Bug / wind deflectors
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 156
Likes: 62
From: south Texas
If you decide to use tape for mounting here is the GOOD stuff:
I bought a Weathertech low profile deflector. It fits the profile well, looks good, and does a very good job of deflecting bugs and gravel.
Th only drawback is the screw mounting holes do not line up correctly on my truck (2018 F150 XLT). I wanted to use screws to mount it even though the tape mentioned above is good stuff. I went to ACE Hardware and bought some ALUMINUM sheet metal screws, drilled new holes on the underside of the hood lip and mounted it with the screws. I used 6 screws.
The aluminum screws prevent dissimilar metal (galvanic) corrosion. These screws are adequate for mounting things that don't need to be super strong, as the aluminum isn't as strong as steel. Be careful to not over tighten these screws, just good and snug. I've only found them with slot heads. I think aluminum is too soft for Phillips heads, as it might tend to gouge out the head.
3M Scotch 5952 VHB Tape">
3M Scotch 5952 VHB Tape" /> 3M Scotch 5952 VHB Tape">3M Scotch 5952 VHB Tape
3M Scotch 5952 VHB Tape" /> 3M Scotch 5952 VHB Tape">3M Scotch 5952 VHB Tape
I bought a Weathertech low profile deflector. It fits the profile well, looks good, and does a very good job of deflecting bugs and gravel.
Th only drawback is the screw mounting holes do not line up correctly on my truck (2018 F150 XLT). I wanted to use screws to mount it even though the tape mentioned above is good stuff. I went to ACE Hardware and bought some ALUMINUM sheet metal screws, drilled new holes on the underside of the hood lip and mounted it with the screws. I used 6 screws.
The aluminum screws prevent dissimilar metal (galvanic) corrosion. These screws are adequate for mounting things that don't need to be super strong, as the aluminum isn't as strong as steel. Be careful to not over tighten these screws, just good and snug. I've only found them with slot heads. I think aluminum is too soft for Phillips heads, as it might tend to gouge out the head.
5 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 319
Likes: 53
From: Central Louisiana
Wish I still had the video of my flush mount Aeroskin coming loose and beating the sh!1 out of my hood at 75mph. Had one on my 2012 for 6 years no issues, so when I got my 18 I went right back too the same style and brand. Within 3 weeks I was returning it to Amazon in a bunch of pieces, I was so pissed. Not good to see your new truck getting beat to death...
5 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 496
Likes: 208
From: Ellis County TEXAS
OK, My Amazon order showed up a few days earlier than expected today. Was a simple set of instructions without pictures and yet I still managed to get it installed with in a few minutes. No drilling of holes, No double sided tape, No plastic inserts. The box included the bug deflector, 4 screws, 4 plastic washers, and the instruction sheet.
You open the hood and remove all three strips of rubber weather seal and set aside if needed for another date and time. The weather strips are not used with the bug deflector in place. Next you place the deflector in place and align the holes in the deflector and existing holes in the underside of the hood. Install the two centered screws loosely so that you can center the deflector on the hood. Once centered tighten the two center screws to snug, then install the two remaining screws and washers at each side and snug in place. Close hood and admire your handy work and great looking deflector.
This deflector does not use the little rubber buttons on the hood to keep the deflector from making contact with the painted surface while driving at speed. The thickness of the material as well as the manner that the shield is formed provide more than adequate strength in keeping the deflector from bending forward due to wind speeds.
I picked this up from Amazon, the regular price is around $57, however I managed to find a new in box return for $31 with a little carton damage to the box. The deflector was in perfect condition.
Wade 72-96154 Smoke Platinum Bug Shield
You open the hood and remove all three strips of rubber weather seal and set aside if needed for another date and time. The weather strips are not used with the bug deflector in place. Next you place the deflector in place and align the holes in the deflector and existing holes in the underside of the hood. Install the two centered screws loosely so that you can center the deflector on the hood. Once centered tighten the two center screws to snug, then install the two remaining screws and washers at each side and snug in place. Close hood and admire your handy work and great looking deflector.
This deflector does not use the little rubber buttons on the hood to keep the deflector from making contact with the painted surface while driving at speed. The thickness of the material as well as the manner that the shield is formed provide more than adequate strength in keeping the deflector from bending forward due to wind speeds.
I picked this up from Amazon, the regular price is around $57, however I managed to find a new in box return for $31 with a little carton damage to the box. The deflector was in perfect condition.
Wade 72-96154 Smoke Platinum Bug Shield