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Problmes W/Weathertech Bug Deflector

H

hymur

GUEST
With all the issues I have read with the GM bug deflector, I am a little gunshy to go with it. Has anyone had problmes with Macneil's Weathertech bug deflectors? Or are there any other mfg's that people have used with out issues mentioned here?

Thanks :)
 
hymur said:
With all the issues I have read with the GM bug deflector, I am a little gunshy to go with it. ?Has anyone had problmes with Macneil's Weathertech bug deflectors? ?Or are there any other mfg's that people have used with out issues mentioned here? Thanks ?:)
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I think you will find from research that the WeatherTech is a good choice. I had both the bug deflector and the vent shields on my 1997 CR-V and loved them - nary a problem..... ;D
FYI..............
 
My dealer only sells and installs the DriverDesign series of hood deflectors. Very rigid and durable as they are made of Lexan?. It mounts under the lip of the hood using the 5 square holes pre-drilled from the factory. It comes with metal fasteners that fit in these holes. Installation took about 5-10 minutes. However, after about 2 months, the deflector became loose and started to vibrate badly. Went back to the dealer and they gave me nylon inserts to replace the steel ones. MUCH BETTER!

Just remember, no matter which deflector you go with, you'll likely need to do the simple tape fix.

Jamie
 
I have never heard of problems with any deflector...........now the windshield molding is another issue and will need to bne taped with any deflector.
 
Thanks for the input everyone, I had a feeling that regardless of which one, the tape fix was a must. :B:
 
I specifically got the GM deflector with the AV logo. It looks cool fits solid and have had no problems. The unit came with the windshield moulding tape and very good instructions.

I am a little dissapointed at the deflection characteristics though. The other day I pointed the Av towards the Mailman as he was coming to deliver my mail but somehow the car payment bill made it past the deflector.

I Love it. :B:
 
I think the bug deflector has its purpose, I just don't like the long term effects of the adhesive.

I had a deflector on my 2000 Silverado and over time it scratched my paint, the sides where they ended up flapping, cracked.

I had to buy another type of deflector (Lund) that would cover the scratches from the first deflector.

I still have to see one up close for the AV, especially a white AV. I'm very anal about keeping my truck clean.
 
So has anybody experienced the "flapping" with GM's AV version? Does it seem rigid? Thanks.
 
If you like the deflector that has the "Avalanche" etched in the plastic, here is another alternative:

DriverDesign deflector. I ordered 1 Bay Gray decal from Stripeman and put it on my DriverDesign deflector. You could certainly do this to any deflector though.

Jamie
 
That was a nice pic jstrickl. Does the DriverDesign deflector come with the 3M tape? When you said they gave you nylon inserts in place of the steel - are you talking about the clips in the predrilled holes or are you talking about the screws?
 
hymur, the DriverDesign deflector is really nice and very thick - made of Lexan. Good up to 120 with no flex at all they claim. It didn't come with the 3M tape. I bought that myself at Target for about $5 for 2 rolls. It came with steel nutplates that fit into the factory holes under the hood lip. However, after about 6 weeks of use, they were loose. I could actually pull the deflector mounting brackets off the hood with a firm tug.

Called the dealership and they gave me 5 nylon inserts that fit right into the same holes under the hood lip. Had them in for over a week now and not a single vibration. I checked them a day or two ago and they are still very snug as is the deflector. They are so snug that I used a rubber mallet and the handle end of a screwdriver to pound em in.

Of course adding the decal makes it look all the better!

Jamie

PS. The included screws go into the steel/nylon inserts
 
Thanks jstrickl.
The decal that you used - was it the one that was meant to highlight the AV logo on the cladding? Do you have the part number for the DriverDesign you bought. I only found a few web pages that sell DriverDesign, and they don't list the AV model. And finally, should the 3M taping be a certain thickness and width? I would imagine a thin thickness would be in effective. ???

 
I installed the Weathertech deflector two months ago, have NOT done the tape fix, and have had no problems and no noise. Maybe I am just lucky :). I love the Weathertech products - have been ordering various stuff from MacNeil for 5 years.
 
Ave,
Is the Weathertech very rigid (no flapping, etc.)? Did it use the existing mounting holes? What type of hardware came with it? I bought WT's window vents - can't wait to install them - they look nice - have to wait until dealer gets done fixing my water leak problems first :6:

Thanks.
 
hymur,

I can call my dealer and get the part number if you like. It was around $68 with tax. Installation took about 10 minutes. The 3M tape I believe is 3/4" x 40". The tape I bought was white in color but is not noticeable under the window trimming. I would guess it is about 1/16" to 1/8" thick double-sided foam tape.

The Av decal was just the standard decal from Kevin at stripeman.com. I just centered it across the deflector.

Jamie
 
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