Best Bug Deflector

[fordman3557456]

Whats the cheapest and best bug deflector for the hood a 1998 explorer xlt? Also when installing them do I need to drill the hood at all? thanks

 

[IZwack]

Usually they just push in with some plastic ribbed fastener doods that attach to factory holes on the underside of the hood.

But if you expect to see bug splatter improvements, you'll probably be dissapointed. I used to drive 7-ish hours between Rochester NY, Boston and Washington, DC pretty much ever 2 or 3 weeks and I didn't see any improvement in the bug splatters.

 

[Four0Sport]

the only advantage i ever saw to adding a 'bugflector' was a decrease in chips on from rocks on the front lip of my hoods

 

[celly]

the only advantage i ever saw to adding a 'bugflector' was a decrease in chips on from rocks on the front lip of my hoods

AGREED. Deflectors do nothing except protect the paint under them. I'd just get some of that 3M film if that's your objective. Looks better than a deflector too. The OEM one I scored many moons ago (good quality I might add) is sitting in my garage collecting dust. I once put it on again for a long road trip and it did nothing to prevent bug splat. I feel they might even take your mileage down a touch as they do create resistance. No drilling needed for the OEM offering. It just mounts into existing holes in the hood itself using those fasteners that hold so much of our trucks together.

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

AGREED. Deflectors do nothing except protect the paint under them. I'd just get some of that 3M film if that's your objective. Looks better than a deflector too. The OEM one I scored many moons ago (good quality I might add) is sitting in my garage collecting dust. I once put it on again for a long road trip and it did nothing to prevent bug splat. I feel they might even take your mileage down a touch as they do create resistance. No drilling needed for the OEM offering. It just mounts into existing holes in the hood itself using those fasteners that hold so much of our trucks together.

Agreed as well. Those deflectors can create an "avenue" for sand, etc. to blast the front edge if they flex at all. Bras and poorly installed deflectors can flap against the body and smooth the paint right off. Sand and small rocks are a constant problem here during winter and spring. I find it best to just do touchups and a polish once good weather (and road cleaning) have arrived. I see the 3M film advertised here and would like to hear some feedback on it.

 

[celly]

I see the 3M film advertised here and would like to hear some feedback on it.

My buddy is very active in a local Porsche club. A lot of them use the film. Enough said.

 

[gijoecam]

I used to have a Driver Design bug deflector on my Ranger. It never touched the hood, and couldn't be flexed far enough to touch the hood even if you tried. The stand-offs provided a gap of about 1/4" between the bottom of the deflector and the front edge of the hood. This served two purposes: One, it kept the debris from washing down the hood and puddling on the bottom edge of the hood, and two, it released the vacuum that causes turbulence behind the deflector, allowing a nice flow up and over the roof. It made a huge difference for both bugs in the summer and snow accumulation in the winter.

Cheap and good? Aren't those total opposites?

 

[AJRK]

I've had a deflector on my 2000 Limited since new. I personally think it really makes the truck look a lot nicer than stock, as well it has protected the hood/fenders really well.
I bought a new one recently, so if you want my old one, it's in nice shape and I'd sell it to you for cheap.

 

[bigryan09]

I think Mine looks great, and works to some effect. Mine is an AVS from autozone.

 

[bt93]

I have a couple OEM ford bug shields brand new. Pm me for info

 

[Joe Dirt]

Where are you Fordman? Tag you location on your ID...

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

My buddy is very active in a local Porsche club. A lot of them use the film. Enough said.

Thanks Celly. I am having my Mustang's composite hood repainted in the next few weeks and will probably get it filmed after - I don't know if film would have prevented the golfball sized rock that slammed the hood on the Deerfoot from doing damage though. If it works well there then I will probably get the Ex done for next winter (I know...I shouldn't be mentioning the "W" word ).

Cheers.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Cheap and good? Aren't those total opposites?

Sometimes... Sure seems that way anyhow!

The service Manager at our old Equipment dealership had a sign in his office. It was a triangle, and on each point there was a word:

Good

Fast

Cheap

He said "you get 2 out of three. Which would you like?" It almost always worked out perfectly too.