bug & stone chip protection

[Alf]

Anyone know of a protective shroud - something like the 'car-bra' -  that I can fit to my pagoda that will protect the paint at the front when driving long distances at high speed?

[Nate]

3M makes a clear "invisible" film that can be custom cut and fitted by a supplier.  Check with local window tinting/detail shops to see if they sell the product and can install it for you.  You're probably looking at about $200 and at the end of the day will look a lot better than a bra.

[Alf]

3M makes a clear "invisible" film that can be custom cut and fitted by a supplier.  Check with local window tinting/detail shops to see if they sell the product and can install it for you.  You're probably looking at about $200 and at the end of the day will look a lot better than a bra.

I've seen these films advertised but I can't believe it will be as good a finish as my excellent paint finish. That's why I thought I'd investigate something use when in blast mode but remove when I was in pose mode.

[Dash808]

   Pose mode?     That's funny.

[Jonny B]

You can get an idea about the film mentioned, by going to most any higher end car dealer. A number of times they have a car on the floor with the plastic film on it. I can understand your reluctance. I think it would be kind of difficult to fit to the 113. The newer cars, with the more aerodynamic bodywork, and body color bumpers, etc, are a very good application. There is not all that much paint around the grill on the 113, and what is there, would make cutting and trimming of the film a rather interesting affair.

For a long distance drive, a regular bra is a decent option, however, the black grill inserts are susceptible to chips and you wont be able to cover those.

[hkollan]

Have you tried a garage? Doesn't work too well at high speeds but apart from that it should solve your "problem".
 

[Alf]

Good idea! And the garage would only weigh slightly more than the hard top 

[Alf]

For a long distance drive, a regular bra is a decent option, however, the black grill inserts are susceptible to chips and you wont be able to cover those.

Not that bothered about the grill inserts but every few years I need to have paint work done to deal with chips between the lights and the grill, between the grill and the bumper and above the grill before the bonnet. I've seen car bras on modern cars in the US but don't know if this is something that's available for the W113 or if there is a way to make such a device.

[Douglas]

I feel for you, Alf. I remember thinking the exact same thing at one point about stone chips. There are 3 things you can do almost immediately that will help that aren't quite as drastic as driving around with some kind of cover:

1. Make sure there is lots of wax on the nose at all times. Make it slippery.
2. Clean off any bugs or debris immediately, esp in warm weather.
3. Cover the headlights with a headlight shield like this:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+accessories/exterior+accessories/headlight+shield+11%22+x+17%22.do

[280SE Guy]

How about maintaining a safe/clear distance from the car in front of you or lead the pack. Bugs shouldn't chip the paint but if you do hit some just remove them when you arrive at your destination. Keep the front waxed as Douglas indicated.