Greetings Fellow "Lifers" in the Sunshine state.

I'm going to be heading your way in my xB in late June for a couple of weeks and was wondering what advice you would have regarding a bug/rock deflector for the trip down and back.

I've looked at acrylic screw on type, black vinyl "bra" type and a netting type.

Any information would be greatly appreciated regarding functionality, price, where to buy, why you like/dislike the type you have.

Thanks

Alan

 

definately the acrylic screw on type is the most populaar on ANY car in the sunshine state. the vinyl bra give you complete surface protection on our WALL bumper on teh xBs. the thing with that type is that sometimes the bugs will get stuck up an under the bra. so as soon as you get to your destination... take it off or lift parts of it up and wipe the bigs away asap.

the thing is that LOVE BUGS are really bad down here right now.

personally i'd go with a vinyl bra. may look cheesey and bad, but its overall better protection. also be sure to wax the fornt bumper really well. when i travel i try to wax 3 layers of ZAINO Z2 pro and then spray on finisher Z6 (www.zainostore.com). that will really help out with the trip.. and also for future road trips and car shows too.

that's a more expensive route to take... but it well worth the money to protect our xBs

 

thares a temp. paint that washes off...

http://duplicolor.com/products/carart.html

i guess it shold protect allright.. cheeper than a bra..

 

I have had the WADE brand bug deflector---good quality, and the 3 screws are never in contact when closing the hood down.

Bought it from e-bay from WADE for under $50 plus shipping about 13 months ago...

 

Hey thanks for the variety of ideas - I think the combo of extra wax coatings and a deflector is going to be the way to go. That temporary paint though does seem like a good idea too but how would it hold up in the rain for a 1300 mile trip? I am also thinking of blue, easy stick and remove masking tape. Any thoughts?

 

if u look at the site 4 that temp paint it says its suposed 2 hold u p it the rain... thares a video u can play and it tells u stuff about it....
masking tape thing seems a lil ghetto....

 

we use SARAN WRAP for roads trips too...

 

here u go:
http://duplicolor.com/products/shield.html

 

Seriously - not a bad idea - How do you hold it on the body - I've seen blue maskingtape for short runs to protect the cars on the way to a show.

 

it just sticks. you hafta get a good wrap.. don't go cheap. tuck it up and under the hood.. and under hte bumper.. and on the sides. works fine. but keep the box on you just in case you need to reapply.

 

Good ideas

Now one last detail. The dirt down here is mostly "sand". Even the thin film of dust you may get on the road is mostly from sand, so any area where this dust gets into, it has a potential to scratch the surface. So pay attention to that too.

Have a good trip and come on over to one of our Thursday night meets at Sonic in International Drive

 

Be sure to hose off the car in the morning... the salty sea residue will scratch with the first run of the wipers....

 

That's a great help. It's amazing how you have to think of different things in a different climate and it's not that I'm new to FLorida having visited over 30 times since 1970 but never with my SubxB - the first car I really care about. Thanks

 

Is this the place?
Sonic, America's Drive-In
5399 International Dr.
Orlando, FL32819
407-352-0016

We will be mostly in South FL but will be heading back with a stopover in Orlando but I'm not sure if it will be over a Thursday night or over a weekend. If we're there, I'd love to stop by - thanks

 

I knew I could count on NRG for some really good ideas. Among our Scion friends here in NY is the founder of NRG Omar and the Long Island and Westchester VPs, Jennay and Billy.

 

^__~ hey i had good ideas too =P jk

yea that's the sonic. and that ameet with all the clubs in teh area! tons of fun!

 

You're absolutely right and I beg your pardon for the oversight. Thanks

Alan