Well...I just traded my '07 model for a new '09 and all of three weeks into ownership, a large rock hit and cracked my windshield. As everyone knows, the front glass was moved forward on the second generation model and compared to the old model, I feel like I'm driving a giant windshield down the highway sometimes so I'd like to put a half bra (hood piece only) on it but haven't found anyone selling it yet.

So why don't I buy a full size bra and only use the hood piece you might ask? That was my first thought as well but the problem with that is the few bra's on the market for the '09 model all have a flush hood piece which means that it is missing the two flaps that stick up which are designed to specifically deflect rocks over the windshield.

I'm not crazy about the idea of putting one of those solid plastic protection pieces you see on trucks on my new car because it's a permanent piece which I couldn't remove to wash or wax it so I wanted to know if anyone has seen either a half or full bra for the '09 model which has those protective flaps attached?

This is the only one I've seen...

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/sto...t/nosemask.jpg

Thanks!

 

That is what insurance is for. If I get a cracked window I'm turning it into my insurance.

As for the rock deflection. I think the first 9" of the hood has such a steep slope on it that it will naturally deflect rocks over the windshield. A little 1" piece sticking up is not going to deflect that much.
I think the main problem with the windshield is that it is so large its susceptible to being hit my more rocks than an average windshield. I don't think the rocks are bouncing off the front of the car to the windshield but are just being thrown up by other vehicles period.
My hood deflector on my 99 Ford truck was worthless for windshield protection.

The key to any car and rocks is to:
1) Keep a fairly safe distance back from the car in front of you (3-4 car lengths min on the freeway)

2) Do not drive right behind 18 wheelers, trucks, heavy equipment vehicles. The biggest mistake I see people make is trying to draft (stay real close behind semi's to get better mpg with less wind resistance)

The fits hood to windshield ratio is almost 50/50 most other cars is 70% hood 30% windshield so the fit is def. more susceptible to rocks. Plus the lower profile of the front end doesn't help as well. Use common sense and rock chips will be less.


As for your original problem. I did this as a solution.
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...ting-film.html


Is it just me been there has been alot of talk about clear bras, leather bras, rock chips, and overall frontal protection lately ???

 

^^ excellent points, committobefit08!

first part is prevention by driving 3-4 seconds behind the cars
infront of you. that alone will help you from about 90% of rock
hits. my cars have minimal chips just from that.

the other points you suggested, not driving close behind
trucks/dump trucks/pickups/landscape trailers are all true.

most of them have been at construction sites or farms and
they will drop rocks when they hit a dip or bump.

clearbra is also a great suggestion.

 

I do all those things, but they don't protect you from trucks coming from the opposite direction.

 

yah, my unscientific data says 90%...

my MINI's been hit with an apple falling off a tree in the woods and dented its bonnet. just last week some rock flew into the nose and gave it a nickel sized dent. hahaha.

both times fixed by me. (PDR).

 

I have $100 deductible comprehensive insurance which includes windshield replacement. Good thing too--- 3 weeks after taking delivery of my "09 Sport MT a big-ass rock fell off a flat deck and got my windshield front row center like it had eyes. I paid the deductible and insurance took care of the rest.

Keep in mind that the only place currently supplying these new-style windshields (at least in December when I replaced it) is Honda, which means they can charge any price they want and get it, the bastards. And prices here in Canada are higher than those in the U.S. Final installed cost including tax at 5%: Just under $1700. Ouch...

 

sounds awesome, aviator! (well, not that it's awesome that you got hit).

my insurance has windshield coverage too. swapped with only OE glass while im at work or home, wherever.

 

$50 deductible comprehensive. Then forget about it.

 

Its true, this is what insurance is for. They also offer a coverage known as 'HS' or Comprehensive with Full Glass. You can maintain a $1000/$500/$250/$100/$50 comprehensive deductible which will apply to all claims involving more than just glass to keep your premiums lower. The great thing with HS is that any 'Glass Only' claims will not have a deductible and also will not cause your future rates to increase either. Get It! On most policies I write with Allstate I always encourage my customers to get it. However, I should mention that it is not available in all states. I am personally licensed in 31 states though if you ever want to shoot me a question

 

Very good info!