5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
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After a nasty rock from and adjascent vehicle somehow managed to ding my windshield and crack it, I immediately considered purchasing a hood deflector, especially when I replace my windshield.
I had two questions.
The first is, how well does it actually work? On a clear day, I can see how horrid my window actually looks.
Now, people always say keep that 3-4 second distance, and you'll be fine. I'm not the world's best driver but I try to do the best I can, and even with a safe distance, I still manage to catch a few rocks.
So, other than keeping my window clear of insects, does a hood deflector actually help with pebles?
The second, and more important question is where I can actually purchase one for an '07 Silver Camry.
I called up my toyota parts store, recieving a price of $110 CDN for a dark hood deflector. With the research I've done, I've already found a few others cheaper then that.
What I can't seem to find at all is a silver or clear hood deflector. In my opinion the black on silver looks less than appealing...
The parts rep informed me that they exist as aftermarket items, and that is where I hit a wall.
Can anyone reference me to where I would find such an item, and if you really wanna be a cool person and a hero of mine, a photo of what it would look like.
After a nasty rock from and adjascent vehicle somehow managed to ding my windshield and crack it, I immediately considered purchasing a hood deflector, especially when I replace my windshield.
I had two questions.
The first is, how well does it actually work? On a clear day, I can see how horrid my window actually looks.
Now, people always say keep that 3-4 second distance, and you'll be fine. I'm not the world's best driver but I try to do the best I can, and even with a safe distance, I still manage to catch a few rocks.
So, other than keeping my window clear of insects, does a hood deflector actually help with pebles?
The second, and more important question is where I can actually purchase one for an '07 Silver Camry.
I called up my toyota parts store, recieving a price of $110 CDN for a dark hood deflector. With the research I've done, I've already found a few others cheaper then that.
What I can't seem to find at all is a silver or clear hood deflector. In my opinion the black on silver looks less than appealing...
The parts rep informed me that they exist as aftermarket items, and that is where I hit a wall.
Can anyone reference me to where I would find such an item, and if you really wanna be a cool person and a hero of mine, a photo of what it would look like.
A hood deflector will not protect your windshield or your entire hood. It will mainly protect near the tip of the hood from both bugs and rocks. A rock or bug can fly over the deflector and straight into your window, the deflector cant stop that. Rarely do you get paint chips on the top of the hood. Its usually the front. You can also get a clear bra (more discussions via searching the forum). You can either do it yourself or have a shop do it but it will cost a pretty penny. Another would be a leather cover that goes on the bumper and the front end of the hood.
Regardless if you are 3-4 seconds behind, depending on speed and momentum, the rock can bounce. You cant avoid it neither can you avoid bugs.
As for color, its usually one colored...smoked. I dont think there is a hood deflector with color on it due to each and every car manufacturer has a different shade of color. Even if its white or black, color varies from each auto maker. I dont think there is a clear one either but there might be. As stated, its usually smoked.
The accessories such as the deflector from dealership are usually aftermarket. Just know that what you pay in price is what you get. If its cheap, you might find yourself replacing it.
A good brand to get is WeatherTech (www.weathertech.com). Its pricey but well worth the money. If you really want it to match the color of your car, you can paint it but remember, if you paint it expect to have the paint chip off if a rock/pebble hits it.
The accessories such as the deflector from dealership are usually aftermarket. Just know that what you pay in price is what you get. If its cheap, you might find yourself replacing it.
His will be a genuine toyota product if he gets his from the dealer
Consider filling the chip in windshield before water gets in and freezes.
I have a deflector, and it keeps bugs off the lower 3/4 to 1/2 of the wind shield.
It will not affect stray rocks.
You can sand and plastic prime the deflector and then paint and clear coat it. I have done that for a friend of mine. then the stones, sand and dirt chipped the paint, not worth it. Trucks have deflectors made of chromed aluminum or steel for looks.
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His will be a genuine toyota product if he gets his from the dealer
I guess its different from the window deflectors they sell
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hajoca
Consider filling the chip in windshield before water gets in and freezes.
I have a deflector, and it keeps bugs off the lower 3/4 to 1/2 of the wind shield.
It will not affect stray rocks.
You can sand and plastic prime the deflector and then paint and clear coat it. I have done that for a friend of mine. then the stones, sand and dirt chipped the paint, not worth it. Trucks have deflectors made of chromed aluminum or steel for looks.
Another thing I just remembered about the hood deflector. Besides different colors from each automaker and paintchipping, another reason why its not painted and all are smoked is because it also blocks you view if its painted. Yea, it may be a couple inches but if you're parking, that 2 inches of height or so would come in handy.
I asked the parts rep, he informed me that yes, there are colors, including what I asked for, clear.
As for the filling the chip. The rock hit it, it was a chip. By the time i got to the destination, it was a crack too big for Apple to fix. Has to be replaced. When I get a new windshield, I don't want crap like that happening again...
The hood itself isnt that bad, I had a few chips, but that was from previous owner, and the sealent marker took care of that...
For the hood, I would rather get a deflector, then the "jacket" for the front or w/e its called
I asked the parts rep, he informed me that yes, there are colors, including what I asked for, clear.
As for the filling the chip. The rock hit it, it was a chip. By the time i got to the destination, it was a crack too big for Apple to fix. Has to be replaced. When I get a new windshield, I don't want crap like that happening again...
The hood itself isnt that bad, I had a few chips, but that was from previous owner, and the sealent marker took care of that...
For the hood, I would rather get a deflector, then the "jacket" for the front or w/e its called
I think I've heard of clear deflectors but colored? This is the first time I heard of it. Thats like asking for window deflectors the color of the car. If the rep says yes to color...they are probably taking a smoked colored deflector and painting it. Walk into a PepBoys, AutoZone, R&S Strauss or any auto store and all deflectors would be a clear smoked.
Deflectors I see at dealerships are smoked. Than again, you're in Canada so maybe its different there? If you get the colored hood deflector post pics or get me the part number from the rep (mag grey).
No one wants a cracked windshield or anything but its unavoidable. Just like no one wants to get into an accident.
Toyota doesn't currently offer a full bra for the Gen 6 Camry. I bought an aftermarket one from Colgan last year. It has little air deflectors but they don't do squat for rocks 'n pebbles. I've been happy with the bra as it has prevented a lot of chips in the paint.
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Inquiry about Hood Deflector/Bug Shield
person and a hero of mine, a photo of what it would look like.
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