Jeffrey_VB
New member
I am thinking about getting a hood protector/bug deflector for my Titanium '06 but I am not sure how it would look. Do any Titanium owners out there have one installed and wouldn't mind sharing a pic, or two? Thanks.
Any Titanium 4th Gen's w/ Hood Protectors?
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charlier180
New member
Jeffrey_VB said:
If you look to the left there is one photo of my 4Runner under my user name with the Toyota hood protector/bug deflector
For a larger photo go to this thread and scroll down:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34114
Jeffrey_VB
New member
Looks good Charlie. How do you like thelooks? The functionality? What model is it?
airbur
New member
Unless you're in love with the bug-deflector looking thing...I'd suggest looking into clear-bra. I've got it on almost all forward-facing surfaces including the entire front bumper, headlights, and first 1.5' of the hood. I even had them wrap a small piece around the edge of the hood scoop. After 35,000 miles, I don't have one chip anywhere and the clear-bra is still good as new.
charlier180
New member
Jeffrey_VB said:
I have found that the hood protector/bug deflector has both pros and cons on my 4Runner.
The Pros:
Seems to make a difference when it comes to keeping some bugs from going *SPLAT* on the windshield.
Also seems to deflect some stones as well.
Does protect the edge of the hood from chips.
The Cons:
Leaves and snow/ice seem to get stuck between the hood and the shield.
Requires one remove the leaves and keep it clear of snow before it collects.
Is a pain to wax the edge of the hood if one has big hands.
The rubber grommets that the anchor bolts screw into tend to break down over time.
You cannot just buy the grommets from Toyota, you have to buy the entire mounting kit ($50+ IIRC).
When one of my grommets broke I was fortunate that my Toyota dealer replaced the grommet under warranty and gave me the rest of the mounting kit as well.
Because I purchased the hood protector/bug deflector when I got my 4Runner somehow it was under a longer warranty than the standard parts warranty.
If I had it to do all over again I would look into the clear bra that others here gotten. If you do not keep your vehicles for a long time it might be harder to justify the higher cost of the clear bra versus the hood protector/bug deflector.
Just some food for thought. Good Luck
charlier180
New member
Dbone said:
The one thing I always wonder about the clear bra is how well it holds up long term. Hot summer sun, cold winter with road chemicals, etc.
Does the clear bra come with a warranty in case it discolors or peels? What about damaging the paint underneath?
airbur
New member
charlier180 said:
It depends on the installer. Mine gave me a 5 year warranty which I believe is out of the ordinary. My clear bra has held up very well. One thing that many people don't know is that you can wax/buff it just like the paint. I do believe this increases it's longevity.
CNI
New member
Dbone said:
I did my 07 within the week I got it from the factory. I drive a lot on the highway and I know it's paid off already!
Mine is made by venture shield, which I hear is now owed by 3M. Great product. Lifetime warranty on chipping, peeling, yellowing, etc. I had several rocks hit what sounded like the front end. I have not seen one mark on the front though! The only down side is you have to clean bird poop and bugs off of it often. The best product to use is Plexus! It leaves a slight film and the bugs come off easier.
CNI said:
Not to sound like an anus, but I just DONT see how the clear bra's could offer ANY protection from this type of thing especially. Im not by any means bashing them, my best friend with a silver taco uses this stuff and is abotut to reapply the stuff on his hood, but to go as far as to say that it would stop a rock? no sir.
initially I was very anti bug deflector, but once i get a solid rock chip on the interstate I bought mine used off a member and havent had a SINGLE hood chip since then. if there arent stones and rocks hitting, than there isnt much.
airbur
New member
T?@\7 said:
Don't knock it till you try it. I applied clear bra to the entire front end of my truck when I bought it in '04 (also applied to the hood scoop, front of roof, backside of rearview mirrors, and the rear kick panels behind the tires). If I were to remove it all today, there would be zero rock chips anywhere. You really have to see/feel the stuff to realize just how tough it is. There are many different thinknesses and the stuff I have easily stops rocks. I only wish I could cover the windshield with it!
