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The product web site listed
here is no longer in service. However,
we have left this review up for those that
had purchase this product in the past or
would like to read the history of the
product.
Introduction
If you have a fairly new ATV odds are you have
spent several thousand dollars on a recreational
vehicle, yes recreational. Granted, sometimes
ATV’s are bought for work purposes only, but
that doesn’t happen often. Some folks will spend
more on there ATV’s than they do there cars!
However, don’t you think if you’re going to
spend that amount of money you should protect
it somehow? Most ATV owners never think about
that, but I promise you after hours in the woods,
mud, and sitting in the hot sunshine your ATV
will not keep that showroom shine very long.
Trust me we’ve been there! In most cases that
showroom finish is gone within a matter of hours.
 We
had a chance to look at the ATV protection kit
from a company called Clear Guard. They have
pioneered the same automotive protection system
that made them famous and transferred it to
the ATV. This is the first part of a two part
review; this review will focus on the headlight
and speedometer kit, with the second review
focusing on the fender kit. Our test machine
was a 2001 Honda Rancher ES. The Clear Guard
system is very unique, keep reading to find
out how it stacked up!
Why Clear Guard?
 The
entire protection system is designed to protect
your finish from scratching, cracking, and sun
fade. As ATV’s enhance they become more expensive,
take the LCD display on our test machine for
example. To replace the unit would be close
to $240! The protection kit on the other hand,
will protect it from bumps, scratches, fading
etc. Still not convinced? Start thinking about
your headlights, they are the first to see the
evidence of rough terrain. Do you ever get your
headlights wet and then they looked fogged?
The headlight and speedometer protection kit
will protect it all!
Installation
Before we say one word it is CRITICAL
that you approach this process with patience!
Time is needed to get it right, but if done
right, the result will be worth the time. All
the needed instructions are included in the
package. However, you’ll need these accessories
to get the job done.
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1 Quart Spray Bottle
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Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
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1 bottle Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)
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Ordinary Tap Water
-
Installation tools may be easily purchased
from the Installation Tools portion of the
Clear Guard store
here
General Instructions
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Mix 25% Alcohol and 75% water in a spray
bottle. Use the mixed solution to thoroughly
clean the surface of the headlight being
certain to remove all grease, wax, tar and
dirt. Dry the headlight with a lint free
cloth. DO NOT REMOVE THE BACKING PAPER AT
THIS POINT!
-
For best results, both the headlight and
the Clear Guard Headlight Protection Kit
should be above room temperature during
installation. It is best to perform installation
in a controlled environment. In order to
achieve a higher installation temperature,
turn on the headlight high beams and wait
until the headlight becomes warm to the
touch, or use the heat gun or hair dryer
to gently warm the light surfaces. It is
best if the kit pieces are also slightly
above room temperature. This may be accomplished
with the heat gun or hair dryer.
-
Before removing the protective backing paper,
dry fit each piece to be certain that you
are applying the proper piece on the proper
light.
-
Wet your fingers thoroughly with the alcohol
solution. It is important that you not touch
the exposed adhesive surface of the kit
with dry fingers. Handling the adhesive
side of the piece with dry fingers or hands
will leave marks that will not go away.
-
With hands and fingers wet, remove the backing
paper and immediately spray the now exposed
adhesive side of the piece thoroughly with
the alcohol solution.
-
Spray the warmed headlight thoroughly with
the alcohol solution.
-
Apply the piece to the light and use your
hand to smooth the piece onto the light
from the center out.
-
Then use the squeegee provided with your
kit to force the solution out along the
edges of the piece by using firm, continuous
strokes, from the center out. On contoured
surfaces, the adhesive will not stick to
the lens immediately. In this case, use
the heat gun or hair dryer to gently heat
between the lens and the plastic. This will
soften the plastic and evaporate some of
the moisture allowing for better contouring
of the material. DO NOT OVERHEAT THE PLASTIC.
The material needs only to be warmed.
-
You may notice a hazy appearance between
the lens and the plastic within an hour
of installation. This is caused by residual
moisture that has become trapped between
the kit and the light. This is a normal
occurrence and it should last no longer
than 1 week. Heat accelerates the dissipation
of the moisture. Driving with lights on
at all times is helpful. The adhesive should
cure for at least 48 hours before washing
your vehicle. We are not responsible for
the improper application of your Clear Guard
Headlight Protection Kit.
Once more, it cannot be stressed enough that
patience is required to get the job done right.
The package is designed to be installed by one
person. Most installs can be completed in 10-15
minutes. The Clear Guard product line is designed
to be virtually transparent when applied, if
you aren’t careful you will have fingerprints.
It is essential that the surface be clean and
oil free. If you are patient and follow these
instructions you’ll have a package that will
protect your investment.
Conclusions
 An
ATV is a large investment, but protecting it
is more than changing the oil and filters. Clear
Guard protection systems should be included
as well. Applying Clear Guard is quick and easy.
The kits range from $15-$25 depending on your
model of ATV. Don’t you think a little time
and cash are worth it on a big investment? We
surely did! Spend a few dollars now, save a
lot of dollars later.
For more information about Clear Guard products
contact:
Clear Guard
P.O. Box 1021
Saegertown, PA 16433
Phone: 814.763.1550
Website:
http://www.clear-guard.com/
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