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Protecting bonnet from rocks

dcoplan

Member
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Wondering if any of you do anything to prevent rocks from chipping the front of the bonnet. A bumper is an option but I really like the look of the car without one. Is there some sort of protective transparent film that can be put over it that won't harm the paint if/when pulled or a driving bra?

Dan
 
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There is a clear vinyl sold just for this purpose. However, I prefer to ignore the chips and drive on. My life is too short to worry about rock chips ... I'm here to have fun. :smile:
 

JodyFKerr

Jedi Knight
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AN5Sprite

Jedi Knight
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I wouldn't risk tempting fate. Put the vinyl on to protect against pebbles - get backed into by a Suburban. :tongue:
 

RickB

Yoda
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My rattle can paint, although it was advertised on the cans as being "automotive paint" has chipped very badly.
On the one hand it was cheap.
On the other hand my bonnet is flecked with a lot of little spots from rocks.
When I paint it again I'll use my compressor and HVLP gun.
Does a place like Eastwood have a paint I can shoot that will be a little tougher (or a lot tougher would be nice)?
 
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Summit racing has good prices on decent paint if you want a "stock" color. Otherwise, try some autobody supply shop that has mixing systems from something other than the "big names". here is an example of such a manufacturer: https://www.matrixsystem.com/
 

bug_sixty

Jedi Warrior
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when your car is lower than a 18 wheelers tire..**** happens... drive it as it was meant to be... pos... when desired undo eight bolts and pull bonnet and a quick sand and paint job...
 

Nelson

Jedi Warrior
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I have heard that, for short time useage, the plastic film that realtors use to cover carpets for open houses can be used.
 

Jim_Gruber

Yoda
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Another reason for DIY Methodology rather than a $2,500 paint job. Rolled on Rustoleum works well, easy to fix. Someone here did Interlux Bright Sides Boat paint. Designed to be rolled or sprayed. Flattens well, provides good gloss and recommendation is not to sand or buff. I did paint a sailboat I raced using what was described as Corvette Paint, Deltron or something starting with a D. really, really hard paint. Could run into other boats and not leave a scratch. Drawback temperature sensitive when applying in Spring. I needed to paint outside, used cold temp additives in paint but one side of boat was in sun when painted but before it cured, that side moved into shade and temps dropped. Came back next day to discover major sags and runs on the bow area above the water line. Paint was almost impossible to sand down once cured. Not sure if still made as paint was known carcinogen I found out later but it was tough paint.
 

nomad

Yoda
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There's always bra's! Remember them?! I've seen a bugeye with one. I suppose they had a proper name but we always called them "bra's". If the front is covered with naugahyde and padding you won't get chip's. Paint chaffing under the covering but no chip's!

Kurt.
 

JPSmit

Moderator
Staff member
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There's always bra's! Remember them?! I've seen a bugeye with one. I suppose they had a proper name but we always called them "bra's". If the front is covered with naugahyde and padding you won't get chip's. Paint chaffing under the covering but no chip's!

Kurt.


Proper name is Car Bra - Had a car once with one - the slight wind buffeting was not kind to the paint underneath.
 
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