Stay away from the AVS/Lund Shields

08TacomaKRV · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 08:01 AM

I removed my AVS/Lund bug shield the other day to find the clips wore right through the plastic protector tape they give you and tore a nice sized hole right through my paint down to the metal. Apparently those "V" channel mounts that supposedly never touch the paint flex and move around and just rubbed right through the plastic tape.

I tried touching up the chips but they are so severe I'm going to have to take it to the dealer and have it fixed. It actually rubbed the paint so badly that it rippled upwards. It looks like sh*t to be honest!

Stay away from these types of shields. If you see a "V' clip in the installation packet, return the shield pronto!!! Those of you who already have them installed on your truck, you more than likely are already screwed.

Brandon1 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 11:55 AM

Wow that sucks, thanks for the heads up!

08TacomaKRV · #3 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 06:52 PM

Got an estimate today from one Toyota dealer to fix these chips, between $375 and $400!!!!!!!!!! Guy said the actual chip repair isn't that costly but he has to clear the entire hood once he fixes the chips!

Lund/AVS stinks! They have totally blown me off on this! Do yourselves a favor, guys and gals, and stay away from this type of bug shield!

Tundraman10 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 09:33 PM

I installed one of those EGR bug shields with the clips. Get and EGR bug shield $75. I chose to buy one with the clips instead of the 3M adhesive garbage.

08TacomaKRV · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 07:23 PM

I can tell just by looking at your photos there that you have some damage under the plastic protective stick on. This is exactly what happened to my Lund/AVS shield as the clips are very similiar. I bet if you pulled the shield off and removed those clips you would see even more damage underneath.

I heard from Lund today and they have agreed to pay for the repair to my Taco. They need three estimates along with photos of the damage, the actual shield, mounting clips, and my original receipt.

Tundraman10 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 02:30 AM

My truck was wrecked and repainted in the front and I know there is rust present so I guess it really doesn't matter to me. The truck has 134K. YES I would be very concerned if I had a newer truck like yours. At least Lund decided to pay for the damage. I'm very surprised. They should redesign their holding mechanism Those pictures up above were when I first installed the bug shield back in march 08. I'm sure their is more rust now.

caramel · #7 (**permalink**) 11-25-2008, 09:45 PM

Thanks for this post! I almost bought one of these too!

I'm glad that Lund agreed to pay for the repairs. But they do need to look up into this issue as soon as possible.

08TacomaKRV · #8 (**permalink**) 11-28-2008, 12:53 PM

Update for you guys/gals.

I got two estimates today from local Toyota dealers and it looks like this damage is going to cost around $600 to repair! They will need to remove the hood entirely, disassemble the scoop, sand the chipped area down to bare metal, repaint and retint that area, then clearcoat the entire hood again.

So any of you considering buying a Lund/AVS Bug Shield better think again! In fact, if you see any kind of "V" channel mounting clip, return the shield and forget all about it! If you choose to install it anyway, you will get this very same kind of damage!

Whoever engineered this thing at Lund should be fired!

08TacomaKRV · #9 (**permalink**) 12-17-2008, 07:29 PM

Spoke to Lund today and my repair check is in the mail! They even permitted me to take the truck to the selling dealer, as I requested, for the repair even though they were slightly higher on the estimate.

I actually never expected to get them to repair this without a fight so I'm pleasantly surprised by this. They are even offering another type of bug shield, free of charge, that supposedly doesn't contact the truck in any way. I'm going to accept it and just e-bay it!

scottnmos · #10 (**permalink**) 12-18-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 08TacomaKRV

Spoke to Lund today and my repair check is in the mail! They even permitted me to take the truck to the selling dealer, as I requested, for the repair even though they were slightly higher on the estimate.

I actually never expected to get them to repair this without a fight so I'm pleasantly surprised by this. They are even offering another type of bug shield, free of charge, that supposedly doesn't contact the truck in any way. I'm going to accept it and just e-bay it!

While I understand your frustration and desire to make a few bucks, I dont think you should ebay the new shield. They offered it to you, not to you to sell. They also are having your truck fixed at no cost to you, at the exact place you specified. Sounds like a good faith fix on Lund's part to me. You should do the same. Lund was wrong with the damage the shield did. But they agreed to fix that damage, probably better than before because I am sure the body shop will fix all the chips in your hood as well as the ones the shield made. Be a stand up kind of guy. If you are not going to use the bug shield for yourself, either call them and tell them not to send it, or put it on your vehicle, or give it away...... karma my friend....