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Hood Protector for 2012 Taco

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by jgerbodegrant, Feb 21, 2012.

  1. Feb 21, 2012 at 8:26 AM
    #1
    jgerbodegrant

    jgerbodegrant [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Jonathan
    Seacoast, NH
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    '12 Sport LB
    Added skid plate, Leer 180 Cover, Wet okole seat covers. Plan: Full LED's, Light bar, running boards, Roof rack.
    I've started looking for accessories that I like to put on all my trucks. One of the most important is the hood protector. Yeah, some look goofy, but they do an awesome job protecting the hood.

    So, I know that the stock toyota protector is big bucks. I just came across this AVS one on eBay. Has anyone used it yet? I think I had an AVS on my 1999 4runner.
     
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    #1
  2. Feb 21, 2012 at 8:27 AM
    #2
    Derpy Derek

    Derpy Derek Well-Known Member

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    Brookings, OR
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    ARB Bumper, Smittybilt X20, King suspension
    I'm sure 3M has something you could use that's clear and won't look goofy on your truck.

    Edit: Oh you're looking at bug deflectors..
     
  3. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:09 PM
    #3
    Bobbb

    Bobbb "Rumors of Bob, but never Bob. It is Bob, right?"

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    Yup, I went with the 3M invisible bra. I wasn't really that thrilled by the thought of it, but around here (desert/highway) it's a must-have. The front of my Jeep looked like swiss cheese after only two years of living here. It covers the front of the hood and fenders plus the headlights and bumper.

    Here's up close-

    [​IMG]

    Step back a couple feet and you can hardly see it-

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:54 PM
    #4
    Taco4x4NC

    Taco4x4NC Well-Known Member

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    David
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    2010 4x4 DC/LB "Pytrite Mica/Katzkin leather
    3m clear bra or Venture, stant locking gas cap, Shield, front windows tinted, weathertechs, ARE "Z" topper. Sockmonkey decal, Billy 5100's x 4 corners, Eibach coils, Toytec 1.5 AAL. Michelin 265/75/16 MS2's, Grillcraft MX series/TOYOTA badging. FJ/SE TRD Anthracite gray wheels. Katzkin leather/heated seats.
    Plus two on Bobbb's 3m clearbra.

    The best mod I ever added to my 2010 Tacoma. The front of my truck is still chip and ding free. 25000 miles later. Worth every penny as the paint is perfect. I paid $400.00 for the hood, front bumper, headlights, and the installer even did my windshield columns. The bug shield is nothing more than eye candy and a waste of $$ IMHO. Spend 300 more dollars and protect the entire front end from paint chips etc.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Feb 22, 2012 at 7:30 AM
    #5
    jgerbodegrant

    jgerbodegrant [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Jonathan
    Seacoast, NH
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    '12 Sport LB
    Added skid plate, Leer 180 Cover, Wet okole seat covers. Plan: Full LED's, Light bar, running boards, Roof rack.
    Wow...yeah, I'm not sure about the 3M option. It does look really good. I see some older cars that have it on the hood and the sun has had a different effect on the non-taped area. This may be a moot point because my truck is silver. Either way, I'm not sure I want to spend the extra 300.
     
  6. Feb 23, 2012 at 5:08 AM
    #6
    Taco4x4NC

    Taco4x4NC Well-Known Member

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    David
    Western North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 DC/LB "Pytrite Mica/Katzkin leather
    3m clear bra or Venture, stant locking gas cap, Shield, front windows tinted, weathertechs, ARE "Z" topper. Sockmonkey decal, Billy 5100's x 4 corners, Eibach coils, Toytec 1.5 AAL. Michelin 265/75/16 MS2's, Grillcraft MX series/TOYOTA badging. FJ/SE TRD Anthracite gray wheels. Katzkin leather/heated seats.
    No sun issues here and 3m is a little spendy, but a worth while investment and much cheaper than repainting the entire front end of the truck which would run at least a grand. :eek:

    Just being able to drive down the interstate knowing that my paint is protected is worth the piece of mind having it done. :cool:

    good luck!
     
  7. Feb 23, 2012 at 6:34 AM
    #7
    jgerbodegrant

    jgerbodegrant [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Jonathan
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    '12 Sport LB
    Added skid plate, Leer 180 Cover, Wet okole seat covers. Plan: Full LED's, Light bar, running boards, Roof rack.
    Yeah, sounds good to me. The dealer said they would have it installed for $379. Windshield columns not included though. You think that's a worthwhile extra to ask them to do?
     
  8. Feb 23, 2012 at 6:41 AM
    #8
    TnRedNeck721

    TnRedNeck721 Nick Namer

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    07 TRD off road 4WD
    No mud flaps, plasti dipped emblems, and rear bumper, Weather tech digital fit, Bed mat from tractor supply. Pioneer 4400BH head unit. B.A.M.F bed rail tie downs. AVS vent visors.
    i got the venter shield or what ever it is that toyota offers. love it! can’t hardly tell it’s there!

    and it’s much better than a bug shield. bug shields only keep really small bugs from hitting windshield!
     
  9. Feb 23, 2012 at 10:47 AM
    #9
    jgerbodegrant

    jgerbodegrant [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Messages:
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    Jonathan
    Seacoast, NH
    Vehicle:
    '12 Sport LB
    Added skid plate, Leer 180 Cover, Wet okole seat covers. Plan: Full LED's, Light bar, running boards, Roof rack.
    Oh sweet, that's really good to hear. That's what I'm going with. Did they do the windshield columns on your truck?
     
  10. Feb 24, 2012 at 4:47 AM
    #10
    Taco4x4NC

    Taco4x4NC Well-Known Member

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    David
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    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 DC/LB "Pytrite Mica/Katzkin leather
    3m clear bra or Venture, stant locking gas cap, Shield, front windows tinted, weathertechs, ARE "Z" topper. Sockmonkey decal, Billy 5100's x 4 corners, Eibach coils, Toytec 1.5 AAL. Michelin 265/75/16 MS2's, Grillcraft MX series/TOYOTA badging. FJ/SE TRD Anthracite gray wheels. Katzkin leather/heated seats.

    I would ask the dealer who the installer is. My installer had material left over from another install and just added it in no charge. If you call the local Lexus or Mercedes Benz dealer they will tell you who does the 3m clear bra. Just call the shop and get a price. Going through a dealer is not always the cheapest route. I actually watched the installer work on my truck. It took no less than 5 minutes to do each column. For what its worth.

    good luck,
     
  11. Feb 24, 2012 at 4:52 AM
    #11
    hotrod45

    hotrod45 Well-Known Member

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    i agree, stay clear of the dealer as much as possible.
     
  12. Feb 24, 2012 at 10:14 AM
    #12
    jgerbodegrant

    jgerbodegrant [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Jonathan
    Seacoast, NH
    Vehicle:
    '12 Sport LB
    Added skid plate, Leer 180 Cover, Wet okole seat covers. Plan: Full LED's, Light bar, running boards, Roof rack.
    Yeah, usually I would agree. The dealer originally wanted $479, so I figure this is a pretty good discount. I asked them to find out about the columns for me. If they say no, I'll definitely get in touch with the installer and ask them personally. Thanks for the advice.
     
  13. Feb 24, 2012 at 1:38 PM
    #13
    TnRedNeck721

    TnRedNeck721 Nick Namer

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    No mud flaps, plasti dipped emblems, and rear bumper, Weather tech digital fit, Bed mat from tractor supply. Pioneer 4400BH head unit. B.A.M.F bed rail tie downs. AVS vent visors.
    No. Front bumper part of hood part of finders and finder flare.
     
  14. Mar 11, 2012 at 8:30 AM
    #14
    jgerbodegrant

    jgerbodegrant [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Male
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    Jonathan
    Seacoast, NH
    Vehicle:
    '12 Sport LB
    Added skid plate, Leer 180 Cover, Wet okole seat covers. Plan: Full LED's, Light bar, running boards, Roof rack.
    Hey guys, is the sticker on your front bumper two pieces...like separated in the middle, or is it one???
     
  15. Mar 11, 2012 at 8:45 AM
    #15
    Bobbb

    Bobbb "Rumors of Bob, but never Bob. It is Bob, right?"

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    All one piece.
     

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