Need a bra
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 312
Likes: 30
From: Florida, USA
2017 Rolls Royce Wraith, 1999 CLK Cabriolet, 2023 Genesis G90
Need a bra
I plan to take some road trips this summer and I'm concerned about those swarms of lovebugs I hear will eat through paint. I've tried to find a bra specifically designed for the GL, but can't seem to locate one. Has anyone here had any luck finding one?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 537
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From: Land of Magnolias and Mint Juleps
To your question...I have no idea about a bra for the GL.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 312
Likes: 30
From: Florida, USA
2017 Rolls Royce Wraith, 1999 CLK Cabriolet, 2023 Genesis G90
You were very lucky not to have suffered paint damage. It seems that areas that don't heat up, like the bumpers, A-pillars and mirrors don't suffer any damage, but these bugs have acid blood, and when it is cooked on the leading edge of the hot hood, it etches the paint to the point that only a wet sanding will get the marks off, if you're lucky. This is especially true for dark colors, according to the body shop paint specialist. Lighter colors fair better because they hide the etching better. Mine is O Black, so I'm screwed.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 379
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From: MA
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
You were very lucky not to have suffered paint damage. It seems that areas that don't heat up, like the bumpers, A-pillars and mirrors don't suffer any damage, but these bugs have acid blood, and when it is cooked on the leading edge of the hot hood, it etches the paint to the point that only a wet sanding will get the marks off, if you're lucky. This is especially true for dark colors, according to the body shop paint specialist. Lighter colors fair better because they hide the etching better. Mine is O Black, so I'm screwed.
This is a supplier for precut material but I wouldn't attempt it yourself unless you have experience with it. It must be done correctly or it looks like crap. So far in my area (Boston) I have not found anyone I would trust yet to do mine.
http://www.protectivesolution.com/
Follow the links to the GL page to see available patterns. If no one near you has the program in their cutting machine maybe you could get them to install one of these kits.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I've had moderately good luck (still a work in progress) having a clear bra put on my black GL. If you plan on doing highway driving, I'd recommend it, but you do need an excellent installer and preferrably (sic?) one who's done GLs before. As for 3M or other products - I do like to go with a company I'm pretty sure will be around to warranty the stuff, but it's each individual's call. As is doing the vital areas verus basically the whole hood, car, etc.
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 3
From: South Louisiana
06 SLK55, 22 EQS450
During love-bug season, what I do is get an empty spray bottle, add a 3-5 oz. of vinegar, a couple ounces of dish washing liquid and then top it off with water. I use the spray when I wash my car, so after rinsing, I spray the affected areas pretty heavily. Then, when washing using a sponge/towel, a lot of the bug splatter goes away. For the past few years, it has worked pretty successfully. hope this helps.
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 141
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From: LAS VEGAS
ML500
Get the laminate in your hood, you won't regret it, and since you are at it, cover your headlamps with Luminx or similar. I've had bras for both my ML's, and even though is good for protection, it looks awfawl.
See pics
See pics
