I have had the car a week and it has picked up two nasty stone chips on the panel between the headlights. Is there any way to stop this? Anyone used any protector or anything? Is there anything that can be done?

In the states they have 'car bras' - no I'm serious stop laughing lol Haven't a clue where to get them from though - wouldn't really want my car 'wearing' them :eek: You could try http://www.courtesyparts.com

WTF?

 

Well, I meant like spray on protector or film or something, rather than some kind of women's underwear. Would ANYONE buy an item described as a 'bra for their car'??

 

I have kind of glanced at adverts before that have said 'stop stone chips fast' but now I can't find any at all. I have a chip right down to the metal right at the front. Maybe I am a bit over the top inspecting the bonnet, but I am sure there are others that can sympathise.

 

Maybe I just obsess

http://www.carbras.com/carbras.htm

 

These look horrendous. Does anyone actually put one of these on their car, and if they do, they don't mind it being called a car bra?

You can buy a clear film to stick on that does the trick.

Peter at PPS put it on my wide arches that are in the line of fire from the front wheels.

I think it's from Foliatec

carbras are mainly for classic car owners driving their cars to shows or who show their cars a lot really. for some people its a big passion and a small stone chip is a nightmare.

I can identify with that. I love the perfect (well, now imperfect) paint on my car, and I do obsess about it, and no, I don't want any more stone chips!!! I just never bothered before with my old car!! Trouble is too, I do want to drive the thing.

I pass a US airbase on my way to work and most of the cars entering/exiting wear those bra things - all bloated Mustangs etc!!!

 

They look f*****g daft!!

 

Anyhoo, Demon Tweeks sell this transparent removable plastic film stuff, I believe. You could try that.....

doesn't sound like you think it would be any good. Should I try clingfilm? It might be cheaper....

I know the answer to this, but you'll not like it!!!

 

You need to drive like a pussy, keep miles behind the car in front at all times, don't drive on roads that have recently been stone chip dressed at all (I take diversions!!) It's a real pain in the arse, but you don't get stone chips, you do get in the way of other drivers though!!

 

Oh and give all trucks a very wide berth when overtaking on the motorway etc, especially flatbeds in the wind (all sorts of shit blows off them).

 

But then, I'm a looney!!

Rich

 

In F1 we use stuff called helitape. It's a clear tape about 0.2mm thick and very rubbery, be ideal for the job. Can see if I can source some if you like ?

 

Robin

Robin,

 

I've got exactly the same problem with stone chips at the front. Count me in if you can get some fo this rubbery stuff.

 

Harry

OK, I've sourced a roll of 12" helitape. So let me know how much you need. Please bare in mind this stuff costs us £650 a roll !!!!

 

Cheers

 

Robin

Frank at FGs told me about an additive they can mix up with your paint for the front end which means it never quite sets off and stays slightly rubbery so small stones just bounce off.

 

Not cheap though ! :rolleyes:

This stuff:

 

http://www.sri-supplies.com/3m_ppf.htm

 

http://www.continentalmotorsport.com/onlinecatalogpitpaddockTAPE.htm

Thank you for the help. I don't know which stuff is best. I am worried about doing a crappy job on applying film so thought I might start with just the headlight panel, or will this be noticable if nothing else is done?

 

£650 a roll!!!! How big is a roll? Tinkywinky- thanks for the help here. Maybe you could give me an idea - how much do you think I should do? Would it go on the whole bonnet? How much would THAT cost? I really don't want to crap it up and knacker the whole bonnet. On the other hand, I don't want to say, cheers, I'll have a one inch square.

 

Has anyone else used anything like this before? What are the results like Tinkywinky?

 

I really appreciate the help on this one- thank you again.

 

Demon Tweeks do Foliatec for £21 for a small sheet. I can't remember how small a small sheet was now

Hi Rich

 

It's not difficult to use but can be time consuming to get it to go round compound angles (lots of cutting wedges out ).

 

To be honest I think if you did the whole bonnet it would look naff, then again it's never going to look the mutts nuts no matter what you use or how good a job you make. Have a go at the headlight panel and see how you get on. If you can make the trip down the M40 to bicester I'll do it for you, save on postage as well that way.

 

Robin

 

p.s. I now have the only 12" roll in the company at home ;)

Rich

 

Just seen you're going to the meet in Solihull at the weekend, do you want me to bring the helitape with me ?

 

Robin

Yes- I'd like to try it on the front section first as an experiment- if that is not too poxy an amount for you to sell. I need to get the existing paintwork sorted out- I don't know if I will try Chipsaway to do it. Maybe you could have a quick look on Sunday. Cheers

Hi Rich

 

Ok I'll make sure I stick it in the car. Oh and Rich you don't have to pay for it mate, it may have cost the company £650 but I got it for a lot less than that ;)

 

Robin

Cheers!!!