Just wondering if any one is using a front end mask? Need to keep the bugs and rocks off the paint. I just don't the mask doing more damage than the bugs. thanks George

 

NO THAT IS CRAZY!! BLA! Ugly gross!! Dont deface a L!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh

 

Yup, if you need to drive it a long way, it's the only way to go. I don't use mine much, but it's there when I need it.

 

Front end masks have a number of weaknesses. If they are not installed correctly or do not fit well they can damage the paint because they will move in the wind. Dirt can get trapped underneath, causing more damage. If you drive in a rainstorm or wash your truck, the mask can trap water underneath. This can also damage the paint. Finally, as mentioned in the other posts, some folks think they are ugly.

If you must have one, get a good one, keep it clean, and remove it for drying whenever it gets wet.

My .02.

 

The mask sure protects the front of your truck if you drive any distance or where sand/gravel will be present. Some say they are ulgy, but I feel chipped paint/scratches/bugs are ulgy Got mine at www.fordcollection.com for approx $120.

 

P.S. I bet ICULOKN changes his tune after he moves to Fla and gets introduced to lovebugs!

 

Fast Gator - My biggest concern was what damage if any this would do to the paint. Have you had it long and have you used it on any extended trips? As for those Love Bugs, you are absolutely correct. Hell, I have to clean the front of my L ever time I drive it for any distance from regular Florida bugs, even in the daytiime.

NO THAT IS CRAZY!! BLA! Ugly gross!! Dont deface a L!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh

ICULOKN, LOVE BUGS, now that is defacing a L. I don't care how much wax you have on the front. If you hit those damn Love Bugs you are in for one long cleaning job. And you better do it quickly or forget it, permanently defaced Silver L. You are gonna love Florida!

 

Ive seen some stuff by 3M that is like a laminant(sp?) that goes over the leading edge of your hood to help protect it. I dont know if they have it for the entire bumper, but it was clear and almost invisible.


Ok, I found it. ChipGuard .. and it says that they have kits for the bumper, fenders and hood. Seems like a good idea, at least if your planning a cross country drive.

Jeff

 

I went on a road trip just after breaking in my L and I regret not having something to protect the front bumper. I actually used needle nose pliers to remove tiny rocks that dug into the plastic!! I bitched to the dealer about it, but they wouldn't do anything. Guess thats the price you pay for cruise control @ 100 + mph :-)
I'm getting something to protect it before it gets worse. Otherwise I'll be getting it painted every other year...

BTW - Touch up paint doesn't help much...

john
Silver '02
12,500 miles

 

Amen to that, just wait till he tries a couple speed runs on I95 and sees the damage those buggers do to the front end. I suppose if the truck only goes to the strip and back you don't need one but if it's a daily driver it's a must down here.

 

http://www.xpel.com/paint/product.as...x=3&image1.y=9

http://www.stoneguard.com/sgcontent/...x874x1166x1167


I prefer the clear bra myself

 

Looks Good!

 

Try Again

 

http://www.linkny.com/~nwrinkle/Lightning%20Bra.jpg

 

Only $120?! That is inexpensive... I don't want to spend the $400- $700 dollars on the invisible stuff. I could replace the $120 bra every year for 4 years !!

Fast Gator- I couldn't find the bras on the web site. Did you call the 800 number to purchase one?

john