Front End Protector - LeBra, etc.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2006
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Front End Protector - LeBra, etc.
Hey, is there a preferred front end protector ? I'm planning a trip and remember last year how much fun it was cleaning the bugs off the front end. I'm inclined to get a LeBra but thought I'd ask in case anyone knows of a really good front end protector. thanks alot.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
My understanding is that those types of things cause more harm than good.
If I know I am going to be on the road, and think bugs will be a problem...I spray the front of the truck/car with Zaino Z8, or even Wizards Mist n Shine. Helps keep them from sticking...and when I stop at the end of a trip...a quick spritz with a detail spray wipes 'em right off. Even a coat of wax would help. I always have a detail spray in the car for bird bombs anyhow.
If I know I am going to be on the road, and think bugs will be a problem...I spray the front of the truck/car with Zaino Z8, or even Wizards Mist n Shine. Helps keep them from sticking...and when I stop at the end of a trip...a quick spritz with a detail spray wipes 'em right off. Even a coat of wax would help. I always have a detail spray in the car for bird bombs anyhow.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Bras are fine so long as they aren't kept on during the rain and allowed to dry still on the truck. Bad bras will buff the pain dull, good ones don't do that. LeBra is questionable. Right in the middle of the road.
One of the problems with bras on Excursions is the hood piece. You see it doesn't conform to the drop from the center to the sides above the headlights. That part flaps around at speeds above 50. The flapping and mar the paint. I speak from experience.
Don't like bugs? Matt has a great suggestion. Want an even easier one? PAM cooking spray. Coat the front, bugs wash right off.
Putting a measure of screen behind the grill does wonders for keeping bugs, birds etc out of your very expensive radiators & condenser. A must "TO-DO" for any road trip!
One of the problems with bras on Excursions is the hood piece. You see it doesn't conform to the drop from the center to the sides above the headlights. That part flaps around at speeds above 50. The flapping and mar the paint. I speak from experience.
Don't like bugs? Matt has a great suggestion. Want an even easier one? PAM cooking spray. Coat the front, bugs wash right off.
Putting a measure of screen behind the grill does wonders for keeping bugs, birds etc out of your very expensive radiators & condenser. A must "TO-DO" for any road trip!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 197
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I was talking to a tourist that drove the alcan up here and he used that new washable rattle can paint. He said he has used it before and it makes a layer that everything sticks to and makes it easier to wash off. I asked if it washed off in the rain, and he said it held up pretty good and only really came off with some detergent. He did a good job; he painted the grill, front bumper and around the fenders and hood. It was a monochrome dodge. I would definetly put a screen in front of the radiator and tranny cooler.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 442
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From: UK , Florida or Ebay ;)
slow down would be the best option 
so the bugs can see you coming.
other than that a good quality wax is what i use (although our bugs here are smaller)
I use swissol (now called swissvax) wax but it does seem to help them slide a little lol
so the bugs can see you coming.other than that a good quality wax is what i use (although our bugs here are smaller)
I use swissol (now called swissvax) wax but it does seem to help them slide a little lol
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 909
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I drove the alcan (up to prudhoe bay) a few years back in the X completely stock... no issues with the radiator(s)/headlights, but I did lose a windshield to some rocks 
I would be worried that some window screen would block off too much airflow if it was installed. is that an issue?
Isaac
I would be worried that some window screen would block off too much airflow if it was installed. is that an issue?
Isaac
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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I have yet to see any manufacturer make a protection device like a bra that did not have ill effects on the paint. Even the most expensive ones get dirt under them, and even the softest materials can ruin a paint job once it has dirt being rubbed around at highway speeds. The grilles on our rides with chrome over plastic is the most vulnerable. The process leaves the chrome pretty soft. This is very vulnerable to dulling with something rubbing on it for many miles.
May want to take a good hard look at whether or not the pros, outweigh the cons.
May want to take a good hard look at whether or not the pros, outweigh the cons.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,199
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From: High Point, NC
And once the bugs are there - I found the easiest way to get the off is using a dryer sheet... that's right, a dryer sheet. It doesn't even have to be a fresh one - I keep old dryer sheets for this. You just use it like a wash cloth.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2001
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Originally Posted by Monsta
Screen blocking airflow?? Have you seen a screen door before? 
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 909
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Originally Posted by 1
Actually a window screen can block something like 30% of flow or more from what i remember. This issue came up on another board. One it causes a lil turbulance at the point the air goes through, 2 those lil lines are all areas that air cannot pass. Does air still go thorugh? Of course! As much? Not so much...
Isaac