on.

#104 of 132 Wade hood protector questions... by ruskastud

Jul 19, 2005 (10:40 am)

Just got mine and when installed, the very ends of the hood don't quite go down all the way, but the hood latches no problem. I took it off, and noticed that the weather stripping along the lights and grill top make the hood fit real stug without the hood guard. Is this the way it is supposed to be? If so, I can see how all hood protectors would make the hood sit up just a slightly, and it is only noticeable by the quarterpanles. Just want to make sure I didn't do something wrong.....
  
Any help/suggestions please......

#105 of 132 Re: Wade hood protector questions... [ruskastud] by jtruck

Jul 27, 2005 (10:29 am)

Replying to: ruskastud (Jul 19, 2005 10:40 am)
I have had a tough time with hood protectors on my 05 Tacoma. I first purchased the Toyota version and it came with only 3 of the brackets. The directions call out 5. We checked another box at the dealer and it also only had 3. Since the directions specifically state 5, I didn't think 3 was enough so I returned it.
 
I then bought the Wade per the good comments on the Tacoma forum. It mounted easily and looks good but the hood won't close. I called Wade and they said the hood is adjustable, but I don't see how. Someone else on this forum had a similar problem with another brand. I'm not sure how to correct it.
 
I agree that the weather stripping between the hood and the grill will make any wrap around (rather than bracket mounted) type fit very tightly. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm hesitant to do too much tinkering with a brand new truck.
 
Thanks.

#106 of 132 3M Clear Bra by hiyaqt

Aug 20, 2005 (12:28 pm)

Does anyone know where I can get Clear Bra installed on my ES330 in the Columbus, OH area at a reasonalble price? The dealer's price seemed really high.

#108 of 132 3m ClearBra by nortsr1

Aug 29, 2005 (2:14 pm)

Try to Google, Clear Bras...you will probably come up with other clear film companies that list dealers. I am sure another company clear bra installer will be able to help.

#109 of 132 3M paint protection - protection from other cars in tight spots? by techman41973

Sep 06, 2005 (8:49 pm)

Replying to: nortsr1 (Aug 29, 2005 2:14 pm)
I am considering 3M's clear paint protection material for my next new
car. I know it is designed for protecting paint from flying rocks at
speed. However, I would like to know from people who had it applied,
how effective is the film in protecting your front bumper from other
cars. (I also plan to get a custom piece made for my rear bumper). In
the city I live in, I rely mostly on tight street parking. My last car
became full of paint chips and scrapes on my bumpers quickly. Thanks

#110 of 132 Re: question [tidester] by cthatcher

Oct 03, 2005 (9:27 am)

Replying to: tidester (Apr 15, 2005 1:23 pm)
Photoblocker spray, see www.photoblocker.com
 
Currently legal in almost all states. In states with broadly written prohibitions about altering or treating license plates it would be illegal but unenforceable because unless you get up real close to a treated plate there's no way to tell that it's been sprayed.
 
WARNING: This spray protects you against photo enforcement cameras that use a flash by increasing your plates reflectivity to a ridiculous degree . . . which makes your car an even better target for laser or Lidar guns.
 
By the way, who in their right mind would run a red light on purpose?
 
C.

#111 of 132 Paint Damage From A Bug Deflector? by cthatcher

Oct 03, 2005 (9:31 am)

Does anyone know if a tinted or black plastic bug deflector will cause paint damage? I figure it must since it provides UV protection to the part of the paint it covers. Does anyone have any experience with this?
 

#112 of 132 Also looking to invest in 3M Clear Bra by LDegrelle

Oct 12, 2005 (2:26 pm)

Just picked up a Santa Fe. Never had new car before so now I am dreading the first chips and dings. Place near me (Media, PA) will do the whole front (bumper, grille, hood, mirrors and lights) for $600 with the 3M clear film.
 
I'm really torn on this whole thing. On one side I want this car to look nice as long as possible (gloss black, so I am thinking dings will stand out). On the other hand, $600! Thats a LOT of money. We intend to keep the car until it dies, never got rid of car under 100k miles. Oh the decisions.
 
On plus side, installer can also do a strip on edge of each door to protect it when opening.
 
What I was really intrigued about was perhaps putting a 4" wide strip down the side of the car to protect against other goofballs opening THEIR doors. He didnt think it would cost that much (no real fancy trimming required). Any thoughts?

Messages Page 12 of 14

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