Hood protectors, AVS vs. Toyota factory

[GrantK]

I’m going to install a hood protector to protect my paint from rock chips and hopefully the windshield as well. So, which is better, AVS or the Toyota factory one? I’m mostly concerned with how well they work for protecting the paint and windshield. I don’t care about bugs, where I live the issue is rocks & gavel (especially in winter).

Also, if I scuff them with sandpaper, prime with adhesion promoter, can I paint it to match the factory paint job (MagGray, clearcoat) or will the paint dissolve the plastic (probably polycarbonate)? 

 

[Barry694]

Hood Protector

The Toyota factory one mounts more securely and looks better. I ordered an AVS one and compared it to another vehicle with the factory one, then went to returned the AVS one. They told me they would send me a return sticker. Then I got an e-mail from them the next day telling me to just throw it away, as they would credit my account. I waited until they credited my account and then tossed it. Evidently, they are not too proud of their product. Look around online for pricing. When I got mine the OEM one was $97.00. Do not get one from the dealer. Their list price is $147. The AVS one was $57 from Auto Anything.com. I do not remember the name of the online store where the OEM one was purchased. I have heard that some people experience a whistling noise from the AVS one at highway speed.

 

[Wakeborder556]

pix of oem one?

 

[Jtraskell]

2 cents here. Not sure which is better. I have AVS and it is fine. Protection? Only really protects the front edge of the hood, that's it. As to your second question, have no clue. I would talk to a body shop. The AVS looks like it is made from the same material all the other ones are made of, whatever that product is. So a good body shop should be able to give you the best answer.
Be safe.

 

[gamerc]

One thing about the AVS one is you will get a distinct whistle at ~60mph. That's why it's sitting in my garage and not on my vehicle. I'll likely try the OEM one at some point, but I'm not looking forward to putting a big black piece of plastic on the white hood.

 

[Jtraskell]

I do not experience a whistle with mine.

 

[limamike]

One thing about the AVS one is you will get a distinct whistle at ~60mph. That's why it's sitting in my garage and not on my vehicle. I'll likely try the OEM one at some point, but I'm not looking forward to putting a big black piece of plastic on the white hood.

I'll have to listen more carefully... I've got the AVS and haven't noticed a whistle. I also have Duratracs, the radio playing, and a roof rack competing for my auditory attention. But, I'll definitely listen for it next time I hit the highway.

 

[CmdrCody]

I have the factory one. Solidly mounted. No whistle up to 85 mph. It will protect the front edge of the hood from rocks, but not the windshield.

 

[gamerc]

More people with the AVS whistle (scroll through):
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/95510-its-small-things-bug-shield.html

 

[Jtraskell]

Maybe it's that built in Deer repellent option I read about somewhere....:driving:.

 

[Ukie]

I do not experience a whistle with mine.

I second that. I do not have any whistle sound at all. And my AVS is missing one screw.

 

[Hapeacres]

I just installed a Stampede LP series part number 1313-2 hood shield on my 04 4Runner today and it looks great. It was a very easy installation with 2 L brackets in the middle using the screws that hold the front grill and then 2 screws in the outside holes. All the holes lined up and it took all of ten minutes. I have not been on the highway yet so I dont know if it whistles. The reason I installed it because their were lots of little spots where rocks had hit in the front of the hood. I wish the original owner had bought one right away. I think I paid 53.00 with free shipping on ebay and they show a 4runner in the picture.

 

[Jtraskell]

I think you misplaced this post. Wrong Forum.......

 

[deekoi]

I have a whistle on mine and fine with it for now since you only hear it on long trips, otherwise you probably won't notice it.

 

[terra4r]

Toyota. Front looks great, from the side you have to get use to it hanging out a little. secures well to the hood, no whistle.

 

[mtbnole]

avs on my 4runner for almost a year, since new. Works great, fits great, no whistle, cheap and easy to install.

 

[GrantK]

Well, the AVS unit has shipped. I'm going to risk painting it. I'll scuff it, treat it with bonding agent and prime it. For color and clear I'll take it to either a dealer or body shop. Then I might cover it with a clear rocker panel type wrap (if I can find one the right size and in gloss).

I hope I don't end up with a chemical blob.

 

[DizzyV6P]

OEM Toyota

No whistling and its pretty solid on there.

 

[Jtraskell]

Based on a comparison of bug shields, I think I know where the whistle is coming from for those who are experiencing it. The AVS shield wraps around the front ends above the headlamps a bit more then the OEM shield. However, in that area, it is flat piece of plastic turned at an angle, with no curved plastic support underneath it as found in the front under the hood area. At speed, I bet that flat piece of plastic is acting like a reed instrument or the angle of the outlet of a whistle, you know, the part that makes the sound when air blows over it.....just a guess.