Flaagan,
I've found that the strap doesn't really ruin your paint. Keep the bonnet waxed and use one of those belts with the felt on the back--you don't need that shearling sheep skin thing.
I've had one on the same car for 39 years and over 83,000 miles, and the worst it does is kind of dull up the paint directly underneath, and that can be rubbed out if you need to.
Allen
'69 4/4
Yup, think I hit upon the answer to my own question when I made the "clear bra" comment (also known as 3M Paint Protection Film). Occurred to me it'd probably be a good idea to get most of the car's exterior wrapped in the stuff after I get past the 'bodywork and paint" phase of the build. Why invest that much time (and potentially money) on this vehicle and not put the extra money in to protect the finish.
