1,800 mile drive w/ the t/a! What to use to prevent rock chips?
10-08-2008, 07:12 AM
#1
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: midwest
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1,800 mile drive w/ the t/a! What to use to prevent rock chips? Hey all I'm about to drive 1800 miles from north east Iowa to southern California again for the 5th time with the bird. I've never used anything besides waxing my car before the drive and I always end up with rock chips! I heard the duplicolor spray on shield bra is bullshit and is just really for tar n bugs. I also heard that leaving a coat of wax helps and wiping it off after the drive. Anyways as u can tell I'm not sure what to use. Please help. Thanks.
10-08-2008, 07:31 AM
#2
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First thing, don't follow others closely; keep as much distance as you can from vehicles in front of you. If there's a truck in front of you, hang way back and let people pass you.
Only thing that really works is to get a bra for the car. Get a good one like Colgan Custom. That's what I have and it is great. I don't think any car looks good with a bra so I only use it when I'm on long trips. Also, don't use a car bra in the rain or dirt and rocks will get under there and scratch up the paint.
Only thing that really works is to get a bra for the car. Get a good one like Colgan Custom. That's what I have and it is great. I don't think any car looks good with a bra so I only use it when I'm on long trips. Also, don't use a car bra in the rain or dirt and rocks will get under there and scratch up the paint.
10-08-2008, 07:33 AM
#3
TECH Addict
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Minnesota Corn Fields
Posts: 2,451
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
8 Posts
Are you just worried about the front? If so just buy a bra, but make sure you get a nice one that is fitted. Just put a couple coats of wax on just before you put the bra on and take it off after the drive. With a good coat of wax you won't even be able to tell that the bra was on there.
Or you could have the clear 3M rock guard put on. Its more permanent but works well.
Or you could have the clear 3M rock guard put on. Its more permanent but works well.
Trending Topics
10-08-2008, 11:43 AM
#12
10-08-2008, 12:22 PM
#13
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's why I wouldn't buy anything but a Colgan bra. I have even been caught in the rain with it on a couple times and I've had no issues. I've driven from Chicago to Charlotte, NC and from Englishtown NJ to Charlotte with it.
10-08-2008, 01:24 PM
#15
3M tape here too. you'll look kinda silly but who cares. Also, drive with your healights in the up position. the metal covers seem to be what chip the worst on the front of TA's so i always flip mine up so the actual replacable glass gets it not the pretty paint.
10-08-2008, 09:35 PM
#16
TECH Fanatic
Been using the Colgan Bra for 3 years. The Hawk has been in rain,snow, salt, sand, with the Bra on. Just make sure if you don't get a Colgan, make sure it is tight. Yes they can scratch your car if they flop around and it's wet. I was in the 2008 Ride for pride and got a broken windshield and what ever everyone in front of me was hitting, it hit the Bra, no damage
The Bra came off today, I like it better off!
The Bra came off today, I like it better off! 
10-08-2008, 11:22 PM
#19
My boss and I just did a C5 vette today with a 3M clear bra. If you don't have the right solutions/squeegies and skill, you will more then likely mess up the piece and be screwed.
It's best to have someone install them that knows what they are doing. price for install depends on who you go to but for example we charge the guy with the C5 $450. (that was the cost of the bra and labor)
