How do i protect my car for the ride home? - Page 2

Likecars · 06-15-02, 08:31

For the money you spent, I'd rent a full size trailer and truck and haul it up. You'll still need a cover to not get the exhuast (which will leave a film if it's a diesal) from the truck on it. No rocks or otrher things to worry about.

F1Player48 · 06-15-02, 11:35

Yea the idea of leaving the plastics on is great..Only problem is that the PCD is a really nice 1st class delivery center where they deliver the cars in excellent condition, so i don't think they will deliver it with the plastics, another thing is that the cars are washed in a mix of water and kerosene to remove a coating called cosmoline (sp?) the put on the car for the trip on the ship that way the salt air doesn't corrode the car (i am not even sure they put the plastic on the cars). A minor reason i am picking my car up at the PCD is b\c some times it happens that the dealers when they prep the car they wax it and put swirl marks (i basically wouldn't accept the car with swirls marks) and at the PCD they know that the type of people who pick they cars up there are true enthusiasts so they realty take care of the cares to the highest degree possible.

So, i looks like the Painters tape is the way to go.
I am just going to have to buy like 2 roles of tape b\c im even going to tape up the front wind shield....J\K

I cant find the link to the page where a friend posted pics of when he pick up his car at the PCD but when i get it i will post it so check back.

-Andy Escobar

Chinkzilla · 06-16-02, 01:47

try racers tape!

BW · 06-16-02, 10:34

Yea, painter's tape seems like a good idea. What about this?:

Paint Protection Tape

Our "Paint Saver Tape" is a professional quality tape made from the same material that covers golf balls. Peel-off the backing and smooth the tape on any area that's prone to damage. It's transparent, extremely durable, and safe for all paints and plastic. It stays new for years and you can polish and wax right over it.

samiam513 · 06-16-02, 10:41

Wouldn't paint protection tape be really hard to get off? It saiys it last for years. There has to be some strong glue on there to hold for years.

BW · 06-16-02, 12:16

"The tape may even be removed without damage to the paint. The invisible tape is perfect for rocker panels, bumpers, grills, front edge of hoods, truck bed rails, door edges, motorcycles, boats, etc."

Or maybe you can buy a pre-cut X-Pel "clear-bra" and have it installed in SC before the trip. Then use the tape on any part the X-pel doesn't protect.

http://www.xpel.com

~bw

F1Player48 · 06-18-02, 11:17

I am going to get the Xpel for my headlights

cvcaelen · 06-19-02, 06:50

Must feel like walking on eggs, driving a beautifull car like that home, wanting to bring it home in the same virgin condition you bought it.

May the Autopian Gods be with you and bring you home safe and un-whatevered.

forrest · 06-19-02, 07:27

I use the 3M Scotchcal Paint Protection Film,, which looks just like the topoftheline paint protection tape a couple threads above.

I buy rolls of it 4" wide and 40 yards long - part # 84804, I believe.

The blue painters tape is a great idea, but it's so thin it won't prevent any damage to the paint like the Scotchcal film will.

I've used it for over 5 years, and have never had a rock chip when it was used.

Go to an automtoive paint store and have them order it for you is my suggestion.

blkZ28Conv · 06-19-02, 07:32

Your best bet is to drive very carefully maintaining a good distance from cars and especially trucks. Unfortunately you will be driving down the main north-south corridor in order to get to your destination. You might consider traveling a more scenic route. Less traffic, lower speeds and more velocity changes ( for break-in). Also try to travel during daylight and avoid dusk and dawn ( higher bug activity during these hours ). Divide the trip into two days and do some minor detailing after you stop the first night.

06-19-02, 07:34

i definitely say leave the protective plastic on the car that it came with. Thats what the factory does to ship it, so should you. No special wash needs to be done after removing the plastic, just a normal dawn wash should be fine. Make sure you call ahead and tell them to leave the plastic on and not to detail it, if they detail it it will waste more of your time when you get home removing the crap they put on and correcting swirl marks.

MarcusJY · 06-19-02, 08:07

You could use the tape everyone is mentioning and have the car shipped to Miami.