Which Bug Deflector and why

Discuss any maintenance you've done to your Vibe & Matrix and ask how to perform maintenance on your vehicle
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scherry2
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Which Bug Deflector and why

Post by scherry2 »

Which bug Deflector would you buy and why?
DavidPIL
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by DavidPIL »

I went with the Lund. I wanted the PerfectFit but had problems actually finding it. The Lund was available to me in 2 days so I went with it. It's nice. Doesn't completely wrap around the front but it still protects well. Came with rubber bumpers that were supposed to be stuck to the hood. That didn't make much since so I stuck them to the part of the deflector that matched the hood locations. Mounted relatively easy with screw clip things. Works well and looks pretty good on my Abyss VibeGT.Dave
scherry2
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by scherry2 »

come on I need input here.
ballrub
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by ballrub »

I added the Star Shield Armor clear bra as an option. I have had it on my car for three years now, and love it. You can't even see it unless you get real close. They have custom fit kits for our cars, and offer three different kits. An "A" kit, which just covers the front of the hood, the top front corners of the fenders and your side mirrors. The "B" kit includes those, plus full frontal protection on the entire front bumper. The "C" kit adds the A-pillars, leading edge of the roof, leading edges of the doors, and door handles as well.Here is the link to the article I wrote about having it installed on my Vibe: http://www.speed-society.com/f...2.php...and here's the link to their website: http://www.starshieldarmor.com/home/home.phpIn my humble opinion, this is the best way to go to protect the front of our Vibes from bugs, stone chips and debris.
2003 Vibe GT Shadow............"The SHADOW Knows!"Dec. 2004 Vibe of the Month html/vo...shtml
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ColonelPanic
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by ColonelPanic »

I still my Weathertech, after 3 years on the car. It only really shows its age when you see the faded out logo that was on the left side, which I didn't want on there anyway so I'm not complaining. Somebody makes the exact same deflector without the logo, I've seen it on several cars at the various meets...Personally, I didn't care for the look of the PerfectFits/etc, which is why I went with what I have. I like the "rounded" look that more gently curves around, as opposed to the strict adherence to every contour of the hood, just personal preference I guess.The only downside, it has chewed up the paint on the inside of the bumper, above the Pontiac emblem where the hood meets the bumper. Hindsight is 20/20, the thing came with the bump-on thingys and it said to put them on the hood behind the deflector, but that made no sense since the deflector doesn't even come close to touching the hood on the top. But if I had to do it all over again, I'd stick them to the bumper where I see paint damage now... Not like what little paint there is on the bumper isn't crap already, so I'm not too bent out of shape over it.Here's a couple old pics back when the car looked all pretty and stuff from where I actually cared to wash it:
03 Vibe base. Born 10/14/2002 06:07 AM
Auto, Moon & Tunes, power package. 143k
Neptune/dying clearcoat/primer grey. :lol:

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'21 Elantra Limited - 2.0L/IVT
'15 Escape SE - 1.6L EcoBoost (hers)
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Digger
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by Digger »

I voted for the wax. I like the clean lines of my 05and I have yet to find an afordable clear bra.
2005 AWD What's your story?It's a wonderful thingMomma always said "Help that is not helpful, is no help at all"
Cougar Vibe
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Post by Cougar Vibe »

Having just driven 2,600 miles from Baltimore to Spokane, I think it's important to add here the benefits of a carbra. Granted, the look is not for everyone, nor is the increased wash/wax routine, but nothing protects better...especially for the price. Sunday morning I finally found time to detail my Vibe and the front end still looks perfect. If you spend a fair amount of time on the highway or driving in incliment weather, at least take a look at a Colgen or Carbra nose cover.
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ColonelPanic
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Re: (Cougar Vibe)

Post by ColonelPanic »

Yikes man, that was a pretty long haul you just did! Glad you made it safe.
03 Vibe base. Born 10/14/2002 06:07 AM
Auto, Moon & Tunes, power package. 143k
Neptune/dying clearcoat/primer grey. :lol:

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'21 Elantra Limited - 2.0L/IVT
'15 Escape SE - 1.6L EcoBoost (hers)
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the1stacekiller
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Re: (ColonelPanic)

Post by the1stacekiller »

I got Carflector since it was the only available choice at the time.. no problems with it so far.. I'm also very happy with it
- 2004 Pontiac Vibe Base 2 Tone Grey Goodness -
scherry2
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by scherry2 »

Oops! I forgot to post here.I got a weathertech for fathers day!http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=23497
blake31
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by blake31 »

i have a clearshield, which is similar to the 3m product. over 2 years now, and it still looks great. no stone chips. although i wish it would cover the entire hood, because the area higher up the hood that is not covered does have stone chips. great investment though!
2004 Vibe Base auto, Shadow MonotonePower, Moon & Tunes, XBOX & 7" LCD monitorTRD cold air intake18" primax 922 mesh tuner rims w/Yokohama YK520 tires 225/40/1816" steel wheels w/Hankook I-Pike W409 205/55/16 winter tires20% tint rear, 35% tint frontClearshield deluxe paint protection, Aquapel, Hella horns
Benny
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (blake31)

Post by Benny »

on average what does a bra or nose mask cost? What about bug deflecters? JC whitney have that?
AKLGT
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Post by AKLGT »

clear bra all the way. doesn't detract from the beauty of the car, doesn't look like you're from the 80's either. well worth the money.and if you go with a clear bra, just spend the extra $$ and go for the entire front end!
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
AKLGT
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Post by AKLGT »

oh ya, i had a carflector on my vibe and it sucked. those new bug and stone sheilds don't work with beans! plus, well... they're ugly.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
blake31
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (Benny)

Post by blake31 »

my clearshield cost $240 installed, if i remember right, but i got my windows tinted at the same time, so maybe i'm remembering the total price.that was the deluxe package which covers the front of the hood (about 40% of it), and the middle fascia and a little triangle area above the headlights. they unfortunately didn't offer anything to cover the lower fascia or the entire hood, or i would have got that.http://www.clearshield.com/(removed)...c.pdf for detailed pics.http://www.clearshield.com for dealers.if you find a small-time installer, he may be able to cover the entire hood for an extra fee, because the film is just laser cut from a big roll of film and he might be able to manipulate the size and shape on the computer. next time i get a new car and get this installed, i'm going to ask.
2004 Vibe Base auto, Shadow MonotonePower, Moon & Tunes, XBOX & 7" LCD monitorTRD cold air intake18" primax 922 mesh tuner rims w/Yokohama YK520 tires 225/40/1816" steel wheels w/Hankook I-Pike W409 205/55/16 winter tires20% tint rear, 35% tint frontClearshield deluxe paint protection, Aquapel, Hella horns
AKLGT
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Post by AKLGT »

the first kit i bought was from rockblocker. it was good but came just a little over the front of the hood. this last time, i had a local installer do it with his kit so it has a lifetime warranty. it's all the way up to the hood scoop! almost a foot more!
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Mavrik
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Post by Mavrik »

clear bra definatly. It won't break or make any rattles or wind noise.
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
KNINE
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Post by KNINE »

Does anybody know anything about this magnetic bra?http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem
"Don't look to the government to solve your problems, the government is the problem." Ronald Reagan"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin.
waveresponder
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by waveresponder »

id buy the perfectfit because id be able to apply lettering on it easily (backwards) example.... FIRE EMS, backwords or MOVE OVER....so when you lookin the rearview mirror....lol...anybody know where i can find a link to buy the perfect fit?....thanks.
waveresponder
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (waveresponder)

Post by waveresponder »

update..... carbras.com....sells "the Perfect Fit"...installed it last night....ill post pics up sometime soon...
KNINE
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (waveresponder)

Post by KNINE »

What's taking you so long? I want to see it now!
"Don't look to the government to solve your problems, the government is the problem." Ronald Reagan"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin.
waveresponder
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (K-NINE)

Post by waveresponder »

sorry i need to get some better pics first...and i have this assignment for my SP110 class that i need to get done before i can do that...lol
waveresponder
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (waveresponder)

Post by waveresponder »

Raven
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (waveresponder)

Post by Raven »

I installed a Formfit bug deflector yesterday. Same model I had on the '04. It looks identical to the Perfect Fit. It's almost invisible on the Abyss Vibe. I got it new for $45.00 delivered on Ebay.
gingerracer
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Post by gingerracer »

Formfit is the bug deflector I have tried just yet. @ Raven: $45 seems to be expensive for me. I got mine for $35. ____________________pulse plugs is what i need.
"Nothing but blackness aboveAnd nothing that moves but the cars...God, if you wish for our love,Fling us a handful of stars!"--Louis Untermeyer, Caliban in the Coal MinesProud Civic Owner. Proud Honda Civic Parts Lover.
Raven
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Re: (gingerracer)

Post by Raven »

Shipping costs to Canada.
JohnC
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by JohnC »

I stopped using bug deflectors when they started making them look nice...they no longer deflected bugs from my windshield. Deflectors that work are not angled back, and since the Vibe hood slopes so far down an effective deflector would need to be pretty tall (ugly). So unless you just like the look save yer $.For front end protection against stone chips and bugs the various film shields work well, IMO the 3M is the best. For the Vibe (my econo commuter) I go with the cheapest... a coat of wax on the front end and hood every washing.Just my $.02
Base Two Tone Satellite, Auto, & Pwr Pkg....my current commuting car.
Nelson
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (DavidPIL)

Post by Nelson »

I got a Lund and it didn't fit. The gap between the hood and the front grille was too tight to let the clips get in between and close the hood.
"Draco" 09 Steel Blue Base Vibe 1.8, auto, moonroofR.I.P. "FROST" 06 Frosty White Base Vibe, auto, Moonroof and Monsoontotalled when a bus t-boned us.
Amtron
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Post by Amtron »

I'd say PerfectFit because it flows with the car. I like how it sort of takes the shape of the hood.
djkeev
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (scherry2)

Post by djkeev »

I'll be the pessimist, Why? What real good does it do? Any wind tunnel test to prove the results on the Vibe? Can you now Prove that bugs do not hit the glass?Just curious.Don't like how they look.It's an odd accessory.No, I don't have one, there was one on my Toyota Truck when I got it, there isn't one now! Fugly Ugly.Dave
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burns
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Re: Which Bug Deflector and why (djkeev)

Post by burns »

I've had my Vibe for 2 years now, and I wish I had gotten a bug shield when new. Not so much for the force field that it supposedly builds around the windshield, but to eliminate all the chips in the paint on the front of the hood. I think it's damn ugly too, but then again, so are the paint chips.
REDHOTROB
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Post by REDHOTROB »

Just installed the GM ACCESSORIES bug deflector on my 2010. EASY install and looks decent on the Red Hot colour. YAYA, Pics right? Well I still need the Boss to find the camera for me.. lol
areles
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Re: (REDHOTROB)

Post by areles »

GM ACCESSORIES bug deflector on my 2009. Why? 1. I was a newbie and didn't know any better. (It doesn't really do anything)2. Didn't know what else was out there.3. Differentiate mine from a couple of other silver ones running around the area.
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