Ford's bug deflector
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
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I took mine off the day I brought it back from the dealership. Its still sitting in my basement with all the hardware. Have you considered the 3M clear protective bra. Its clear, pretty much not noticeable unless you're right next to the truck.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Western, TN
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 25
I agree that our 2009-2014 generation F-150's don't look the best with a hood shield (bug shield). But they do offer nice protection. The opinions of with versus without.... well...indeed is personal. I had a hard time deciding on a style that I personally liked.
I really wasn't a fan of the upper grille area protruding into the hood area, which made me decide on the STAMPEDE brand. I got the one that simply 3M tapes on the bottom of the grille lip. I also chose the clear & had it painted from behind to color match & "blend in" and cover the upper part of the chrome of the grille that I really didn't like. It also stands AWAY from the hood & grille area so it can be easily washed & waxed behind it.
....just may get a limited grille surround in the future & paint it to color match too in the future............
ALL you guys have great looking trucks !
I really wasn't a fan of the upper grille area protruding into the hood area, which made me decide on the STAMPEDE brand. I got the one that simply 3M tapes on the bottom of the grille lip. I also chose the clear & had it painted from behind to color match & "blend in" and cover the upper part of the chrome of the grille that I really didn't like. It also stands AWAY from the hood & grille area so it can be easily washed & waxed behind it.
....just may get a limited grille surround in the future & paint it to color match too in the future............
ALL you guys have great looking trucks !
2nd Amendment Supporter!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 409
From: Cranberry Twp, Pa
Thank you. Yes, it also costs extra to have it painted.....especially this tri-coat Ruby Red..... Then to find a great painter that actually has to "reverse" the painting procedure since it's getting painted on the inside of the hood shield. Very happy with the results, the look & ultimately still functional and protects the front edges of the truck. (& yes even works great for bugs! Lol!)
Many nice ones are out there, just personal preference of what one likes or dislikes. Just throwing it out there what I personally have done & give others ideas..... They also make it in the smoke color too.
Last note: someone mentioned the "clear 3m" film..... That is a great idea for someone who what's to still protect the front from chips & bugs....and not have the "Hood shield" look on their truck. I bought the film, but used it on the bottom of my rockers & a couple inches of the the bed area where the Amp research side bed steps, so my boots or shoes would not scuff my paint there.... That stuff works great!
Many nice ones are out there, just personal preference of what one likes or dislikes. Just throwing it out there what I personally have done & give others ideas..... They also make it in the smoke color too.
Last note: someone mentioned the "clear 3m" film..... That is a great idea for someone who what's to still protect the front from chips & bugs....and not have the "Hood shield" look on their truck. I bought the film, but used it on the bottom of my rockers & a couple inches of the the bed area where the Amp research side bed steps, so my boots or shoes would not scuff my paint there.... That stuff works great!
Thread Starter
American member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 6,651
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From: North of Boston Ma.
So aside from the AVS aeroskin, I did the math and it's pretty much a 50/50 split on whether we love or hate them.
I'm usually pretty decisive, but not this time.
I'm usually pretty decisive, but not this time.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 25
Thank you. Yes, it also costs extra to have it painted.....especially this tri-coat Ruby Red..... Then to find a great painter that actually has to "reverse" the painting procedure since it's getting painted on the inside of the hood shield. Very happy with the results, the look & ultimately still functional and protects the front edges of the truck. (& yes even works great for bugs! Lol!)
Many nice ones are out there, just personal preference of what one likes or dislikes. Just throwing it out there what I personally have done & give others ideas..... They also make it in the smoke color too.
Last note: someone mentioned the "clear 3m" film..... That is a great idea for someone who what's to still protect the front from chips & bugs....and not have the "Hood shield" look on their truck. I bought the film, but used it on the bottom of my rockers & a couple inches of the the bed area where the Amp research side bed steps, so my boots or shoes would not scuff my paint there.... That stuff works great!
Many nice ones are out there, just personal preference of what one likes or dislikes. Just throwing it out there what I personally have done & give others ideas..... They also make it in the smoke color too.
Last note: someone mentioned the "clear 3m" film..... That is a great idea for someone who what's to still protect the front from chips & bugs....and not have the "Hood shield" look on their truck. I bought the film, but used it on the bottom of my rockers & a couple inches of the the bed area where the Amp research side bed steps, so my boots or shoes would not scuff my paint there.... That stuff works great!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 256
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Tough call. While I think the AVS looks good on your white and black truck, it does really "frame" the grille as someone stated and makes it a focal point. whether that's good or bad I suppose is opinion, but it does highlight the grille.
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,596
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From: Cranberry Twp, Pa
The 3M is a good idea. I actually like the AVS to break up the color a little bit. I have a 2010 Lariat and didn't like the solid chrome grille so I went with the HD grill and painted surround, then for some reason it looked "naked" to me on the front and "blocky" so I added the AVS to break up the color. As stated all preference, heck I may take it off, who knows... but currently I like it.
I also think the key here is: Color combination, and trim packages can help make or break the overall look too.
I know all of this may be confusing the OP....but he also has a sweet looking truck & that AVS does look good!