Question about front bug deflector paint damage

hybridamp

hybridamp

New member
Hey guys, I'm looking at buying an '05 Sport, but the original owner has a front bug deflector installed on the hood. I've never personally been a fan of those so I plan to remove it asap, but I am worried that the paint beneath it will be damaged and/or scratched badly since it has been on there for 5 years+. What do you guys think, will it be pretty bad under there?

Here is a pic of it:

bug.jpg
 
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If it was installed correctly it shouldn't have any damage under it. It's there to prevent damage not cause it. The only possible area is under the clips if the installer didn't put protective tape under them. I remove mine at least once a year to wash and wax and have no marks at all. You may want to consider leaving it on, the shape of the hood makes it prone to stone chips on the leading edge.(although there are better looking ones)
 
I wouldn't mind replacing it with another that looked better; something about that one just doesn't appeal to me.
 
That one looks like a cheap stick on. The factory one is bigger and covers the lower grill (triangles) as well. To me, looks way better. I have an extra one sitting in the garage that I've been trying to give away but shipping costs to the US are almost as much as buying a new one.
 
on the 05 & under , i agree, but on the 06+ the US version covers the top part of the overly large grille
 
jetboy1975 said:
Ya, the Canadian design has the triangles and IMO looks better. At least we did something right. :party:
Click to expand...

I really have to get me one of those for my 2008 SR5. Maybe a drive to the Falls or St Catherines is in my future. Do any of you from the Great White North know of anyplace I can try and contact in those areas? It would be nice to call ahead, but if worse comes to worst I can pickup a case of Brador at the Duty Free! At least it wouldn't be a wasted trip then!
 
I will be in the Falls/Buffalo area on May 8th. Meet me and you can have mine for a little gas money. It came off an '04. Not sure if the fit is the same for an '08 though.
 
jetboy1975 said:
That one looks like a cheap stick on. The factory one is bigger and covers the lower grill (triangles) as well. To me, looks way better. I have an extra one sitting in the garage that I've been trying to give away but shipping costs to the US are almost as much as buying a new one.
Click to expand...

That's the US version of the Toyota bug deflector. A lot of people prefer the Canadian version of the bug deflector for their 2003-05 because of the better coverage/protection.
 
I think it's a cheap aftermarket also; I still haven't actually taken delivery of this 4runner yet. (not only because of the cheap deflector)
 
jetboy1975 said:
I will be in the Falls/Buffalo area on May 8th. Meet me and you can have mine for a little gas money. It came off an '04. Not sure if the fit is the same for an '08 though.
Click to expand...

Did some research, and it won't fit my 2008, the grill is just different enough. Thanks for the offer though. Performance Toyota in St Catherines has one though, I'm gonna have my father-in-law pick it up for me. (They live just on our side of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.)

...oh, and I'll have him get me some Brador while he's at it :beer:
 
jetboy1975 said:
If it was installed correctly it shouldn't have any damage under it. It's there to prevent damage not cause it. The only possible area is under the clips if the installer didn't put protective tape under them. I remove mine at least once a year to wash and wax and have no marks at all. You may want to consider leaving it on, the shape of the hood makes it prone to stone chips on the leading edge.(although there are better looking ones)
Click to expand...



I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree. I installed the canadian one, and had the protective tape on mine. After 3yrs, the clips ate through the tape, clearcoat, and paint. Doesn't bother me now, as I've had my truck for a couple years, but it did damage my paint. And I was anal retentive about installing that thing because it was right after I got my baby.
 
A cheapie, properly installed, should do no damage. Rubber dots should be adhesived to the paint, the deflector should rub on the dots, no rubbing on the paint. I've removed a couple old bug deflectors, pulled the adhesive bumpers off the paint and you could hardly tell. I did have a sunroof wind deflector do some damage, Toyota original, but junk.
 
the US version (stamped with toyota) on my 06 has 6 metal brackets that bolt it on , it does sit higher off the hood but is very strong.
 
It does have the Toyota on the corner and I think the paint is ok underneath so hopefully it will unbolt and come off clean.
 
My 2006, purchased by me in November, had the AVS one and when I took it off this winter there was considerable paint damage. Top layer of paint worn off in multiple spots, down to the primer, thankfully not to the metal.

It's a shame really, because it does a great job of bug deflecting.

I plan to sand it down and repaint at some point very soon.
 
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