Bug Deflector 2

[Msfitoy]

I have one of these, too. Still not loving the looks too much, but I'm thinking of getting creative with a file and a heat gun.

Considering cutting a notch to the center to mirror the lines of the center groove between the dual raised areas on the hood. It's a really nice looking style point, and the bug shield totally obscures it by blocking the view of the leading edges of the bumps.

I'm imagining a notch that mirrors the contour of the leading edge lines, and using the heat gun to soften the plastic and add the wind-deflecting flip back again. I'm at the "measure twice" part of the planning, though.

I modified the ends, trimming the lazy rounded ends so the line would follow the shut line...but in the end, I decided to remove it entirely because I didn't care for the bulbous profile...

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[FunInTheSun]

I modified the ends, trimming the lazy rounded ends so the line would follow the shut line...but in the end, I decided to remove it entirely because I didn't care for the bulbous profile...

Great to have some input from a real designer. Love your truck.

I think it might not look too bad If I can manage to make it mirror the lines of the central groove.
Still thinking about how to manage the process of doing it, though. Thinking if I can make some sort of "masking" jig to localize the heat gun stream, I can just push a section of the center down and back without ruining the finish.

 

[Msfitoy]

Great to have some input from a real designer. Love your truck.

I think it might not look too bad If I can manage to make it mirror the lines of the central groove.
Still thinking about how to manage the process of doing it, though. Thinking if I can make some sort of "masking" jig to localize the heat gun stream, I can just push a section of the center down and back without ruining the finish.

Thanks Dave...for example, look at how tight this bug deflector is on the F150...it accentuates the hood lines/shape and doesn't disrupt the profile...

 

[D Fresh]

It’s definitely time to retire and I would love to spend most of that time at the lake! It’s a slower, quieter pace in small-town rural Ontario, for sure. The winters would be a challenge - a lot like the pictures @Arly posts but without all the fun toys, cross country ski trails, and dogs. ?

I've never locked down for a whole winter.

But I think I'd be willing to give it a shot.

 

[FunInTheSun]

Thanks Dave...for example, look at how tight this bug deflector is on the F150...it accentuates the hood lines/shape and doesn't disrupt the profile...

Yes! Doesn't hide the shape of the hood. The bends to make it flow with the sides of the "runners" is one of the effects I am noodling out. The Ranger hood is straighter across the front edge, so I don't really have to touch the front edge, but the back edge of the deflector just "erases" the perceptibility of the "runners". I want to correct that.

That center notch is spot on for what I am trying to do, and it would be simpler. I am wondering whether to preserve / replicate the edge flip on the deflector, or just cut it back like that one. I am terrible at second-guessing everything I do.

 

[Jason B]

Aero Skin deflectors follow the hood, but probably just for leading edge protection

"This Aeroskin Hood Protector deflects airborne debris away from the leading edge of your Ford Ranger's hood."

"Update the look of your Ford Ranger and keep your leading edge and windshield protected from road debris and bugs with a Black Textured Aeroskin 2 Hood Protector."

 

[myothercarizahearse]

Aero Skin deflectors follow the hood, but probably just for leading edge protection

"Update the look of your Ford Ranger and keep your leading edge and windshield protected from road debris and bugs with a Black Textured Aeroskin 2 Hood Protector."

I have this guy. it works so well leaves can stay behind it even on the highway.

 

[Jason B]

I have this guy. it works so well leaves can stay behind it even on the highway.

WOW! Thanks for that. I was thinking of getting one, but now that I know about the trap it's a big NO.

 

[Chris M]

I have this guy. it works so well leaves can stay behind it even on the highway.

I have that one as well and like it a lot more than I thought I might when I bought it. Easy install.

 

[Chris M]

WOW! Thanks for that. I was thinking of getting one, but now that I know about the trap it's a big NO.

It's not a "trap" actually, as the debris will blow off or you can take a finger and run across the inside edge and sweep any debris away. Mine does not collect debris at all, but I don't park under trees here in AZ.
I'd say that kind has much less opportunity to hold debris than the ones that attach by screws under the hood...they leave an actual gap between the deflector and the hood for stuff to accumulate under/in.

 

[FunInTheSun]

I have this guy. it works so well leaves can stay behind it even on the highway.

I like the looks of the top one.
How are these attached? They seem very tight to the hood.

 

[Msfitoy]

Aero Skin deflectors follow the hood, but probably just for leading edge protection

"This Aeroskin Hood Protector deflects airborne debris away from the leading edge of your Ford Ranger's hood."

"Update the look of your Ford Ranger and keep your leading edge and windshield protected from road debris and bugs with a Black Textured Aeroskin 2 Hood Protector."

Same problem...they just don't know how to terminate the ends...it goes against the headlamp shape...

 

[myothercarizahearse]

I like the looks of the top one.
How are these attached? They seem very tight to the hood.

double sided tape

 

[Ray_kayak_guy]

Here is a decent article on what they can and can't do.

https://www.dualliner.com/blog/are-bug-deflectors-worth-it#:~:text=Bug deflectors are thin plastic,don't chip your windshield.

Great article thanks for sharing

 

[Ray_kayak_guy]

I see there are several threads on bug deflectors - I'll chime in here.

I added an AVS to my truck a few weeks ago and it helped tremendously. The water pooling at the top of the hood has stopped and my bug-to-windshield ratio has plummeted - this is non-scientific but when I'm driving the small rain droplets on my hood stay unaffected as the bug deflector sends enough air upward that they stay put - seems to work for me.

Plus it was only $54 on Amazon.

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