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OEM Bugshield Installed

2236 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Border411
So @chipgibbs gave me his dealer installed bugshield since he didn't want it. I had originally installed an AVS one, but quickly returned it since it only protected part of my hood. I had to purchase a small amount of 3M paint protection film for under some of the brackets, and 3M trim tape to adhere other brackets to the paint surface. So, after about $20, I was able to install it. I personally love it. Thanks @chipgibbs!

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Looks good to me. Have you seen the low profile version?

I'm trying to decide between the one you have and the low profile version. The low profile might be more aesthetically pleasing but the full size will most likely deflect more bugs, debris, etc.

Ed
So @chipgibbs gave me his dealer installed bugshield since he didn't want it. I had originally installed an AVS one, but quickly returned it since it only protected part of my hood. I had to purchase a small amount of 3M paint protection film for under some of the brackets, and 3M trim tape to adhere other brackets to the paint surface. So, after about $20, I was able to install it. I personally love it. Thanks @chipgibbs!
I have the same deflector. Just to compare/contrast to the OEM version I have on my RAV4... I'd have to say I like the Toyota one better. Problem with the Honda units (mine, and the one on my Mom's HR-V, which is very similar/same) is that for vehicles not garaged :crying:, the lack of an 'air space' between the leading edge of the deflector and the hood means that ALL MANNER of crap falls behind the deflector and has no easy way of falling back out. On the Toyota version, leaves, twigs and acorns either fall right out the front edge, are blown out naturally when driving, or can easily be blown out with a strong stream from the hose. Not so on the Honda deflectors, which means I have to VERY CAREFULLY extract EVERY STINKING LEAF by hand that collects behind the deflector (or sometimes using some type of 'needle nose' device because my fingers are too big for some areas). Debris will NOT just fall or blow out when you drive due to the seal of the deflector's leading edge against the hood, which the Toyota version does not have. I'm sure that is a downside as far as bug protection (which after all is their function), but I think I will get more hood damage from the scratching of collected twigs and acorns and from debris that gets caught between the deflector leading edge seal and the hood, than from the bugs. Obviously the best solution is a garage, but that is just not an option for me presently.
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^^^Good point. If someone finds a decent aftermarket deflector for the RL that leaves an open gap(s) along the front edge to clear debris, I hope they will post about it.
My Ridgeline deflector I purposely left away in the front a little so most debris can fall out. I just placed the adhesive supports closer to the leading edge, which allowed for it. I did not have a template to use, so I just guesstimated!
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