hood protector

[retiredsfcpa]

I have a 2007 4Runner Limited. I am thinking about purchasing a hood protector primarily to protect stones from damaging my windshield. Do hood protectors effectively stop stones and small rocks from hitting the windshield, or is the hood protector more for keeping bugs off of the windshield. I live in San Francisco, and it seems that whenever I am on the various freeways around here that stones and small rocks are always hitting my windshield. In fact, my vehicle is only two months old, and I already have two small nicks in my windshield. Also, is the Toyota hood protector a better fit than the aftermarket hood protectors? Thank you for any input that you can provide on this matter.

 

[A10GAC]

I have the Toyota hood protector on my 06 4runner, while I can vouch for its ability to keep the hood free of rock chips it only appears to be effective for the bottom 30% of the windshield. As far as fit & finish goes it was a completely painless install and is rock solid at highway speeds. (70-75mph) There's no rubbing on the headlight lenses and they have supplied a "teflon"- like tape anywhere the mounting brackets contact the truck.

 

[T?@\7]

I got the canadian hood protector/bug guard... mostly because it truly covers the hood as opposed to kind of hovering over it. The main reason I got it was because i got a decent little rock chip on the highway on my way to school one day, and I can honestly say I havent encurrend any real damage since. I recommend the Can. version, although any would be better protection than none!

 

[Roadstar01]

Hood Protector

Tube Master, where did you get the Canadian hood protector?

 

[T?@\7]

Actually I bought it used off of the classified forum here.....
I think u can order them from canadian toyota dealers though.
Hope that helps!

 

[cjm5027]

i have the toyota one and i think its useless. their expensive and provide more drag and i still have stone chips all over the place.

 

[scott78945]

On my 2003 Runner I had the US Toyota version of the hood protector. Didn't really seem to do much. Then I got my 2005 and I bought the Canadian guard. I also agree that its MUCH better than the US version. This one sits right on top of the hood and actually "protects" the hood. Just my 2 cents.

 

[T?@\7]

i have the toyota one and i think its useless. their expensive and provide more drag and i still have stone chips all over the place.

READ: CANADIAN.

Yeah, i didnt have to purcahse the shit US one to know it was garbage, one look at one on a 4R will give you all you need to know.

 

[CNI]

I'm thinking about doing the clear bra alternative...you know the film. I hear great things about it if you get a reputable company that puts on a good brand film like 3M. They usually guarantee it for 5 years or more on yellowing, chipping, etc and it doesnt hinder the good looks of the front like the typical ones do.

Anyone else done this?

 

[T?@\7]

ive never had it on a car, but i have one friend who did it himself on his 04 silver taco, and i think it looks great! I dont know how well it could hold up to 75+ mph action, but as far as i know he hasn't gotten any chips around town.
I would say however that it does tend to look shoddy overtime on darker vehicles, especially black.
Hope that helps!

Ray

 

[CNI]

yeah was going to put in on my 07 silver 4runner before it gets any chips.