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I have tediously cleaned out the front grill and radiator from love bugs and other flying critters for the last time! I think the NoviStretch Bra is going to be the answer to the long hours I have spent cleaning the front end. I just installed it last night, should only be a 5 minute install/removal process from here on. I dont plan to keep it on for around town. I make quite a few trips between Pensacola, FL and Baton Rouge, LA, so it will definitely be on for those trips. If you have one of these, have you had any issues with long term use? (paint issues to be exact). Also, I dont think there is any concern with airflow on the interstate at 80 mph, what about in town use? Do you think there is enough airflow at low speeds?
No issues. Works great, especially with love bugs. The only design improvement I would make is to design it so that you don't have to use a socket to loosen and tighten the two end screws to install and remove.
There are no air flow issues.
I don't even take mine off to wash the car and in fact the only time it needs to be taken off is to get rid of the tiny pebbles that sometimes accumulate at the fender corner in the wheel well from the tires.
The novistretch is a perfect match for the bugs. I think something else is better for chip protection. When I go to cars and coffee, there is always someone who is enamored with it and asks if they make it for their car.
For all you non-Floridians, here is a video showing what we have been dealing with
I have tediously cleaned out the front grill and radiator from love bugs and other flying critters for the last time! I think the NoviStretch Bra is going to be the answer to the long hours I have spent cleaning the front end. I just installed it last night, should only be a 5 minute install/removal process from here on. I dont plan to keep it on for around town. I make quite a few trips between Pensacola, FL and Baton Rouge, LA, so it will definitely be on for those trips. If you have one of these, have you had any issues with long term use? (paint issues to be exact). Also, I dont think there is any concern with airflow on the interstate at 80 mph, what about in town use? Do you think there is enough airflow at low speeds?
I have wondered the same thing as I had a 911 Turbo restored some years ago then used a bra (NOT NoviStretch) to protect the nose and soon after found it had scratched the heck out of my new paint as a result of wind causing it to rub.
It really turned me off to bras. Anyone had issue with NoviStretch?
I have wondered the same thing as I had a 911 Turbo restored some years ago then used a bra (NOT NoviStretch) to protect the nose and soon after found it had scratched the heck out of my new paint as a result of wind causing it to rub.
It really turned me off to bras. Anyone had issue with NoviStretch?
I’ve used one for all my Freeway driving with no issues at all. So easy to put on / take off as needed. I use it to help protect against bugs & road rash. Great product.
Anyone figure out way to secure the Novistretch inside the engine bay other than removing the plastic corner fender covers? Those tabs are fragile and aren't designed to removed and reinstalled over and over. I have a Z06 with Z07 and in addition to having to add extension straps to fit over the Stage 3 winglets, the fender cover removal is another fix I'm trying to work out.
I luv the Novistretch I have for my C5 convertible, but the C7Z is more challenging due to the design and additional aero.
Anyone figure out way to secure the Novistretch inside the engine bay other than removing the plastic corner fender covers? Those tabs are fragile and aren't designed to removed and reinstalled over and over. I have a Z06 with Z07 and in addition to having to add extension straps to fit over the Stage 3 winglets, the fender cover removal is another fix I'm trying to work out.
I luv the Novistretch I have for my C5 convertible, but the C7Z is more challenging due to the design and additional aero.
Anyone figure out way to secure the Novistretch inside the engine bay other than removing the plastic corner fender covers? Those tabs are fragile and aren't designed to removed and reinstalled over and over. I have a Z06 with Z07 and in addition to having to add extension straps to fit over the Stage 3 winglets, the fender cover removal is another fix I'm trying to work out.
I use small carbiners to get around that, especially on the driver's side.
Originally Posted by Frosty
No issues. Works great, especially with love bugs. The only design improvement I would make is to design it so that you don't have to use a socket to loosen and tighten the two end screws to install and remove.
Huh? They just snap on and off. Didn't you get the replacement screws that have a snap on the end? No socket required.
I use small carbiners to get around that, especially on the driver's side.
Huh? They just snap on and off. Didn't you get the replacement screws that have a snap on the end? No socket required.
If you look at the lower corners in the wheel well, where the Novistretch slides over the corner, there is a bolt you must loosen to slide the novistretch under the rubber air dam and then you need to tighten it to keep it secured over the corner. This holds the Novistretch in place at the bottom of the fender well. I believe it is a 7 MM socket.
From Novistretch instructions
Step #7
Locate and slightly loosen the screw holding the corner of the air dam on each side of the car allowing the bottom edge of the mask to go between the bumper and the air dam. NOTE: Do not install mask over the air-dam.
If you look at the lower corners in the wheel well, where the Novistretch slides over the corner, there is a bolt you must loosen to slide the novistretch under the rubber air dam and then you need to tighten it to keep it secured over the corner. This holds the Novistretch in place at the bottom of the fender well. I believe it is a 7 MM socket.
I have not found that to be necessary, but I only have 20,000 miles on the car so what do I know?
I have not found that to be necessary, but I only have 20,000 miles on the car so what do I know?
Easy fix. Remove 7mm bolt, install two washers between bumper and rubber spoiler. Reinstall bolt.
You now have a gap perfect for bra to fit that area. Cannot see gap when bra not attached.Been using that method for 5 years. Your welcome.
So how would re-spraying the front end solve the love bugs clogging the radiator?
I don't know where YOU live, but after more than 800,000 miles in Corvettes over 29 years and driving them in 46 of the lower 48 states I have never had a clogged radiator from bugs.
I too use a Novistretch Bra and mirror covers. I installed it at the beginning of the summer (June) last year before bringing my Vette to the Jersey shore for the summer. I left the cover on all summer. I removed it at the end of October when I bought the car back home. I even left it on when I washed the car. When I finally removed it in October there was not one mark or scratch on the vehicle. My grill and radiator was pristine clean. I washed the bra and mirror covers in the washing machine on a delicate cycle and hung it to dry. It was dry in less than an hour.
As far as the plastic covers from under the hood go, I removed them in June when I installed the Novistretch bra and never reinstalled them. They are still sitting on a shelf in my garage. They appear to be totally unnecessary and unneeded.
As far as getting proper air flow, I did not experience any over heating issues. We had plenty of days in the 90's during the summer and the car ran as cool as it always does without the cover on.
I am a big fan of the Novistretch bra primarily because it keeps the grill and radiator so clean. I am getting ready to bring my car down the shore next week for the summer and I will be reinstalling the bra before heading down. I actually like the look of the car with the bra on so I have no reservations about leaving it on for 5 months.
I don't know where YOU live, but after more than 800,000 miles in Corvettes over 29 years and driving them in 46 of the lower 48 states I have never had a clogged radiator from bugs.
Happened to my father's Trail Blazer in Central FL. The straight up (vertical) radiator and grill opening likely makes trucks / SUVs worse in this respect. The angled radiator and bottom intake on previous gen 'Vettes likely keeps them safe. I can tell you from years of driving from Miami to central FL (up US27 around Lake O to Sebring) if its doesn't overheat it can sure smell bad and make visibility a nightmare when its love bug season.
Love Bugs!
