I highly recommend the 3M Clear Mask. I love it! No more panicking to take a bra/mask off if you're in moisture so the paint doesn't fade. I had it put on the front, mirrors, wheel areas & rocker panels, door edges, rear bumper top at trunk opening. From 3 or 4 feet away you can't even see it. And it works superb!
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Just so you all know how the clear mask looks, here's a picture of 1980 with it on.
It covers the front 18" or so of the hood, down the fender around the wheel well (you can just make out the trailing edge of the mask on the fender flare at ~ 2 O'Clock, and the full front of the bumper cover.
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It covers the front 18" or so of the hood, down the fender around the wheel well (you can just make out the trailing edge of the mask on the fender flare at ~ 2 O'Clock, and the full front of the bumper cover.
That's how I look at it. Course who knows what the hood will look like say in 5 or 7 years - if you take the Clear Mask off, will you notice a difference in the finish compared to the unprotected portion of the hood? This is the first time I have ever had a Clear Mask so there are still some unknowns. But thus far, I am waaay glad I did it. As I wrote before, it has already protected my rocker panels from being shredded by road cinders in a late spring freeze.Lightning said:
However, I have had 2 cars have the paint FADE with a regular bra because of moisture in the felt.
So I won't do those anymore for sure! Plus they are a total pain in the arse!Probably everything is a compromise.
As far as the Clear Mask showing dust, in the summer I drive along a lake and go thru the 'Klamath Curse' of clouds of green midgie bugs. So I HAVE to wash the car the next morning so the bug juice doesn't ruin the finish. I'd probably have to wash it THAT night if it wasn't for the Clear Mask. You should see the front of my other cars - YIKES!
Plus I have stupid new neighbors from the desert that have pushed about 6" of dirt over the cinder road along their property while playing with their toy tractor. Now it is all outrageously fine dust! They seem to feel the roads are their dumping ground for excess dirt, raked pine needles, etc. Guess they think they are helping but like I said they are stupid - and inconsiderate. Already turning a beautifully wooded mountain area into Barstow desert - cut about 40 trees so far off 1 acre. I have a few Ponderosa Pine that are about 150 yrs. old - 3 times as old as me. (Sorry for venting)
So my car looks great in the driveway - wash it, dry it, cover it. When I show up to town,
its already dirty. Can't win! :lol:
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