Roadtrip - To Tape or Not to Tape?
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'03 CL500,& '18 GLS63. Gone: '83 500SEC,'99 500SL,'07GL450
I find 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner #08984 to be the best universal cleaner for tar, oil, dried on adhesives, windshield sealer, everything.
Also,a "Stoner" product called "Tarminator" "quickly removes road tar,grease,bugs,sap,asphalt,and more. Safe for clearcoats".
Mercedes also has an "Insect Remover", #001 986 3971 11.
Also,a "Stoner" product called "Tarminator" "quickly removes road tar,grease,bugs,sap,asphalt,and more. Safe for clearcoats".
Mercedes also has an "Insect Remover", #001 986 3971 11.
Last edited by reddog; Jul 15, 2011 at 01:35 PM.
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2018 E63S
You could go to the guys that sell the clear 3m covering and just plaster the scraps they may have over the front end. I did this when I brought my GL home. Then I had them do the whole things.. keeps piece of mind if your crazy about the finish.
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2020 G63, 2021 E450 All-Terrain Wagon
Thanks for all the replies 
I did a little more research and found this:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1
I might use the Griots Surface Protection Film since it looks a little cleaner and looks like better protection. Any thoughts?
I did a little more research and found this:http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1
I might use the Griots Surface Protection Film since it looks a little cleaner and looks like better protection. Any thoughts?
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Do not. Anything that protects the front paint will also make sure that after removal (especially if you leave it on for years) the protected paint will look better than the unprotected one.
Do not even think about a leather - looking bra. It will trap road debris and will sand the paint underneath it.
The gl is a tall truck. Road debris are not really a problem.
Do not even think about a leather - looking bra. It will trap road debris and will sand the paint underneath it.
The gl is a tall truck. Road debris are not really a problem.
Last edited by alx; Jul 15, 2011 at 09:41 PM.
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2007 Jeep SRT-8
A clear bra is your best solution. For having spent that kind of money I would think you would want to keep it looking new. Besides you can get rock chips from any driving ... not just on the highway. And no matter how tall your vehicle is, it will happen.
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2011 ML550
Just a thought, when the edges of the painters tape peel away from the car due to the wind on the highway, wouldnt the flapping of the tape against the paint surface scratch up your vehicle? Especially if the tape was sandy?
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From: Treasure Coast
2018 Mclaren 720s, 2021 Aston Martin DBX
Skip the painter’s tape and just keep some distance from the rear end of anything directly in front of you. For bugs, spray some Pam on the bumper, leading edges of the hood and don’t forget the mirrors. Use warm water to wash them off.
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Porsche 911
I did not click the Griots link but one option that many use is to go to Target or Walmart and buy shelf paper. It's often available in clear and is also easy on paint, especially if you wax it first. It's hard to get it on perfectly smooth but it is easier on the eyes than blue painters tape! 
I would highly recommend doing something though as my car seems like a rock magnet after a winter trip to the midwest and a summer trip to Yosemite.
I would highly recommend doing something though as my car seems like a rock magnet after a winter trip to the midwest and a summer trip to Yosemite.
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