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I had some Pass Points left so I decided to order window deflectors for my 22 F350. I wanted the stick on the outside deflectors. I looked them up on the Ford site and then had the parts guy look them up in store. He came up with the same part number VFL3Z-18246-J. When I opened the box I found in-channel deflectors, not stick on the outside type. I google searched the part number and found several listings showing Fords picture of the stick on type along with actual pictures of the product which are in-channel type. Has anyone else run across the same problem?
I really don't need the deflectors, just wanted to find something to burn the Pass Points on. I'm not going to try to get a Point refund and buy deflectors elsewhere. I'm considering just installing the in-channel and hope I don't have window closure issues or the rears just falling out. The brand is Putco, don't know if they are worth a crap or not.
**Edit to add** This kit did not come with the clips to help hold the deflectors in place
Last edited by sccamper; Mar 30, 2023 at 07:50 PM.
Reason: Added information
Putco has been around for quite a while, as good as any.
What clips to hold the deflectors are you talking about?
The set of deflectors I tried were just ones that use double sided mounting tape to attach them to the window channel rubber.
I never could get them to fit right, window would not go up without jamming and reversing, so I finally gave up and sent them back.
What clips to hold the deflectors are you talking about?
The set of deflectors I tried were just ones that use double sided mounting tape to attach them to the window channel rubber.
I never could get them to fit right, window would not go up without jamming and reversing, so I finally gave up and sent them back.
The Putco installation video shows U shaped clips that install inside the channel to hold the deflector to the channel. I have also read in some post here on FTE that some folks had thrown the clips out and had the rear deflectors fall out when the window was opened. I am also wondering if the clips help to hold tension against the deflectors so the windows wont detect an obstacle and reversing.
The Putco installation video shows U shaped clips that install inside the channel to hold the deflector to the channel. I have also read in some post here on FTE that some folks had thrown the clips out and had the rear deflectors fall out when the window was opened. I am also wondering if the clips help to hold tension against the deflectors so the windows wont detect an obstacle and reversing.
I'd just call or email putco, I bet they will send you some of the clips.
I haven't seen that style of retention before, maybe it is to make them fit better.
The auto vent shade ones I had fit like crap.
I have the Putco ones strait from Putco there products are top notch, The clips work to keep the window from rubbing the deflectors and no bounce back ever for me.
I have the Putco ones strait from Putco there products are top notch, The clips work to keep the window from rubbing the deflectors and no bounce back ever for me.
Thank you for the response. That does give me some reassurance that it's possible to have in-channel deflectors without bounce back.
So I called Putco today and they said this kit does not come with the clips and they are not required to work properly on my truck. He said to install them and if I have any problems to call him back and they would see about sending some clips to see if it helps. He said the biggest problem is during installation, deflector is not being pushed into the channel far enough. He also agreed that it needs to be hot out, use hair dryer if needed and to leave the windows up for 2-3 days.
I was getting bounce back at first, (drivers side rear top corner) , Put the clip in the Chanel and it solved the problem. That was 5 months ago no issues since. I did leave the windows up for at least 3 days, I installed in Nov it was below freezing at night 40's during the day
The exact same thing happened to me. Using FP points. Ordered the stick on visors and received the in channel visors. No clips either. I did not want to argue with the service department so I installed them.
I followed the instructions to a “T” and they still didn’t work out exactly right. Installed fully inserted, on a hot day, cleaned the track with alcohol first and even left the windows up for a week afterwards. From the get go though, the drivers side would hit the visor and go back down. While rolling the window up I would have to hold the back corner put so the window wouldn’t hit it and then get my finger out of the way quickly. Finally, one day the corner just broke off. I ended up pulling the corner out of the channel and filing down the broken edge. It actually works great now. The same happened with the passenger side… you can see it in the photo.
I can’t say if I would put these back in… when I am washing the truck they feel loose when I get near them, so I figure one day they will fall out. They do look good though being lower profile since they are in channel. Good luck with yours.
The exact same thing happened to me. Using FP points. Ordered the stick on visors and received the in channel visors. No clips either. I did not want to argue with the service department so I installed them.
I followed the instructions to a “T” and they still didn’t work out exactly right. Installed fully inserted, on a hot day, cleaned the track with alcohol first and even left the windows up for a week afterwards. From the get go though, the drivers side would hit the visor and go back down. While rolling the window up I would have to hold the back corner put so the window wouldn’t hit it and then get my finger out of the way quickly. Finally, one day the corner just broke off. I ended up pulling the corner out of the channel and filing down the broken edge. It actually works great now. The same happened with the passenger side… you can see it in the photo.
I can’t say if I would put these back in… when I am washing the truck they feel loose when I get near them, so I figure one day they will fall out. They do look good though being lower profile since they are in channel. Good luck with yours.
Thanks for the response. I ended up installing them yesterday. Will see how it goes.
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