Hey guys i just got some work out West and i have a 30 hour drive ahead of me... any suggestions for prepping the Monte for the long drive?
already had an oil change and full coolant, tires topped up.

 

I like to take paper toweling, window spray, some rags and spray detailer to touch up at rest stops but then I am **** about my car's appearance. Ya got road armor? (car bra)

Got plenty of music, water and munchies for yourself? Sometimes there is long distances without any radio stations nearby

 

i actually like the paper towel and cleaner idea thanks!

 

I also have a water bottle and a few microfibers in the trunk, just for cleaning off bugs and such

Music yes! good tunes to listen too

 

Hi Justin,

J's walk of life, or ride of life.

Wish you a safe journey.
Keep us updated on your travels.
Space is visiting all the Caribbean ports & just departed Port of Spain.

Just checked out your 'blog & dream
BeachBum'Mike

 

I have been thinking about how to keep all the bug strikes and their damage to a minimum for such a trip myself. I mean those bug strikes can be quite numerous and be a real pain to keep the finish clean after they bake on for a few days. I have read on here where some people rub baby oil on the cars front end and the bugs wash off much easier. And lately I have seen some commercials about a 3M spray on and peel off protective coating (my preferred method) So I'm looking into that method.

I would give the alternator belt a quick once over and check out the radiator hoses for sure. Coolant level, tranny fluid level.

Have a fun but safe journey...

See link below:

3M Paint Defender Spray Film with synthetic wax - Sprayable Paint Protection Film, 90000 - 3M Auto

 

Thanks Mr Zippy 4 your post & infor..
I searched the web to see what it cost & found the below on Amazon.
I think its a decent price for what it does to protect your ride.

We have a love bug season in Florida that can cover the whole front end of a vehicle & clog the radiator etc...I will check more in2 this product 4sure...Thank You again

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by 3M
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• Do-it-yourself invisible, seamless car paint protection applied as a spray-on liquid and dries to a continuous clear film
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• Protects any painted surface such as hoods, bumpers, fenders, mirrors, rocker panels, and more
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• Includes one can of 3M(TM)Paint Defender Spray Film 17.5 ounces, one 1-ounce packet of Wax and complete, easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for application in approximately 30 minutes

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Hello Space Rider, I bet you do have a heck of a bug season down your way. The clogged radiator is another concern of mine, how do you get around that down there? Window screen in front of the radiator? I might take a cross country trip and all the bug / rock hits and bugs clogging the radiator are some concerns I have. Just had a brand new GM HD radiator installed and want it to not get clogged on my first month of having it on the car. Glad you found the info for the 3M paint defender useful. I will order a can or 2 if and when my trip materializes, seems like an answer to a problem thats been bugging me...

 

I've seen people put up a mesh screen in front of the radiator to catch bugs and junk.

 

Thanks for all the tips wish I saw the spray sooner! I leave in a couple of hours will keep you all posted.