Awesome! Thanks for the replies! 
arty:
I discovered the Husky Weatherbeater floor trays which appear similar to WeatherTech's DigitalFit, only less expensive. I think I'll spring for a set of those. Now I have to choose whether to get them in gray or tan.
@kkreit01: Thanks for the detailing links. I'll definitely check them out.
@sleeve: For paint protection I was originally thinking of taping all the places that the more complete and expensive kits cover. There are precut kits that cover just the front of the hood and the front tips of the fenders, and then there are other kits which cover all that plus the bumper, mirror backs, lights and door edges. It's all expensive, and that's why I was thinking of doing it myself with a bulk roll of film. You mentioned that the only real unprotected area is the hood. I suppose most of those other surfaces are durable plastic, and don't really need a film. Now I'm thinking of getting a bug deflector instead. I like the look of the deflector (smoked), and it should have the added benefit of reducing the number of bug guts on my windshield during road trips too.
@08HybridOK: I've heard about the clay bar treatment. That will be on my list of things to try in the summer. I'm on the fence about side door moldings though. Maybe if I can get them in matching Steel Blue.
I'm going to get mudflaps too, probably the basic floppy ones. Mrs. BeatJunkie likes to kick the snow buildup off them, so I don't think molded ones would last. :doh:
Yeah, I'll skip the undercoating.
Thanks again! You've all been a big help!
arty:I discovered the Husky Weatherbeater floor trays which appear similar to WeatherTech's DigitalFit, only less expensive. I think I'll spring for a set of those. Now I have to choose whether to get them in gray or tan.
@kkreit01: Thanks for the detailing links. I'll definitely check them out.
@sleeve: For paint protection I was originally thinking of taping all the places that the more complete and expensive kits cover. There are precut kits that cover just the front of the hood and the front tips of the fenders, and then there are other kits which cover all that plus the bumper, mirror backs, lights and door edges. It's all expensive, and that's why I was thinking of doing it myself with a bulk roll of film. You mentioned that the only real unprotected area is the hood. I suppose most of those other surfaces are durable plastic, and don't really need a film. Now I'm thinking of getting a bug deflector instead. I like the look of the deflector (smoked), and it should have the added benefit of reducing the number of bug guts on my windshield during road trips too.
@08HybridOK: I've heard about the clay bar treatment. That will be on my list of things to try in the summer. I'm on the fence about side door moldings though. Maybe if I can get them in matching Steel Blue.
I'm going to get mudflaps too, probably the basic floppy ones. Mrs. BeatJunkie likes to kick the snow buildup off them, so I don't think molded ones would last. :doh:
Yeah, I'll skip the undercoating.
Thanks again! You've all been a big help!
