<center><img src="http://131.107.68.28/a4org/p8090002.jpg"></center><p>I found this 3M Scotcheal paint protector product through eastwood Automotive.(www.eastwoodco.com)
As you can see it is almost invisable and was very easy to apply (it's also easy to remove - without damaging your paint.) Comes in a 4in X 8ft length and I used a 2in wide strip across the hood just above the grille and used another strip to mask around and below the grille. A bra protects the lower surface but I found the upper part of the bra was vibrating and flapping and would ruin the paint.As you can see this did a great job, was easy to install and costs $29.95.A lot less expensive than stonguard if it is available in your area.<ul><li><a href="http://131.107.68.28/a4org/p8090002.jpg">http://131.107.68.28/a4org/p8090002.jpg</a</li></ul>

<center><img src="http://131.107.68.28/a4org/p8090004.jpg"></center><p>Also added this to the rearview mirrors..

a couple months old and I make it a point to drive as far as possible away from 18 wheelers and give myself plenty of distance from other cars. Yet, to no avail, I still have rock chips and it's p.....g me off. Either Audi's paint isn't very hard or something. Thanks again for the info/link, I've already gone to Eastwood's site and ordered the product.

Thanks for the Eastwood Co. tip.

Was just wondering if you tried installing it on the bumper. This is a large curved area, and would think that it would be hard to shape this stuff to fit. Think the Invisishield and Stonguard folks might have some secrets for good installation.

Looks like you did a really great job!

I take it you went from hood edge to hood edge. Does the tape flex nicely around curves, such as the roll in the hood just above the headlights?

When you installed the tape around the sides and bottom of the grill, could you use just one piece, or did you have to cut and match it to go around the corners?

How does it stand up to detailing. On darker cars trapped wax and dirt would really define the edge and repeated detailing might delaminate the edge compounding the shmootz trapping problem. Any concerns about that?

When laying it down did you only have one chance of getting it right or can you make small corrections by peeling back slightly and re-applying?

Concerns not withstanding, It looks great.

Our 99.5 A4 has one rock chip on the hood
so far. The chipped spot is above where SteveW
applied the protective film. In my case, the
film would not have prevented the rock chip.

Since our A4 color is BBlack, the rock chipped
off the paint and left a white spot on the hood.

Soft paint on Audi? Maybe.

/Seb

Doesn't Brilliant Black come with a clear coat? I would think that'd help a little bit...

Yes it does, but my BBlack also has a rock chip that went through the clear coat and paint. I'm ready to buy some touch up paint :(

5 month old 99.5 1.8TQM

For normal washing and waxing itappears to work fine. It is very forgiving to install and reinstall,1/3alcohol 2/3 distilled water use generously.they give you a squeegie but I used an old tee shirt to work out bubbles (start at center and work outwards)Be sure to have very clean fingers the adhesive picks dirt up very easily.It looks like it will work real well for the upper part of the hood and mirrors.I protect the lower bumper with a bra.After 5000 miles it has not hurt my paint but the upper half of the bra that covers the hood really marked the hood after only 50 miles or so at 80mph, for me this seems a good solution.

Yes, it bends quite nicely and yes I used one piece across the the hood side to side and one piece for the lower grille.They suggest cutting templates out of paper and then cut a mold.I started the 2in side to side and across the top of the grille. I went over a bit around the bottom and cut with scissors wrapping behind for adhesion.