I had the dealership install a Ford hood deflector before I even picked the truck up. Today I was cleaning the front end and noticed rust stains running down the headlights. I discovered that there is a metal bracket on each end of the deflector and for some idiotic reason they are made of untreated steel instead of stainless and they are rusting. I have $40 worth of lettering that I put on the deflector so simply removing it isn't a very appealing option. Has anyone with this deflector come up with a satisfactory fix for the rust.
Gary

 

I noticed that on mine as well, I don't have the lettering but I like the rock protection. it is also soft plastic and scratches easily when cleaning.

 

cant you just replace the mounting brackets with aluminum or stainless? Or remove them and have them powder coated or just a simple undercoating spray? What do the brackets look like?

 

they are thin spring steel. Can't get a picture yet

 

I was going to get one for my truck when it comes, guess I'll wait now

 

I can't really see them but I am pretty sure they are L shaped. They somehow lock loosely into a slot in the protector. If you added much thickness they might not fit the slot. I will have to check with my dealer in case Ford has come up with a replacement clip.

 

Did the dealership provide the deflector? If so, they should be responsible for correcting the issue.
If that isn't possible, you can apply this product (see link below) to the rusted steel. It will turn the rust a black color and can be painted if needed. This is one of the few things I found that really works well on rust. Be sure to clean the threads of the bottle when putting the cap back on. If you don't it gets welded on.
Also, be very sure to shake it very well before using.
I used it on a snow plow and salt spreader for years. They were always rust free.

 

Yes it was dealer installed so I am hoping they can help. That product sounds great but it costs half as much as the deflector did. Maybe I can make the dealer buy it.
Gary

 

I pulled mine, sanded them up, resprayed with krylon black.. been a couple months, haven't seen it again. Mine was leaving a light rust stain on top the driver's side headlight. Most people wouldn't notice it.. obviously.. some of us do.

 

I probably wouldn't have noticed it for some time if the rust hadn't been running down the front of the headlight.
Gary

 

It is expensive, however, it goes a very long way. I've had a bottle for years. The biggest problem with it is that after a year or so it starts to settle in the bottle and can't be remixed, so I try to shake it every month or so.

 

I ordered one from an EBay vendor/Ford dealership out of Ohio. It came to me all scratched up and when I contacted them they told me the hardware was under recall because it would rust. Might want to contact the dealer in reference to this.

 

Thanks for the info. It would be great if they do have replacement clips made out of stainless. I will check it out in a couple of days.
Gary

 

I accidentally cracked mine while installing it when making a slight adjustment to it's position. I just removed it and threw it away. At first I was pissed, but now I guess I'm glad I don't have rust stains on my paint. I'm just going to go with a clear film for my hood protection.

 

The supplier that builds them for Ford messed up. There's now an effort to change the hardware on all unsold kits. A notification for accessory distributors went out just a few days ago, and the hardware is supposed to show up this week.

Of course, Ford hasn't given dealers any indication of helping existing customers who are having this issue. For those who are having rust problems with the deflectors, try seeing if the dealer will cover under warranty. But you'll have to wait until the hardware issue is remedied first. That's going to take time.