utownal

I'm about to purchase my dream car (2008 Victory Red Z06), but will
need to drive it back about 1300 miles. I don't want to transport it,
and would like to drive it myself. I want to bring it home with as few
paint chips as possible. Has anyone else driven long distances with
the blue painter's tape on the front nose? Any problems? Any pre-cautions? I'm not worried about appearances, or what someone else
thinks is stupid looking. I just want to get the car home in good shape.

hyperjoe

I drove about the same distance home with my new CGZ. You might want to mummify your car with tape if you're that worried. I got a chip in my windshield as a gift from nature.

Just be careful where you drive, avoid construction if you can (that's how my chip occurred), and don't tailgate, and you'll be fine!

SB60

Buy a GM bra for your Z06. They're great for road trips and look a lot better than tape!

Weasel

I have been to S. Florida and back. (Michigan), 6 times since last June. Do it. It will be a fond memory for you.

rutiger

you do realize once you get it home it will pick up chips every time you drive it right. i have driven all of my corvettes long distances a number of times. the worst damage that has happened to them and any other car has been on short daily drives around my city. so, i decided along time ago to not worry about it.

anyway, good luck and congrats on the new z

jswatek

You are going to get chips if you drive it. If you aren't going to drive it why buy it?

33036

Regularly drive long distances and, as well, use as DD...don't look at it - drive it!!! Deal w/ chips as they come.

33036

GTABurnout

I almost wish I had to pick up my car from some where because that would force me to road trip it.

Just use Blue tape and remember if it rains it will all wash of so be prepared...

Carnac

I use 3M blue painter's tape on the track. Works well. I use the 2.5" or 3" wide tape. Start at the top of what you want to cover and work your way down. Only problem I've had is once after using Zaino, the tape would not stick at all.

I have also used one of the Lyrica stretch bras with good luck (except that the Z06 is a front end breather and in HOT desert weather (like here in Las Vegas) the car would run hot with the bra on. So, I only use it when the outside air temp is below about 80 degrees.

Be careful about pulling into a parking spot - the low front end of the Z06 will scrape on curbs and spot stoppers. No tape will save your front bumper from a curb (but don't worry about the scrapping sound on most speed bumps - that is usually the underneath spoiler that is set back about a foot from the nose - it is designed to scrape (see owner's manual), is not really very visible and is easily replaced if it gets too ratty looking.

Enjoy your new car and I understand wanting to keep it rock chip free as long as possible, but don't be afraid to drive it...they are great cars and meant to be DRIVEN!

Cheers - Jim

quickc6

I would get a bra . I have used blue tape at track sessions .
after a 20 minut session it is starting to come off .

Red Cell

I had 3M over the entire front end. It wasn't for me (recently learned that a previous forum member owned the car and took great care of my Z!). In any event, I took nearly all of it off bar the front clip and lights. Reason, I did not like the look over the hood (looked like a scratch from one side to the other-esp when waxed).

I've driven on long road trips and although I know it's just a matter of time until it happens, I'll deal with it then. Life's short, enjoy your beautiful Z.

Red Cell.

'06 Quicksilver Z06

Does GM make a bra for the Z06? I know they do for the base C6 but never seen the GM bra for a Z06.

Painter's tape should work fine until you can get the car home.

jamsvet

Real Cars Have Scars

Lawdogg

Don't put a bra on your car ever. Have the car done in Venture Shield or 3M clear film when you pick it up. No worries.

Texas_Venom

Not the type of answer he is looking for.

Anyway why not see if there is a good local clear bra installer where you are picking the car up at? It would be a great idea to get one on it before the trip... especially for the rear brake vents. If you need some help locating one send me a PM. I am in the industry and know quite a few installers out there that do top quality work.

Have a safe drive back and congrats on the new car!

BobJ

I just drove my car from Huntsville, AL to Phoenix, AZ after buying it. Didn't get one rocj chip, but even I would have gotten a couple ot would have been worth the drive.

More important than a bra will be a radar detector!!

Do it, you'll have a blast!

Mjolitor 68

why dont you just find a place where you pick up the car that does invisible mask?

Its the best and you wont have any issues

The Z will gobble up 1300 miles easy, it should be a fun trip

JayplaySS2

Amen, don't be a wuss

Meegle

3M clear bra would probably be your best bet at protecting your front end. Not tailgating will also minimize the risk.
I have about 4k miles on mine with the 3M clear bra and the front end is still close to perfect...did get a chip but it happened on the A-pillar

MChicado

Distance between you and the cars in front of you is your best protection from flying debris/rocks.--distance is your friend. But, I say it'ss going to happen not matter what you do if you drive it...and how can you really enjoy the Driving/Car part if you so worried about the Paint part (JMTC).

CONGRATS and enjoy the new ride!!

MC