i bought my 99 my e150 used with one of those bug reflectors mounted on the hood. i'm hearing some annoying wind noise, could it be coming from that? do these reflectors really work?

 

First off, they're NOT a "bug relector" or "bug reflectors". The word is DEFLECTOR.

A bug deflector is easy enough to take off to determine if its the source of your "annoying wind noise". They're claimed to alter air flow & deflect bugs from gumming up the windshield. Sound should be expected to change, but only you can decide if its "annoying".

Bug deflectors certainly work as bug & debris SHIELDS that prevent the leading edge of the hood from getting plastered by bugs & chipped from debris. How well they prevent bugs from splattering on the windshield is debatable. My previous E150 came w/one & while it protected the paint hidden behind it, the series of holes drilled to install it caused the bottom edge of the hood to rust out. Never wanted 1 on it's replacement.

 

Maybe it really is a bug reflector.

Bugs need a place that they can look at themselves to make sure their antennae are all in line, and that they are neatly groomed before they splatter themselves on the windshield. How do you think the bugs are going to feel if they are layed out for all their friends to see on the windshield without them looking their best?

(written with tongue firmly in cheek!)

 

Reminds me of the joke 'What's the last thing a bug sees before splattering on your windshield?'

Also reminds me of a photo I took many years ago. It was fun w/macro lens time & I shot a close up of ~1/10 of a 7" headlight, magnifying the carnage of shattered bug bodies. Looked like aliens impacted on a starship.

A measely 60 MPH is 88 feet/second. At the scale bugs live in that's mighty fast indeed. Out on I75 that's not going to leave them much time for "reflection".

 

you guys are a riot.

 

I posted serious replies to your Qs before your thread was derailed.