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      07-23-2008, 02:19 PM   #1
backtoreality15
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Driving down to SoCal = fear

So I'm going to be driving down to Southern California soon from the Bay Area and I am worried about bugs and rock chips on the front end of the car. I can't justify buying expensive ClearBra as I am not gonna be going up & down often. I've heard that you can tape the front of the car with some sort of tape (as ugly as it will look) temporarily for the commute... Anyone tried this or have any recommendations on what kind of tape to use to minimize damage on the clear-coat? Masking tape perhaps?
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      07-23-2008, 02:38 PM   #2
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<Drove down to San Diego from Dublin and biggest problem was bugs, good news is that I found a decently priced detailer that made sure that it was spotless again. As far a rocks, no problem until yesterday when i was in the slow lane about to turn off and one kicked up and hit right in front of me... Unfortunately I don't know of any particular tape, but sooner or later you may have to come to terms with the fact that you can't always keep your car perfect. Good luck with the travels...
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      07-23-2008, 02:45 PM   #3
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I drove down to SD for the 4th and had no problems with rocks. A good wash will remove the bugs.
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      07-23-2008, 02:45 PM   #4
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LeBra, $64.95,too much for you? better than a rock chip!!!Tape? Ha ha ha?
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      07-23-2008, 02:50 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by All4One View Post
LeBra, $64.95,too much for you? better than a rock chip!!!Tape? Ha ha ha?
And who's gonna install it? I can't trust myself with such delicate work. :eyebulge:
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      07-23-2008, 02:55 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by backtoreality15 View Post
And who's gonna install it? I can't trust myself with such delicate work. :eyebulge:
Zip and tie, you dont need someone!! Even your girlfriend can put it in a snap! Oh oh now i know it!! you dont use one!! Just kidding. if you dont like LeBra,Cogan, google is your friend. Anyways, your 1 will be ugly only for several days
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      07-23-2008, 03:14 PM   #7
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Having made the trip several times, I wouldn't worry too much. If you already have some sort of wax or polish on bugs should just wipe off.

As for rocks, I have yet to experience anything nasty on either the 101 or 5.
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      07-23-2008, 03:30 PM   #8
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The tape you're looking for is the blue painter's tape. I bought the 3M one as thats the only one with different classes for their painter's tapes (I bought the one for delicate surfaces). They're pretty expensive, around $8. I also broke down and bought a bra for long trips
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      07-23-2008, 04:57 PM   #9
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Dont know about the bugs, but if you drive slower and keep a good distance, i'd say more then 3 cars length. I guess you are safe from rock chips. But, where is the fun driving your 135 slow? :biggrin:

drive safe.
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      07-23-2008, 07:28 PM   #10
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Blue tape it!!!

blue painter's tape it the cheap way of choice.

Let's us know when your are coming down so we can laugh at you.
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      07-24-2008, 10:42 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gargoyal View Post
Blue tape it!!!

blue painter's tape it the cheap way of choice.

Let's us know when your are coming down so we can laugh at you.

Mwah hah ha ha!

Be sure to get someone to install your mods too buddy, they are too delicate. Sound advice.
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      07-26-2008, 12:17 PM   #12
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I drove down to LA from the Bay Area the day after I got my car. Taking the 5, no problems with rocks. Lots of bugs, but at every stop I just wipd them off with detailer spray and a microfiber cloth before they turned solid. After the trip back, clay bar'd the front and all was well.
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      08-11-2008, 04:05 PM   #13
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Just painters tape the front half of your 1.
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      08-12-2008, 12:32 AM   #14
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Well I drove my 650i cabrio from SF to San Diego once and I had all sorts of bugs, but I was glad I put a heavy coat of wax the day before and it was easy to clean up when I got to my destination. Keep your distance from other card to avoid rocks. I have a clear bra on mine, but I still have to keep it wax to make it easy to clean the bugs.

If you decide to get the clear bra. Premier Mobile Group in Fremont does an awesome job and can even cover the whole hood and fenders. They can also customize it to be seamless. I highly recommend it. I will be taking my 1 er there to have that done this weekend.
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      08-18-2008, 12:44 PM   #15
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LeBra

Quote:
Originally Posted by All4One View Post
LeBra, $64.95,too much for you? better than a rock chip!!!Tape? Ha ha ha?
I haven't been able to find a bra for the 1. (don't want clear) I only see LeBra for 3 series. Do you have a link? Thanks
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