AVS Bug Deflector II issues

[dmtalon]

Ok, here goes...

Bought an AVS Bug Deflector II and installed it. During the tightening of the drivers side under hood "corner" nut I hear a "crack" Look, and sure enough it cracked right were it comes out of the grill. The sharp edge of the grill looks like it just cracked/ripped it.

Inquired about a replacement, and ended up sending it back.

Got the replacement this week, and just decided to put it back on. I now have some "install" experience and know what I'm doing.

I line everything up, and in fact I try my best to make it so as little pressure is on the bug deflector where it comes out of the grill. I tighten all the bolts / nuts except for the corner ones. I have them snug, but not tight. I tighten them just a little more so they aren't going to fall off (mind you they are not "tight").

Everything is lined up dead center, but when I go to shut the hood I here "crack" This time it's the passenger side. It doesn't seem to be as bad, but I don't understand what I'm doing wrong here.

It's a pretty straight forward install, and I'm no where near new to modifying cars/trucks etc... Very rarely do I let anyone work on any of my cars/trucks.

Anyone else had or seen this problem with the AVS brand bug deflectors?

Right now I have no plans to return this one, I plan to leave it as is until it gets bad enough that I have to remove it, and then I'll try something else.

The only reason I have this thing on is for protection. It looks *ok* but if it keeps the front of my hood chip free then it's doing it job. If it flings a few bugs up over the windshield then that's a bonus.

Within the first 700 miles that I owned the truck I got a small chip in the pain right behind where the bug deflector would protect

Any help and/or ideas would be appreciated.

[lotus4s]

I just replaced mine today after breaking the end off the first one on a tree limb.

The first one fit fine but the new one I had a similar problem with. It was binding on the grill on the driver's side as you describe. I loosened the nuts and adjusted it around and pulled it a little farther out from under the grill and all was well. I was able to tighten all the nuts with no problem.

Try adjusting it some more....

[Go Flames Go]

I would return it. You can get 3M tape installed on the hood and front end for a reasonable price. It doesn’t affect the look of the truck and would do a better job of protecting it in my opinion. I have an ltd CM and I got my whole front end, wheel wells (that little piece of painted metal), chrome part of mirrors and rocker panels done for protection. As well, I have around the outside of my box done, where my tonneau (sp?) cover comes down (the rubber "sealer" would wear the paint). It was a bit pricey to get it all done; keep in mind that is a lot of 3M, but well worth it for me. Plus, it doesn’t o yellow like the old 3M as it has “built in” sun screen. You can wax it as well for added protection. You can’t even notice the tape on my truck. Just thought.

[fins]

Man, I feel bad recommending the AVS to you, Dallace. Could very well be a design flaw. AS I said, no issues with mine...

OR.... you've identified a grille design flaw on the Tundra that will manifest itself into a 50 page thread and cause Toyota to issue a nationwide recall

[dmtalon]

Originally Posted by lotus4s

I just replaced mine today after breaking the end off the first one on a tree limb.

The first one fit fine but the new one I had a similar problem with. It was binding on the grill on the driver's side as you describe. I loosened the nuts and adjusted it around and pulled it a little farther out from under the grill and all was well. I was able to tighten all the nuts with no problem.

Try adjusting it some more....

Well unfortunately it's already broken, but this second time I REALLY REALLY tried to keep the pressure off the corners by pulling it out more. But any more and there was going to be pressure on the bottom holes, and the non-smooth part is already sticking out more than *I* think it should.