Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

It happens to us all, driving down the road and another car or truck shoots up a small rock and hits your hood or front bumper. I have seen 1 or 2 so far on mine, I have touch up on the way but that always seems to be noticeable to me. Is there a better solution?

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

I've had my TCH just over a month, and I've already got 4-5 little pits from rocks. The paint on the TCH does not seem to be as durable as other cars I've had in the past. I'm going to consider getting a clear-bra on the front dam.

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

My expierience with Asian auto paint, especially Toyota is it chips easy.

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

I'm scheduled this Friday for a clear bra.......

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

German paint isn't any better.

I've had good results with the clear bra on my HiHy...I think. No way to tell if it's been hit by rocks;).

Unfortunately I can't say the same about my R Class. Due to it's design, a bra won't help. I'm getting chips all over the upper third of the hood:angry:. So it goes...

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

Did my first two touch ups this last weekend. I have the deflector which saves a few inches of the leading edge, but I think the clear bra idea is probably better at covering more area but even then rock will find all of your hood equally tasty. It really seems like an unwinable battle. The question is how much money and effort you want to put into delaying the enemy.

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

How did your touch ups go - did you use any special techniques or gadgets that may be out there.... You are right on the delaying the inevitable - I figure if I can keep it somewhat in good shape - it may increase the resale later down the road and give me a sense of peace - or at least until the new car feeling wears off:D .... The clear bras can come off too...

Here is an interesting article on the clear bras and my estimate it will cost about $450 - $500 for the entire front end including bumper and mirrors. I was quoted $225 for just the hood, side fender, and mirrors....

http://www.automotivearticles.com/Clear_Bra_3M.shtml

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

I just used the Toyota two-sided touch up paint. Color on one side and clear on the other. I give myself a 6 out of 10 for the job. Because I know where it is, I can easily see it but anyone else simply admiring the car would probably not notice it.

I'm a realist. When you see a nice car in a parking lot or while driving you never see tiny things like rock chips. You admire the look, the style, the uniqueness, the cleaniless. Only the owner knows it's true warts (and who cares about other people's warts :) ). I'm not fooling myself into thinking my car will be forever pristine. Avoid the big dings, treat the small wounds and keep it clean is my goal...

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

well, I don't want a bra so I guess a very fine tip brush and touch up paint will have to do the job.

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

I paid 475 for full bumpers front & rear, hood, fender, mirrors & headlights. So far no chips and no bumper rubs on the corners. They love to rub bumpers here in NYC.

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

Has anyone purchased the do-it-yourself 3M clear bra kit that is being sold on EBay for $270? There are cheap imitations that cost under $100, but this is the genuine 3M Paint Protection material. I emailed the seller, and he said that if you have installed your own factory rear bumper applique (which I have), then this installation should be relatively easy (rated 3 of 5 in difficulty).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOYOT...9856QQtcZphoto

Anyone out there already do this install? Would anyone be intersted in a group buy?
p.s. the rear bumper applique installation was a bit tricky at first, but now that I know the secret, it's actually pretty easy. Since the rear bumper applique is only $26, I would recommend that anyone thinking of installing their own clear bra

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

The Ebay seller is willing to do a group buy for at least 10 units (between the folks here and at TN). The discounted price would be 20% off his EBay selling price of $270, and he'll only charge $10 shipping USPS Priority to the continental U.S., and he'll throw in an installation squegee with every package The final cost would be $226 shipped. Anybody else interested?

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

I have to be honest here and say that I wouldn't do it. That front on the Camry is rather complex. You will need more than just a plastic squeegee (Knives, spray bottles and solution, heat gun, piercing tool). I watched my tint guy do our Highlander over the span of 3 hours or so and he's a pro. I'd rather do other things with say about 6 hours of my time for the $150-$200 installation premium. If you do it yourself, mistakes will be costly.

Here's a good article with pic's on an install.

http://www.swedespeed.com/news/publi...ticle_161.html

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

I have had the 3M clear bras put on 10 new vehicals by the same person who is a pro and takes less than 1 hour, $150-175. They will be doing my TCH next Wednesday. This is one job I would not tackle myself as I have watched it many times and it takes a pro for a nice lasting job.

Re: Rocks hitting hood and front bumper
 

I watched my guy too - I wouldn't do it myself - takes a pro for a really good job...