I have paint chipping on my front end. There are several causes for this. I bumped into a concrete barrier (at about .5 mph) with the low front lip and paint started to chip and flake there. I also have small spots on the flat areas around the fog lamp covers that look like they were hit with small rocks flying off the highway. So, before I get this repaired and repainted, I want to know how to protect my delicate front end so that I can avoid this situation in the future. I have seen aftermarket and custon front lip extensions. Some are carbon fiber peices that attatch underneath the fron lip, another I've seen was a DIY job using garage door weather strip rubber. These are designed for looks/airflow (or whatever) but would they also help protect the front lip? As for the rest of the face of my car I have found two options. 1. 3M makes a film that is custom cut for the front end of the car. 2. A car bra. These look uber-silly to me, but a full cover one seems like it would provide the best protection possible. Long question I know, thanks for your patience! -Matt
+1, Only other option would be a Bra, but 1) They look horrible, 2) They will ruin your paint more than little paint chips, 3) They are a pain to deal with. You need to remove them every time you wash your car or Dirt will get under it and really scratch up your paint. Also, all exposed areas will fade over time, the part that is covered with the bra will not.
Cool, glad to have great reasons not to get bra! OK, so the kit I would need is about $200 bucks. Where would I have to go if I wanted it installed professionally? It seems a bit difficult to do yourself.
How bad is it, in terms of aerodynamics, to get rid of all the paint on the front section and go paintless on the plastic?
I wouldn't think it would effect areodynamics. The paint doesn't change the shape or size of anything. Also, our cars are really not that areodynamic to begin with. Whatever changes would occur, if any, you most likely would not be able to tell from the drivers seat. On the other hand, it would probably look horrible.
I will probably just let the paint keep on chipping until I have a few hundred extra bucks for cosmetic repairs. Its not very noticeable unless you look close so I'm not too worried, just more annoying than anything else. Thanks a bunch for the info, and I will look into the rockblocker more. There has got to be a cheaper/ more creative solution out there somewhere though, so I will keep looking for a while.
The rockblocker kit is nice. I can't tell you who'd install it, but I'm sure someone local can. It is clear, so you really can't see if unless you start looking for it. I have it on my headlamps and it's def. saved them for me (though it didn't save me from breaking the tabs when I took the lights out to put in the cowl braces )