Bug deflector? Worth it?
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: B'ville, WV
I don't know how adding a bug deflector would affect the looks of an Hd, but I do know this, the shields help with stone chips and pitting of the windshield.
Every truck I've ever had up until the 2000 F-150 I traded for my 06 had deflectors on them. I never had stone chips on my hood and never a cracked/broken windshield.
The 2000 hood was covered with stone chips and the windshield was severly pitted, like it had been sand blasted or something. It also had a few stone dings in the windshield.
I'm adding one to my 06 soon. I'm already on my 3rd windshield. The second winshield lasted 6 days. I'm already noticing the windshield pitting like the 2000 did. A few stone chips already on the hood as well.
I gotta side with those that like them.
After thinking about it for a minute, I also think the HD would look fine with one depending upon color of shield. I think I'd go with a painted black shield?
Every truck I've ever had up until the 2000 F-150 I traded for my 06 had deflectors on them. I never had stone chips on my hood and never a cracked/broken windshield.
The 2000 hood was covered with stone chips and the windshield was severly pitted, like it had been sand blasted or something. It also had a few stone dings in the windshield.
I'm adding one to my 06 soon. I'm already on my 3rd windshield. The second winshield lasted 6 days. I'm already noticing the windshield pitting like the 2000 did. A few stone chips already on the hood as well.
I gotta side with those that like them.
After thinking about it for a minute, I also think the HD would look fine with one depending upon color of shield. I think I'd go with a painted black shield?
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: B'ville, WV
Originally Posted by nascar6dude
3RD windshield on an '06?!! Are you driving behind gravel trucks, or are your roads THAT bad? If so, I don't know how much a simple bug deflector can help.
The roads are in pretty decent shape. All highway driving when all the breaks have occured. 45 mile interstate commute each way for work...
Could be coincidence. All I know is that the two trucks I have owned without shields have suffered much more hood damage and windshield damage/breakage.
All other trucks before with shields, nary a windshield crack.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by snowdog79
Better than paint and windshield chips...
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
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From: Sunny tourist infested FL
Originally Posted by Fordication
wildcard, how did you break your leg. Ed
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 660
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From: near Daytona
I would go with the clear bra, to avoid paint chips.
I replace windshields every day that also have deflecters on them. I dont think they help your windshield much at all. Ive had my own windshields break within a couple weeks and some that last years without deflecters. I would say with 18 years glass experience that its all coincidence. But thats just my opinion of course.
I replace windshields every day that also have deflecters on them. I dont think they help your windshield much at all. Ive had my own windshields break within a couple weeks and some that last years without deflecters. I would say with 18 years glass experience that its all coincidence. But thats just my opinion of course.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
I wouldn't put one on if you gave it to me....i tried three different brands on my 05 before i gave up. All three of them rubbed on the hoods out by the headlights and ruined the paint. I got the dealer to fix the paint and take back the deflector. I'd go with the clear bra before i'd get another bug deflector
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 498
Likes: 18
From: Santa Fe
I have it on my 02. IT's used to help prevent rocks chipping on front hood and reduce the windshield cracking. Looks nice on my black supercrew with smoke shield, though. I used LUND brand, it fits pretty good. I think the factory shield would fit bit better.
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