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Old 11-29-2005, 01:49 PM
Reynolds Reynolds is offline
Active Enthusiast
 
Hybrids: None (Yet)
Posts: 60
Default Re: Paint & Fabric Protection

While tinting will help against fading, it will do nothing for wear. DIY Scotchgarding may help with that; it will at least slow down the dirt, which if you have the ivory interior, will be quick to appear unless you're very fastidious about cleaning it regularly.

The other thing is the fabric itself, from what I've seen - it's a textured fabric, where you have higher threads / lower threads (almost like a berber carpet, which is a cut-loop pile). But those higher threads are loose - they can be moved easily. This is all from memory - I've only sat in an 06 HCH once so far, but I do remember the fabric is a bit different than the other trim levels. I do think it will wear quicker than the LX/EX fabric, btw - especially the armrest. Ivory interior will exacerbate this, I think.

I ordered mine w/ the dark interior, after seeing how my Ivory-colored Accord held up (leather, not cloth, although I'm fine with jumping into a cloth interior - just wish I could keep the seat heaters

Get some good floor mats - you'll eat through the drivers' side mat in no time; even with the 'premium' mats (extra plush, and they have the model embroidered on them - at least they did for my Accord). If you live in a snowy / muddy climate, then all-weather mats for sure. The Honda ones historically haven't had a raised lip to help trap mud / snow, so the water just runs right into the carpet - very bad. If you're not in a temperate climate, there are a couple of websites that make custom mats that fit side-to-side across the entire length / width of the footwell - with HD carpet (again, berber in some cases) that will wear like iron.

Exterior: Historically, Hondas do chip their paint easily, especially in more recent years. More noticable on lighter colors, of course. If you follow vehicles closely, and especially on highways / interstates, you're more susceptible.

Conventional bras will trap dirt, etc, under them, which can scratch the paint. Not to mention fading issues, if you leave them on all the time.

One product I've found useful is the 'clear bra' - 3M calls it 'stoneguard' or some such. You can go to their website and find an installation dealer. They sell the product in pre-cut kits, as well as in larger sheets, which your dealer may be stuck w/ using, given that the '06 sheetmetal is brand-new. But I will vouch for that product - I have no stone chips on my front end / mirrors, and I've had the product about 2yrs (by comparison, after 3 years with my prior Accord, it looked like it had been hit with a sandblaster (ok, exaggerating, but slightly). About $150-$500, depending on amount of material used, coverage area, and difficulty of application (curved surfaces & intricate cutouts are harder (think: bumper cover / lower grill area).

Once it's on, it won't come off (it can be removed if you need to repaint the car; ie, collision damage), and you can't tell it's on there unless you're within a foot of the car. That was extremely important in my decision to get it. 3M warranties it for 5yrs, IIRC.

For the inevitable touch-ups, HandAaccessories.com sells a paint pen - it's a LOT easier to apply than the standard brush / bottle. About $7-8, IIRC. Color is matched w/ Honda's color codes, so it blends in well.
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