Maybe there were MILLIONS of bug splats everywhere else, but still only one on the windshield. Probably the same result as you might get in a 250 mile trip North on Hwy. 1 from Camarillo.

 

When I purchased my Nissan Frontier, the previous owner had one of those yellow ribbons on the side door. When I removed it, this is what I discovered:



I was pretty disappointed.

I don't know how long she had it on the truck. She probably never removed it. But, just a little something for others to take into consideration.

I'm all into protecting my new investment. I have a mask for mine (I know, I know...not the best and could cause damage)...but, until I can afford a clear mask...this will have to suffice or until someone can recommend something better.

 

I wouldn't put it on my car. I have yet to see a magnetic sheet that doesn't end up damaging the paint in one way or another.

It becomes weaker the older it gets. This occurs at the edges first and spreads which means the edges would have to secured by something else to keep it from blowing off and to keep dirt and water from getting under it when mounted on a leading edge like the hood.

Find someone with a magnetic door sign on their vehicle that's been on there a while and get them to let you peel it off. You'll be surprised how much dirt is under it and what it leaves behind.

 

What about one of these DIY kits? eBay Motors: Honda Fit 2007 Full Kit Clear Bra Hood & Bumper (item 120046878095 end time Jun-24-07 17:08:31 PDT)

Doesn't make sense that they are only 45 dollars shipped to Canada... especially when ppl are paying over 600 for these installed...

 

Shoot, for 45 bucks, try it and let us know. My opinion, I think the material they are using is cheap, cheap, cheap compared to what is out there. They didn't boast any particular brand name of vinyl/bra material. It will definitely take you a few hours to do the Fit right. Lots of curves and nooks on the bumper. The hood is probably a piece of cake. A good kit will cover the headlights and fogs also.

 

Here's how mine looks. It's been on for about a year now.


It was coming up a little short on the bumper so I trimmed it at an angle below the headlights. I would think that the pattern should be better now.

 

If I had the money AND I could have turned back the time, I would have paid to get the 3M clear bra for the bumper, hood, and mirrors installed. It's too late now!

 

That's what I have and without copy and pasting it all over again here's the post on it I made just the other day. https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/106591-post13.html

Oops, that's the post from last December but there is a post I did just the other day here somewhere. Too many reposts of the same questions. Try the search function to find it. Come to think of it I may be thinking of that thread after all but I know I put a lot more info about it in one of the threads.

 

Hi 2hot, do you have a photo of your car right after the installation? Did you store your car in the garage for 24 hours before driving it outside? Thanks! I am thinking about doing this, but don't have a garage...

 

Yes, here are some pics right after the install below and no to storing it in the garage for 24 hours. Worked on it thru the night then got some sleep I don't recall if I drove it that afternoon or not my Brother was visiting from out of state at the time.

It is a good idea to let it set for a while just to make sure the edges have set so they don't lift up but that should only take a few hours for it to dry after all you'll be heating it up to install it.

I did mine in my carport I don't have a garage. You could get a little creative and use some plastic sheeting thrown over a tree branch and secured in some way to help make a wind break and to help stop dust and pollen from getting on the car while you do it.

Doing it the day after a rain or while it's raining will help knock some of the stuff out of the air too. You can see the wet spot in front of the car in the first pic where the rain came in while I was installing it. Anyway on with the pics.


And one a couple days later after it had time to dry completely from the other side (the lighting was a little different that day too so it looks a little off color). I'm sure I have more pics somewhere but with 18 hard drives this will have to do.


Hope that helps and good luck on it. The hood and fenders are real easy the bumper is the challenge (definitely want someone to help on that part). Also it's not very hard to remove the bumper so you could take it off and take it inside to install it on the bumper then just put the bumper back on and be good to go.

 

i just recently bought a california jelly thingy and havent used it yet. Whats the right way to use it? Hold it perpendicular to the surface that the the "T" is flat on the surface or hold it at an angle and use it like a regular squegee?

 

I use the Absorber also. I just make sure I rinse it well before each use.

 

I AGREE!!!

 

So imported cotton towels won't work?

 

Wax doesnt last long enough for me since i wash my car every tuesday. But a big thing for black cars is dirt on the mitt or sponge. This is why i use two buckets one with hot water and one with warm soapy water. And i rinse the car for awhile before washing it.

 

No, no they won't, nor do some microfibers: :P
Zaino Store: Towels
"Again Towels must be name brand high quality 100% Made in USA."

Zaino recommends using only Large Bath size 100% Made in USA White Cotton towels with all of our products. Cotton T-shirts are too small for polish removal and not as absorbent or fluffy as towels and most contain polyester. We have found that certain towels; especially those manufactured abroad, although they say 100% cotton. They are not; they include a blend of polyester and nylon that will definitely scratch and leave swirl marks in your paint finish. The rule of thumb is to use high quality Brand Name large bath towels (Cannon or Fieldcrest) that say 100% cotton and made in the USA. Towels sold in bags in Auto Stores are not 100% cotton. Look carefully on the bag it will probably say made in Pakistan or Bangladesh or other foreign country. Do not use these towels. They will cause swirl marks and scratches on the paint surface. Always, remove the stitching around the towel prior to use. Bargain store polish applicators also contain polyester and nylon fibers and are not to be used. Also, when washing your towels, please do not use any type of fabric softeners. Always use White towels. Do not use Colored Towels they contain dyes.

Are Micro-Fiber products safe to use?
Zaino Store: Frequently Asked Questions

As always you can cut costs and do things to save time, but it is at risk of making your cars finish not be as nice as it could be.

 

Read the instructions that are printed on the package...............

 

The guy at the local Auto Zone recommended the Absorber to me and I used it last Friday night. It worked great - I also make sure to fill up a bucket of clean clear water to rinse my microfiber hand washer with between each panel that I wash. So far no swirls using the Absorber and microfiber towels. I wonder what you guys use for the black plastic area
between the fog lights and the grill where the Honda logo is?

Cat :x

 

theres a special cleaner for this, forgot which one i use

 

I'm a big fan of the waterblade myself. Of course, I've got a habit of waxing the car after I wash it anyways....I hate left over water spots from drying