MileHighRush

Hi folks,

The "family unit (Raising Arizona)" and I are driving down on Sunday to pick up our "new" shark.

I've researched the site's posts concerning clear bras and I, now, understand that the installation of such is tricky and best left to a professional. Having said that, can anyone recommend temporary protection for my shark's 390 mile return trip from Georgia? I've seen others' cars with some type of "tape" that looked interesting and effective.

I would certainly appreciate any recommendations or advice. Thanks very much.

MikeN

If you want to stay mild, just put a couple coats of wax on it.

I have seen others have success putting a coat of light cooking oil on the
front surfaces to make bugs and tar just wash off with mild soap. (don't laugh, it actually works)

May sound funny, but maybe some clear contact paper.......like for lining drawers or covering items? May look a little funny, but would probably save you a lot of cleaning and maybe some rock chips.......

Good luck!

Mongo

3M stonegard comes to mind, but that could get expensive...

Andy

worf928

My 9.28 cents worth of opinion...

the cheapest is racers tape:

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pdfs/087.pdf

the next option is a real bra. Very controversial and must be used with extreme care.

Don't worry about bugs - those come off easy - or at least with ease in proportion to the speed of impact.

If you are worried about rock chips on an otherwise pristine front end then go the racers tape route for now. Decide what you want to do for a more permanent solution (e.g. 3M/Stoneguard/Autobond clear bra, or real bra) when you get home. The tape comes in several colors.

Pierre Martins

A few layers of good old ductape.

Cheers,
Pierre.

worf928

One other thing... they use something called "Helicopter Tape" in F1 for similar purposes. Sounds like really expensive racers tape to me.

Don't 'spose you've got some of that handy?

MileHighRush

Man, this site is really "ask and you shall receive!" I always think I know a little something about cars and then I have to run into you guys!! Believe me, I will look into all of your options except for the standard bra. I'm one of those that's not a fan of bras. I never could get them to come off very easily....ooops, did I stray OT?!?

Seriously, though. Thank you. I will take every opinion and research it.

MileHighRush

Funny, I have never heard of "helicopter tape." I probably wouldn't fly one that needed it! I do know of "100 mile/hr" tape or duct tape but never "helo' tape."

Will ask around, though. Thank you!

jayc67

Why exactly do you want a 928 that you can't drive on a 390 mile road trip? These cars were meant to be driven distances at speed. If the road you are going on is that bad, maybe try an alternate route?

I just got back from a 1000 mile high speed trip from Dallas to New Orleans and back, and the bug guts all washed right off

I guess my point is that if you are worrying about driving the car, don't buy a car that begs to be driven. The Shark will not respond well to being placed in a garage and looked at without being driven as it was intended.

MileHighRush

Worf928,

Have you personally used the Racer's Tape? If so, is it easy to remove and is there any residue?

Beth

When we drove our '83 from Conneticut to California a couple of months ago we used a "real" bra. However, being the time of year it was, we encounted a LOT of rain so had to have the bra off 1/2 the time.
When it was on it would be just covered in bugs and road stuff. But like Jay said, if the car gets dirty, it will clean up.

Enjoy the car - don't be afraid to use it. We go on one day 200-300 mile road trips all the time - no problem. The 3,000 mile + trip was a little bit different though.

MileHighRush

Connecticut to Cali?' Good Lawd, Have Mercy!! I drove to Gaylordsville in my old 308 to trade in for the Mondial and it about killed me! You get the Iron Buttock Award!

I like your philosophy of "drive them, that's why they're made." I couldn't agree more. Thank you, Beth!

epbrown01

I'm looking for a regular bra for road trips and don't forget the mirror bras. Mine look like they've been shotgunned with rock salt in only 2000 miles. The PO would likely faint if he saw them. Odd how the front bumper and hood have fared better than the mirrors. Someone upthread said bras are controversial - why?

Emanuel

Mark

The bras can get wet and cause paint oxidation under them. ALSO - if they are on a lot when the car is in the sun - you don't get any fade under the bra...and your paint outside the bra WILL fade - even if minor - it will look terrible.

HINT - Trick to get bug off easily - Mix some water and BAKING SODA in a spray bottle. The bugs stick when smashed, and the acid in their 'gut' is wah makes them stick so bad - actually eating in to the surface. The Baking soda is a BASE - neutralizing the acid in the guts. Spray on - let soak for a couple of minutes and they wipe right off. Important to do before the bugs have dried out and started their eat into the surface....within a day or less. MUCH easier/Less hassle, and far less risky then the bra...

Bill Ball

Personally, uinless this car just came out of the paint booth, I would drive the 360 miles and not worry about a few bugs. I used to be compulsive about my near pristine 89, putting a bra on it for longer trips. Now I just drive an wash it. Fortunately, it is white with no clear coat so touch up for stone chips is very easy. The mirrors take a beating too, so us miror bras if you go the bra route. Also, get a 2-piece bra that allows opening of the hood while installed.

I have used racer's tape for other uses, and it does come off without residue. The roll from Pegasus is huge.