protecting the nose...

stick · 12-26-2004, 05:12 PM

with all the talk about the nose (read:hood) metal being a little undergunned as far as thickness goes and the fact that the hood design leaves a large area at the front that begs to be chipped/dented by rocks and such, i am debating the value/need for a bug deflector. i think the front end look is one of the best on the market so i am a little bummed to be thinking about altering it with a defletor but i would like some feedback on those that have it and what they think, and those that tried it and took it off for one reason or another.

ps. do they make a color matched deflector or do you have to get it painted yourself--if anyone has done this could they post some pics? thanks

Treebasher · 12-26-2004, 05:19 PM

To be honest the only reason I put one on is for actual bug protection. I have had vehicles in the past that had pit and chip marks on the leading edge of the hood without a deflector.

I'll be the first one to tell you that they do not protect against anything big, like say an owl...

Treebasher · 12-26-2004, 05:30 PM

Here's another solution that involves no plastic hardware and keeps the truck looking the same.

A buddy of mine has it on his 2004 F150. You can't tell it's there unless you look closely. It covers every leading edge on the front bumber and hood. It is a bit pricey to install though.

3M Paint Protection Film

wrenrj1 · 12-26-2004, 06:14 PM

I've put a bug deflector on every truck I've owned and have never regretted it. I'm a true believer that they do their job in keeping minor things from adding to the wear and tear on the hood and windshield. Besides, IMHO they're cheap compared to the cost of a windshield or repairing a hood. One must remember that they are deflectors and not shields.

stick · 12-27-2004, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treebasher

Here's another solution that involves no plastic hardware and keeps the truck looking the same.

A buddy of mine has it on his 2004 F150. You can't tell it's there unless you look closely. It covers every leading edge on the front bumber and hood. It is a bit pricey to install though.

3M Paint Protection Film

doesn't that film leave that glossy 'bubbled' or 'rippled' look once applied?

CoachBoone · 12-27-2004, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treebasher

Here's another solution that involves no plastic hardware and keeps the truck looking the same.

A buddy of mine has it on his 2004 F150. You can't tell it's there unless you look closely. It covers every leading edge on the front bumber and hood. It is a bit pricey to install though.

3M Paint Protection Film

That would be my choice, but man is that stuff pricey! I added up doing the entire front....came to around $1600.

raskm · 12-27-2004, 01:55 PM

I did my front end and all the door sills with 3m...I ordered bulk rolls off e-bay.....It was very easy to apply...you would not even know its there unless I showed you...Total bill $90.00. I was getting scratches from shoes when people got in the truck that is why I put them on door sills...also I put it on the door handles...the paint under the handles was getting sratched from rings and nails. I also put on hood, headlights, fog lights, chrome, painted bumper and might put some on the roof above windshield.

cbgb · 12-27-2004, 02:49 PM

I use the top half of a front end mask from Colgan,,,the bottom half was too much but I like this look......

CoachBoone · 12-27-2004, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raskm

I did my front end and all the door sills with 3m...I ordered bulk rolls off e-bay.....It was very easy to apply...you would not even know its there unless I showed you...Total bill $90.00. I was getting scratches from shoes when people got in the truck that is why I put them on door sills...also I put it on the door handles...the paint under the handles was getting sratched from rings and nails. I also put on hood, headlights, fog lights, chrome, painted bumper and might put some on the roof above windshield.

What did that all run ya? And why do you say the Wade in channel visors are junk? Um, because they are maybe?

I was thinking about getting them....do they not stay in the channel?

FLfinfan · 12-27-2004, 03:39 PM

Check my pics for painted bug sheild. Came clear, painted the backside.

stick · 12-27-2004, 06:20 PM

your color matched deflector looks great! that is exactly what i was talking about! how much did it cost and has it chipped since you did it--did you put a special coating on it?

SarkaZm · 12-27-2004, 06:32 PM

Titanpart24/7 (a supporting vendor on this site) has them. I ordered my silver deflector and am very happy with it!

raskm · 12-27-2004, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoachBoone

What did that all run ya? And why do you say the Wade in channel visors are junk? Um, because they are maybe?

I was thinking about getting them....do they not stay in the channel?

Maybe you got the wrong post? Becuase I do not ever remember saying the "WADES" were junk. And the total bill for the 3m was $90 as stated in my post.

CoachBoone · 12-28-2004, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raskm

Maybe you got the wrong post? Becuase I do not ever remember saying the "WADES" were junk. And the total bill for the 3m was $90 as stated in my post.

My bad, I thought I saw "Wade" in there.....long day.

You bought the 3M bulk and applied it? Wow, that's slick. Did you apply, then cut, or try to cut before putting it on?

raskm · 12-28-2004, 10:39 AM

I used paper to trace the outline and then I put on 3m and cut it out...