Hey everyone, this post is for those of you with the GM bug deflector. I recently picked up this deflector, and plan on installing it myself. When I was looking ...

Hey everyone, this post is for those of you with the GM bug deflector. I recently picked up this deflector, and plan on installing it myself. When I was looking through the installation instructions I noticed that the 3 provided metal brackets are in direct contact with the hood, and you're given these clear plastic strips to help protect the hood. Well, I'm still concerned that over time the brackets will rub right through the plastic strips and then damage the paint. I was wondering if anyone on here has had the GM bug deflector on their truck for a while, and wouldn't mind sharing if my concerns are valid or not by checking out their hood. Well, let me know...thanks...

It does and when you ever remove it there will be permanent marks thats why bug deflectors are so bad for a vehicle great concept just it keeps the paint under it from fading with the rest so it mismatches also

Hmm...definitely re-thinking my purchase of this thing. I know it's a truck and all, but I still dont want to deal with rust long term...any other people out there with this deflector?

I've had mine for close to two years now and so far no problems. I check it every so often for looseness, as that's what'll cause the rub through on those 3M pads supplied. The only thing negative I can say is that the foam tape that you use on the center section of the guard isn't very sticky...small sections have lifted up.

vogel - did you get foam pads or just a think clear plastic 'sticker'? Thats what I got, almost like those colorforms things I remember from my child hood...just clear .

The clear plastic - and then the foam tape was already attached to the deflector when I pulled it out of the box. I made sure I had the deflector right where I wanted it before applying the clear plastic... I think if you have the metal clip centered on the clear plastic you'll be fine. I noticed one of the metal clips on mine slid just ever so slightly and buckled the clear plastic, but didn't chew through it. I'm comfortable with how this thing performs and wouldn't talk anyone out of it. It's low profile and you can barely see it when you're driving.

The little clear tape did not help mine. It had worn thru to the metal. When the car wash removed it I bought another and sealed up the wear marks.

LGSONE

I wonder if it's the same design... for my 2010 Sierra most of the deflector is held on with sticky tape, and the clips seem to be there just to keep the ends from flapping. In the summer it goes through the car was once a week and so far so good.

Seems like mine is from AVS, bought from Manny, Moe and Jack. The provided hardware pretty much sucked. Bought some plastic or vinyl inserts again from MM&Js that plug into the hood then 3 screws through the deflector and into the inserts. VERY stable. I added a thicker double sided tape to the deflector and did not peal off the second side of peal-away. So it did not actually stick to the hood but provided more of just a cushion. Also placed this cushion on most of the deflector so it would have less rub points. The unit I have makes zero connection with the painted surface of the hood.

Was curious about the suggestion from AVS about not going through an Automated Car Wash. I see where Vogel says his runs though once a week. Still nervous about the far sides of the deflector catching the heavy wash rug that flaps against the truck. But with the newer installation process I used I bet it would be easy enough to remove and reinstall. I kinda like the hand wash better anyway. Just 2 cents worth.

Yeah, I should have been more specific about the car wash....ones I use are touchless automatic, so the worst stress on the deflector is when you drive through the blowers at the end. But at any rate it is staying put nicely.