HELLo from Canada (Honda Fit M/T)

[Daox]

Originally Posted by Andrei_ierdnA

One day after picked it up - I call it "The Fit Smurf" because of the colour, but I would like to give it a girl/woman's name. Any suggestions?

Smurfette.

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by Daox

Smurfette.

SmurFitte.

[PaleMelanesian]

[Andrei_ierdnA]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

SmurFitte.

I like that - I think I will change my car's name now. Thanks for the help guys, and for the pics PaleMelanesian. I hadn't considered that back part of the steering column, only the mid-part which didn't work too well for me because it blocks the view of the car's trip computer display.

At the end of November, on my way home from work one Friday evening, a buck jumped in front of me all of a sudden and I hit him briefly. This was only about 5-6 weeks after getting SmurFitte
Luckily there were no casualties and I'm really glad it wasn't all that bad. I have a dash-cam and here's the video - it was getting dark though, so quality isn't the best:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5UopO8qKGk

https://youtu.be/r5UopO8qKGk

And some pictures:



Front view:



And the best pic - a little souvenir - which apparently is the best thing to happen in these cases - proof of deer accident so your insurance rates don't go up next year:



I'm with Belairdirect and everything went very smooth. I'm not considered at fault, they covered the repair and cost of a rental car for about 2 weeks while it was at the car-shop. Had the pay the deductible, but still glad I didn't get hurt or wreak my new car.

[PaleMelanesian]

Boo! Sorry to hear that. Glad you're ok. Glad it looks like the repair will go smoothly.

[Andrei_ierdnA]

I have a question on blocking the lower grille intake of the Fit:
* Would duct-tape work for this purpose?

Since I previously went through the trouble of installing Gutter Guard plastic mesh on the inside part of the lower grille opening and zip-tying it to the vertical and horizontal grille bars (so it's pretty well attached), I was thinking the easiest and cheapest option would be just applying duct-tape from the exterior.

The plastic mesh holes are only about 1/2" tall x 1" wide at the most, so I don't imagine the duct-tape could break off and enter the radiator / engine compartment area.



I recall seeing others using duct tape, but I don't remember if it was only a short-term temporary/testing option, or if it would last as a more permanent solution.

Thanks,

[PaleMelanesian]

I think it would work. You could use the black version so it's stealthy.

But what about in the summer when you need more airflow? You want something that's easily reversible, and I'm not sure duct tape is it.

Then again ... Canada. Summer. Not the same thing as Texas. And the reverse is true for winter.

[MetroMPG]

Duct tape will work, but it'll leave adhesive residue behind if it's left on for a long time.

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by Andrei_ierdnA

So how did you insert it? Did you have to remove the top plastic cover by the hood latch?

I just had the hood open yesterday and saw that little panel. That's the one, and the retainers come out prety easily without destroying them.

[brucepick]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Duct tape will work, but it'll leave adhesive residue behind if it's left on for a long time.

Non-residue duct tape. I've been using this stuff for a few years. Label says no residue if you leave it on for 6 months. YMMV; and check the label to make sure I'm remembering it correctly.

http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Tough-Residue-1-88-Inch-25-Yard/dp/B0013AZ4W0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453309153&sr=8-1&keywords=on+residue+duct+tape

I used to get it at hardware stores and Home Depot. Supply in those places has become inconsistent at best, so Amazon is now my supplier of choice.