MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

oldtrojan66 · #1 05-06-2007, 06:00 PM

I guess that's what I get for motoring with my bra showing,

but does anyone have ideas on removing bugs from the clear bra. I don't know the manufacturer as it was installed by the dealer before delivery. I hesitate to use a nylon "scratcher" or any kind of chemical remover, cause I don't want to craze the protection or ruin its shine.

thanks for the help

MLPearson79 · #2 05-06-2007, 06:53 PM

I just used Turtle Wax bug remover on mine with no issues. I sprayed it on, let it soak, and then sprayed it off, and then washed the whole car. Most of the bugs came off with very little effort.

**tdm156** · #3 05-06-2007, 07:17 PM

I use that bug & tar pre wash gel and then follow up with a nice coat of a good quality wax once its clean

**BlimeyCabrio** · #4 05-06-2007, 07:34 PM

I have been scrubbing my Xpel clear bra with the sheepskin mitt and my usual wash soap until they come off. Recently I tried a new trick - had some left over NXT soap so I put a little bit (full strength from the bottle) in my hand and gently spread it on the bugs - they came loose almost instantly..

TC1 · #5 05-06-2007, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlimeyCabrio

Recently I tried a new trick - had some left over NXT soap so I put a little bit (full strength from the bottle) in my hand and gently spread it on the bugs - they came loose almost instantly..

This is what I do as well. Works real well, and its real quick. No reason to buy more stuff.

oldtrojan66 · #6 05-07-2007, 07:17 PM

Thanks, one and all for the replys. I will try these things, and try to stay ahead of the bug population. The MINI is quick, but dodging each and every bug is a little too taxing on the old reflexes!

MLPearson79 · #7 05-06-2007, 07:58 PM

Ew. Nasty, but good idea.

With rubber gloves on, of course.

kenchan · #8 05-06-2007, 08:10 PM

i use SpeedShine to remove bugs and then apply SprayOn wax every 2-3 apps
of SpeedShine to maintain the slippery surface on my MCS with clearbra.

its well waxed with Best of Show.

Mgibrace · #9 05-06-2007, 08:21 PM

I use a boating product called Roll-Off. Found it originally trying to get spider sh&* off my old painted wooden hull. Worked wonderfully! Figured if it didn't hurt the paint at all, I'd try it on other stains. Again, stunning results wihout damaging or dulling any surface. The stuff is magic and no I don't sell the stuff. My experience is with 120 mph + bugs on 3M film(racing). YMMV

kenchan · #10 05-06-2007, 08:22 PM

mgibrace- is that like griot's BugOff spray? its a spray you use before
you ram into bugs.

MLPearson79 · #11 05-06-2007, 08:46 PM

I think it's this stuff:

http://www.autogeek.net/amazingrollo...FRs_ggod3TlIaQ

Mgibrace · #12 05-06-2007, 09:04 PM

That's it! We now buy it by the gal.

kenchan, nope, just works after. I used to use a variety of other products for the spider *** and it took hours. I sprayed the rolloff and 1-3 min later, the sh** was honestly breaking up and......... rolling off(sorry, couldn't help myself). Summer drive, 100 degree heat, 2000 mi trip, sprayed it on my Suburban, waited, and was a little upset I actually had to scrub a little.

Mgibrace · #13 05-06-2007, 09:06 PM

FWIW, the local Boaters World has the stuff cheaper.

kenchan · #14 05-06-2007, 09:09 PM

interesting! thanks for the info.

Mgibrace · #15 05-06-2007, 09:24 PM

Should work very nicely on the hydroed/clear bra car. I'll be snooping here to see how it goes.

kenchan · #16 05-07-2007, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mgibrace

Should work very nicely on the hydroed/clear bra car. I'll be snooping here to see how it goes.

yah, definitely keep us posted.

Flick · #17 05-07-2007, 11:04 PM

On my motorcycle, I just place a really damp (i.e. wet) soft towel on the front fairing/windscreen and leave it there for about ten minutes. The bugs just wipe right off easy as you please after that. Try it...its cheap but effective! Haven't had the Mini long enough yet to test it out on the hood area (not to mention, the bugs are just waking up up here in Edmonton!), but if it works on the Yamaha...it will work on the Mini.

kenchan · #18 05-08-2007, 06:28 AM

flick- how do you keep the towel from sliding off the car? especially outside
where there's a little bit of wind at times.

Flick · #19 05-08-2007, 11:02 AM

kenchan...the towel is soaking wet...don't think its going anywhere (?)
Mind you, Mini's are slippery little devils

...maybe the towel might move

Basically, the soaking towel "softens up" the bug splat, making it real easy to wipe off. Been doing this for years and have not noticed any negative side-effects to the bike (and probably none to the Mini - although, like I mention in a previous post, I have not had to try it on the MC yet). Motorcyle wind screens are easily susceptible to scratches and this technique does not appear to have caused any problems.