Newb question

[at7815]

Hey guys -

I will be taking delivery of my MINI in the next couple of days. I have to drive about 70 highway miles to get home. I'm in Florida and think I might get some lovebugs on the bumper/hood of the car. I live in a condo and will not be able to wash the car when I get home; do you have any suggestions for how to get rid of the bugs as soon as I get home so that the residue does not stay on the paint???

I have not ordered any cleaning products for the car yet so perhaps a product I can buy at a regular store for this first time until I get my hands on some professional products?

Thanks so much...I've been getting very worried about paint damage w/ that first drive.

[MLPearson79]

This is going to sound mildly crazy, but you could cover the nose of the car with blue painters' tape to get you home. I think that's *probably* what I would do in your shoes, unless I were able to get a clear bra installed before or at the time of delivery.

[ScottRiqui]

I'd put a quick application of paste wax on the front surfaces of the car, and then stop by a "wand-wash" carwash close to your condo on the trip home.

Also, a Google search of "WD-40 love bugs" yielded a LOT of results, but take it with a grain of salt - I've never tried it myself.

[at7815]

Thanks for the replies!

I ran a search here and saw something about soaking the front of the car with a towel soaked in warm water. I think I'm going to put some wax on the front before I leave the dealer and then use the towel suggestion when I get home.

The clearbra is something I had considered but decided against it. What I "might" do is get a bra for highway trips and it'll probably be easier to clean. Oh...damn Bugs!

This is only the beginning - I still need to figure out how to go about washing the car. There is no diy car wash nearby that I know of so I will have to come up with a plan.

[Jeremy1026]

And then use a DQ to get rid of any residue left behind by the painters tape.

[kenchan]

painter's tape is the way to go.

[kenchan]

at- your best bet is to use a touchless wash and clean off the remains
using slick and hydro.

slick has super pickup power.

one thing to note... the rear strut bottom *might* scrape the carwash
rails, so check on the height before you run it through.

[at7815]

Kenchan -

Thanks so much for the suggestion! I think that will be the best route, but will just have to check; hopefully w/ the R56 standing a little taller it might be a little easier.

I hadn't noticed the suggestion of taking off the front of the car. I can just use the thick painter's tape, right? Should I tape the grill also?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help!

Ani

[minihune]

Originally Posted by at7815

Kenchan -

Thanks so much for the suggestion! I think that will be the best route, but will just have to check; hopefully w/ the R56 standing a little taller it might be a little easier.

I hadn't noticed the suggestion of taking off the front of the car. I can just use the thick painter's tape, right? Should I tape the grill also?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help!

Ani

Tape the flat surfaces but not the grill as that lets air into your radiator to help cool your engine. If you drive only during the day you could tape some of the front headlight but not all of it or you might be stopped.

Tape is often used at the track to avoid the many nicks in the paint we get from stones tossed up. It's easy to remove.

You can't tape the windshield but if you have a microfiber towel handy and some water you can do minor cleanups now and then along the way pretty easily.

[MLPearson79]

Yup, the blue painter's tape works the best. For this sort of thing, just buy the widest size available!

[kenchan]

^^ at- as the tire guru stated (minihune), keep the grill openings open.

make sure you tape up the front of the roof and side mirrors too.

[at7815]

I used painter's tape and the car was bug free Just wanted to thank you guys for the suggestion and help!