Bug Shields?

[BigEd]

I know this is a repeat question. However, my post was one of the lost ones. I'm looking at installing a bug shield. I've heard conflicting information. I need to know if they really work or if they actually cause damage? If you like them, is there a particular brand you prefer?

Many Thanks!!!

------------------
'99 2500 4x4 Short Bed Quad Cab, Emerald Green, 5 Speed, Tonneau Cover, Bed Liner

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I left you a detailed post but the **** site lost it. Anyhow, they work GREAT for keeping your HOOD from being damaged by stones and sand, but do NOTHING for keeping bugs off your windshield. Go look at a truck that does not have a deflector and see how bad the leading edge of the hood looks.
I have the Lund 3 piece version that installs between the grill and hood, NO adhesive to peel or foam tape to rot, it is rock solid and does not cover any of the chrome. Have had it on my truck for 15k highway miles and my hood looks great.

 

[Justbeamn]

These are by Better Built from Genos garage. I wanted to stay with stainless. They help out with dings on the hood. Bugs aren't to bad. I live close to a gravel pit so I wanted something stronger than plastic also.


<img src="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1342992&a=10007412&p=42966818"

------------------
98. 5 3500 SLT Quad 6X6 * 3:54 Auto * Waterfall black/red * Custom dually flaps * Rhino lining * All acc's w/leather * Muth signal mirrors * K&N * Catz MSC's * 55watt back up lights * Optima Red Tops * 80/100 Head Lights * Silencer ring "AWOL * BD exhaust brake * Banks EGT/Boost/Temp gauges * Mag-Hytec DC&TP * SS bug screen and fender trim * SS Stull diamond line running boards * SS 4" turn down * grill inserts
My Dually

 

[illflem]

Second time for this post also.
After checking out quite a few different bug shields I went with the OEM 3 piece Dodge.
Attaches easily with hidden screws and fits perfect, no problem if you want to remove it. I watched as a passenger driving though some buggy irrigated farm land and most of the bugs are deflected, big ones still hit and the windshield is a mess, but it could be worse. It is worth it just for the rock protection as EMD said, even if it doesn't deflect all the bugs. I've also noticed that the shield helps deflect dry snow.

 

[Bumble]

I've got the same shield as Justbeamn on the 2001 and on a 97. All it took on the 97 was the first chip in the hood paint and the shield went on. The 2001 got it's shield it's first week.

They do little to nothing for bug protection, but do help considerably for paint protection.

------------------
2001, 3500, 5sp, 3. 54LS, 4x4, pyro and boost on the A-pillar, 165 watts of backup lights, Thomas powered on-board air system, Grovers.

 

[JAK]

I installed a Deflecta Shield Custom Fit. It's the only one I could find of the old straight up style. It has noticeably reduced the bugs on the windshield. I agree with the other posts about the curved ones not helping much with the windshield. The deflecta shield website is: http://www.deflectashield.com/products/customfit.html

------------------
Y2K Driftwood 2500 4X4 5spd

 

[Lordsman]

I bought the mopar shield because I noticed a little chipping on the chrome grille before I had it installed. I like the
looks of the newer style that go on above the grille, but for me I wanted protection on the grille also. As for windshield protection, forget it, goin' in for a windshield replacement real soon due to rocks. My two-cents worth.

------------------
99 2500SLT,QC,4x4,6-spd, 3. 5 lsd,LB,Camper group , Jacobs E-Brake, Autometer Pyro & Boost guages, Rhino liner, Airlift 5000 airbags, Redline hitch,Tekonsha brake control,Diamomd plate bed rails,Dodge grill & splash guards.

 

[WOWZY]

I have the ones from VENTVISOR and have noticed my side mirrors have some vibration to them. I exspected that since they who Engineered the Ram, didn't have bug-shields in mind.
<font color=blue>

------------------
'99 2500HD Quad Cab 4x4, Intense Blue Pearlcoat, Fully loaded w/Agate leather interior, 5-speed, 4. 10 Limited Slip, Skyjacker Leveling kit, Heckethorn Nitro 9000 shocks w/dual End to End steering stabilizers, 35x12. 50x16. 5 BFG/AT KO's on 9. 75x16. 5 Eagle 589 Aluminum Wheels, 9004 Cool Blue's, Silencer Ring removed, Fog Lights relay pulled, No muffler, No resonator, 4" straight pipe, Northwest Customs Stainless Steel Rocker Panels, Steel Horse Stainless Steel Nerf Bars, K&N Filter,Custom POWEREDGE W/HOT Programs 60/80/100+HP, Grover Air Horns, Autometer Ultra-Lite Gauges.

 

[illflem]

The install instructions that come with the Mopar shield say the it will cause the mirrors and antenna to vibrate, I haven't noticed it though.

 

[JohnE]

When I see or hear "bug shield" I still think grill cover to keep the carcases out of the A/C evaporator & trany cooler fins.

#ad


I like both the hood & grill products myself. I have a Dodge unit on my current pickup and had a Lund on my prior <small>Chevy</font> pickup. I think the Lund was better quality, but that may have been because it was on a lower quality pickup. . ?

Cheers;
John

[This message has been edited by JohnE (edited 05-26-2001). ]

 

[VicR]

Hmm. I thought I posted this but its gone. Anyway, I put the Mopar bug shield on my 99, and then I ordered the self adhesive Ram hood emblem from a 98 Dodge Neon (don't get the plymouth or you end up with a ship) and put it in the middle to replace the one on the chrome grill that got covered up.

-Vic R
99 QC SB 2wd 6spd.

 

[ET]

I HAVE A GTS 3PC AND IT FITS GREAT AND WAS EASY TO INSTALL. THE BEST PART WAS THE PRICE AT THE LOCAL GOODIES STORE. $30 THEY HAD SOME LEFT AFTER THE RV SHOW IN TOWN AND WERE TRYING TO GET RID OF THEM.

------------------
1999 2500 auto 4x4 3. 54LSD QC LB loaded w/leather white w/gray bottom, westin ss nerf bars, dodge bed liner, 3pc bug deflector, M/T classics 265/75/16 michelins (for now) tough country front bumper, ram tail light covers, fog lights, driving lights, and backup lights, galaxy 88, wilson 5000. more on the way

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I think one of the cleanest & nicest looking bug sheilds is the Bugflector II, by Auto Ventshade. I'm on my second one now. I Wouldn't change to another brand or type. Its the one Geno's Garage has.

#ad

 

[SWC]

I installed the Lund stainless steel three piece. A little pricey but I like the looks. I can always tell which direction the wind is from as the down wind mirror shakes a little. The upwind mirror is solid. It takes a big bug with determination to make a splat on the lower part of the windshield. The smaller stuff is deflected higher.
Stan

------------------
2001. 5 3500 ETH-DEE 3. 53 gears
Patriot Blue SLT Camper and Towing package

[This message has been edited by SWC (edited 05-27-2001). ]

 

[Hammer]

Driver Design for me,,Its a little taller than most and has the center designed like our hoods with a small hump to fit the lines of the hood,,Most bugs hit from the center up and very little or no mirror shake,,They also work wonders for the fender and hood paint chip protection... ... .

------------------
98, Flame Red, Quad Cab, 2500, 4x4, 5spd, Autometer and Cyberdyne gauges,Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks,TST#10 plate,16cm housing, B-D Exhaust Brake,Timing Advanced,K&N,Totally Amsoiled,Cat Muffler and Silencer ring ALL M. I. A. ,A BOMBING IN THE PROCESS!!

 

[Cooker]

What about all the info I've read about the bug shield affecting fuel economy. Has anyone experienced this?

-Ryan

 

[Hammer]

ONLY Thing that effects my fuel milage is my size 14 right foot,,I just can not figure out how to shove it into a smaller sneaker to ease the pressure on the big juice pedal...

------------------
98, Flame Red, Quad Cab, 2500, 4x4, 5spd, Autometer and Cyberdyne gauges,Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks,TST#10 plate,16cm housing, B-D Exhaust Brake,Timing Advanced,K&N,Totally Amsoiled,Cat Muffler and Silencer ring ALL M. I. A. ,A BOMBING IN THE PROCESS!!

 

[Shelby Griggs]

I went a different route. I have never seen a bug deflector due much in the way of keeping the bugs off of the windscreen, and with the other associated problems, (vibration of the mirrors, washers not working, possible lower fuel mileage, etc. ) I decided to opt for paint protection only. I installed the plastic film paint protection. They guarantee that you will not get any paint chips though the film for 4 years. Here is a link to where I ordered mine. http://www.xpel.com. /

Shelby

------------------
2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH (Built 09-10-00), DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 12310 miles as of 05-01-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

[pcorssmit]

I have the same one as Hemi, on a white 4x sport, with the side pieces too. It was on the truck when I bought it, and I like the way it looks better than the ones that cover the grill. Don't have to trim the Lund cold fronts, either.

------------------
'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Ditto on the heavy foot being the biggest cause of all our poor fuel economy. As heavy as our trucks are, i would think that a small piece of plastic would hurt mileage by such a small amount, it would be unnoticable.