OK, now that I've gotten the rig repainted and its all shiny and lookin GREAT I want to be able to protect my hood and windshield too from debris.

So far I have 2 options for the screw-on ones, I'd like to stay away from tape as much as possible...WeatherTech or EGR.

Here is the EGR list of hood protectors:

http://www.gogrilleguards.com/search...lAction=Page+2

Here is the link for the WeatherTech one:

http://www.weathertech.com/store/veh...pt_choice_id=0

BTW, EGR makes a Carbon Fiber hood protector...if you go to the first link for the EGR it should be the Carbon Fiber one.

So, if any of you black 3rd gen owners have a hood protector post a pic so I can see what it will look like. Otherwise, just give me some opinions on these things, thanks guys.

Fink

 

why not one of theses ? http://www.xpel.com/
better yet http://www.xpel.com/products/configu...&submodel=1677

 

Those are nice and I have looked at something similar that my Toyota dealer does at their shop but the accessories guy there, the dude that installs them said he would not recommend anything like that on a used vehicle, he has seen those things rip the paint off vehicles before that are older than 1 or 2 years. He said if you have ever have to have it replaced from aging or cracking or whatnot I will regret it...also, that would provide no protection for the windshield, not as big of a concern but still something else.

I would love to get some of that stuff though, thanks for the link, I didnt know X-Pel made that stuff.

Fink

 

I have one very similar to the second link you posted. I don't know which one I have as it was a gift. At first, I didn't like these things but I have to say I don't mind it anymore. BTW, I don't have a black truck.

 

You can have my OEM guard for $10....

 

Neil, is it in fairly decent shape? No rattling or anything?

Fink

 

As far as I can tell, it's in perfect shape. I'd polish it up first, though. Doesn't rattle.

 

why not paint protection, the 3m vinal is great.

 

Yeah but I have just heard that can be a problem on a non factory paint finish or just old paint...I have no experience with it and it may turn out to be OK but I'm not sure I want to risk it.

Fink

 

i have the egr carbon one and love it, but mine cracked during a small bump into a tree with the grill gaurd, need to order a new one. let us know if that first site actually has them in stock.

 

dexter...do you have any pics of the carbon fiber one installed?

Fink

 

my hood has been repainted and i have done the "tape" and its great, strong, dont really see it, its great, just get a 3m approved installer to put it on.

 

So what was the cost if you dont mind me asking to paint your rig? I was looking to paint mine all black. Its currently silver SR5. but im plannin on getting a hood w/ scoop, and figured to paint it all.

 

I have the OEM guard on my '00. It looks great and is solid as a rock, but I beleive it whistles above 35 mph. I don't recall that on the aftermarket guard (can't remember* the brand but it was from J.C. Whitless) I had on my '90.

*severe case of CRS (Can't Remember ˟˟˟˟˟), not to be confused with CSR (Chronic Sperm Retention)

 

I would jump on that offer Chris. I have the OEM guard; never had a problem with it.

 

Will that OEM fit my 2002? If he won't take it I might.

 

I have and really like the look of the AVS model and it sits off the paint but still contours the hood nicely. It came with rubber bumpstops but I've yet to install them due to the hood not having any issues touching the hood even at high speeds.

I just replaced my mom's OEM bug guard with an AVS one on her '99 Limited and I had to repaint the front part of the hood due to paint taking quite a rubbing.

And the AVS one only cost me $32 ($42 with a $10 rebate) from Pep Boys.

 

chris, you repainted your whole truck???

wow. any pics?

 

sounds like a bunch of b.s. to me. i have it on my hood and mirrors. works fine.

when i had my black 99, the hood and bumper got so stone chipped it, it pissed me off so much because i wish i had gotten the front end completely xpel'd. thus, when we bought our black lexus, we got the entire front end xpel'd, including the plastic front bumper. cheap insurance to keep the front end from stone chip damage

bob

 

The AVS one can also be installed in under 90 seconds from opening the box. (my brother timed me)