Toyota Tacoma Hood Protector

So what does everyone think about the hood protector for the Tacoma? Is the function of the hood protector more important than the look? I'm on the fence about getting one, but not 100% sold on the way it looks.

 

Booooo. Fuck those plastic shits.

 

if you get a deflector go with the larger version, it helps direct air flow higher over the cab of the truck.

 

The Toyota one is poorly designed. There are metal brackets that touch the paint and scratch it. Get an EGR or an AVS. I think Lund makes a popular one too.

 

I have an AVS...no metal and no scratches. I like the way it looks, but that's just my opinion...adds a little something to the front. I bought it to protect the hood from road salt in the winter and it does a great job!

 

It's all a personal preference. Since I washed my truck last night, discovered another frigin rock chip right at the leading edge of the hood. I really need to order one of these things.

Search this forum - there are good ones and bad ones in terms of how they mount to the truck and can rub paint off.

 

I have an AVS & AVS rain shields on the doors of my black 2010 SR5. Looks sharp, and I can't stand having the windows all the way up in the rain!!

 

They came on my truck and are AVS. Every used Tacoma had them on the lot had them and the dealer did not add them. That should tell you something.

Are they functional? Don't know. I still get bugs on the windshield but they start about half way up the windshield. The window shields help with sun block and maybe with airflow when windows are partially open. Probably a great item for smokers wanting the windows cracked when it rains. Took me forever to get rid of the smoke oder.

I guess the truck doesn't look bad with them but I wouldn't get them just for looks.

 

I think the point of those things is direct the impact of rocks and bugs into the windshield. I had one on my old truck and it just deflected everything into the windshield as well as screwed up the paint on the leading edge of the hood.

 

I didnt choose either yay or nay. I used to have the OEM deflector and never had any issues with it except what the other guys said on the poor design with the clips touching the hood. I got tired of the smoked look of it so I went with a clear AVS one that I really dig. I have had it on over a year now and no issues so far. It was well designed because it is all installed from under the hood so no clips on the outside of the hood.

 

I had this VentureShield applied to the entire front of my truck when I drove it off the lot. No chips, no dings no errors. Its also referred to as a "clear bra" or stone guard. All painted areas of the bumper, front fender sides, top of hood about 16" deep, also includes part of the front fender flairs. Basicly any area that will take a hit with a road missle. Also covered are the headlights and the front windshield roof pillars. Very tuff stuff, you can't push a key though the material while holding it in your hand. I tried.

IMHO...It was worth every penny and you can't see it unless you really look. I figure it was a total of $400.00 well spent. I figured $400.00 now or 2k for a paint job later. It was pretty quick math. As for the bug shield strictly "eye candy" and totally dated. You cannot apply the Venture Shield over anything chrome, it won't adhere. So the grill surround is not covered.

Just add $300.00 to the price of a bug sheild which will cost you at least $110.00 and have this stuff installed, you won't regret it. For what its worth. If your interested, check with your local Lexus or Porche dealer they can tell you who installs Venture Shield, they install it all the time on these high end cars.

Taco4x4nc

 

My AVS threw more bugs into the windshield than without, it also scratched the paint on my hood, and they look like ass. I had mine on about 1.5 mo on my 08 lol... never again.

 

Don't like the look really. Kinda reminds me of a smiling face

 

They are ghey

 

The bug/rock deflector is useful in areas where roads are sanded during winter...

I think it looks ok

 

nope

 

Pass

 

I don't mind it, granted the truck came with it and I'm scared to see what the hood looks like with it off, and I have the things on the windows so I guess is matches. Mine actually has what looks like clear lamin-x or stone guard under each of the brackets so there is a chance the paint is still intact.