Dusty Driftwood
New member
4th Gen Rock Deflector - Hardware
When I bought my (used) T4R about a month an a half ago, it came with the factory hood bug/rock deflector, which I assume was installed by the previous owner. Shortly after getting it, I took it apart to size up the grill for a plasti-dip coating. Well, when I went to re-install the deflector, the hardware fell apart in the process.
I called Toyota and they wanted $45 for a new kit, which included all the hardware. I didn't need all the hardware, I just needed a few of the rubber gromets that fit into the holes in the hood at the attachment points. I asked if the dealer had any "laying around." Of course, they didn't. So I was off to Home Depot.
At Home Depot, I found "Expansion Nuts," but not in the right size. So, I tried Handy Man Hardware/True Value, where I found 6/32 - 1/2" Expansion Nuts that just needed to be modified and they did the trick. Here is a quick "How-To" on how to save $45 if you have the same problem I had with your rock deflector
Here is the Expansion Nut
First, you have to cut it in half
Once you do that, you have to peel the outter rubber of the threaded (inner) part so it is clean, like this.
Now, take the upper half and cut a slit down each of the sides. This will make it easier for you to get the metal threaded part wedged in there.
Now, wedge the threading into the top part with the stopper.
This takes a little doing, but once you get it in there you can then insert that newly constructed piece into the hood and screw the deflector into it. I find these to be heavier duty than the OEM parts, so I actually replaced all of them. I used the 6/32 - 1/2" Expansion Nuts so I could re-use the OEM screws.
TOTAL COST: .62/Nut
I gladly saved $44 and had a little fun in the garage while I was at it. I hope this helps someone, because I was at a loss when these parts disintegrated in my hands as I took them out. I sure as hell wasn't paying $44 for something I knew was worth a few cents, so I'm glad I found these.
Regards,
When I bought my (used) T4R about a month an a half ago, it came with the factory hood bug/rock deflector, which I assume was installed by the previous owner. Shortly after getting it, I took it apart to size up the grill for a plasti-dip coating. Well, when I went to re-install the deflector, the hardware fell apart in the process.
I called Toyota and they wanted $45 for a new kit, which included all the hardware. I didn't need all the hardware, I just needed a few of the rubber gromets that fit into the holes in the hood at the attachment points. I asked if the dealer had any "laying around." Of course, they didn't. So I was off to Home Depot.
At Home Depot, I found "Expansion Nuts," but not in the right size. So, I tried Handy Man Hardware/True Value, where I found 6/32 - 1/2" Expansion Nuts that just needed to be modified and they did the trick. Here is a quick "How-To" on how to save $45 if you have the same problem I had with your rock deflector
Here is the Expansion Nut
First, you have to cut it in half
Once you do that, you have to peel the outter rubber of the threaded (inner) part so it is clean, like this.
Now, take the upper half and cut a slit down each of the sides. This will make it easier for you to get the metal threaded part wedged in there.
Now, wedge the threading into the top part with the stopper.
This takes a little doing, but once you get it in there you can then insert that newly constructed piece into the hood and screw the deflector into it. I find these to be heavier duty than the OEM parts, so I actually replaced all of them. I used the 6/32 - 1/2" Expansion Nuts so I could re-use the OEM screws.
TOTAL COST: .62/Nut
I gladly saved $44 and had a little fun in the garage while I was at it. I hope this helps someone, because I was at a loss when these parts disintegrated in my hands as I took them out. I sure as hell wasn't paying $44 for something I knew was worth a few cents, so I'm glad I found these.
Regards,
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