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I like it!
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further away
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another
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close-up of fasteners
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bumpons
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side view
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| Wow that looks nice. How long did it take to install and also is it easy to remove? Can the hood be opened/closed with it installed? |
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Thank you very much for the pictures! I think the design is great. Looks being totally subjective, I was a bit surprised at first at how it sort of "eyebrows" around the lights. And also has some shaping on the back end.
Definitely looks lower than the Acura one. |
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Hands are free again, so I can type a bit more about the installation and quality.
In reverse order, this is nothing BUT high quality. Sturdy materials and very well thought out.
There are four screws and concave washers to attach the center under the hood. The washers are padded on the inside of the concave to help with vibration and for a more secure fit.
There are four fasteners which are shaped like a capital letter E. A clear 1" x 1/2" film goes over the edge of the hood where these sile on. One groove goes over the hood, the other over the deflector. This makes sure the parts farthest from the center remain off the hood about 3/8".
The next step is to secure the deflector through top part of the fastener with a small black screw. Once these are in, they are virtually invisible.
The final step is to put two gumdrop-size bumpons on the rise of the hood, where the point of contact would most likely occur.
I though hard about leaving the bumpons off, and pushed down to see how much force it would take ot make the deflector rub. I couldn't make it touch without wondering how much longer until it was too much. But them looking at them and knowing a small amount of alcohol would take any glue off if I wanted to remove them later, I put them on. You can't even see them in the shadow of the deflector.
Full install time: 15 minutes. Second time would probally be about 5-7. It's so easy. Would come off in about as many. And the hood opens without any issues as it is on the hood and extends about an inch over the hood edge.
Any more questions? Feel free to ask! |
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| And the best part is....you can now buy these and the ventvisors right on the website! |
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| Looks great! 100% better than the Acura one. I may have to rethink the sport bra. |
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quote:
Originally posted by MDXtra
...The final step is to put two gumdrop-size bumpons on the rise of the hood, where the point of contact would most likely occur.
I though hard about leaving the bumpons off, and pushed down to see how much force it would take ot make the deflector rub. I couldn't make it touch without wondering how much longer until it was too much. But them looking at them and knowing a small amount of alcohol would take any glue off if I wanted to remove them later, I put them on. You can't even see them in the shadow of the deflector.
If the bumpons don't normally touch, why not attach them to the deflector instead of to the paint? |
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| The instructions warn not to install the bumpons on the deflector because, should they rub, it's better to rub against the deflector than the clearcoat/paint/metal. |
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Thanks for all the pics. I have a Mesa Beige also and there's no way I was going to put that green Acura monstrosity on it. But seeing how yours looks, I'll definitely consider buying it.
After you've driven with it for awhile, let us know how well it deflects the bugs. |
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Thanks for the pics MDXtra,
Based on them, I just ordered one for my MDX.
I did not like the one from ACURA.
Now if I could just determine the level of tint for the front windows. |
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On the 16th I leave for a 1200 mile round-trip. I'll report back afterwards on the bugs, but I got it mainly to keep chips off my hood. The bug-deflecting feature is just a bonus to me. ;)
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quote:
Originally posted by MDXtra
The instructions warn not to install the bumpons on the deflector because, should they rub, it's better to rub against the deflector than the clearcoat/paint/metal.
Excellent work !! MDXtra.
As to the bumpons, how about install them on the deflector as Crem suggested and fix some easily removable sticker like masking tape on the hood to protect the paint? Just an idea. |
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| The glue used is 3M which will come of easily without even clearcoat damage. Better than risking wear through a clear film attached the same way. These guys have been making deflectors for years and I'm sure they know exactly why they say "not on the deflector, on the hood." |
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| I was asked if there was any increase in wind noise with the addition of the hood deflector, and gladly I can say after a week I have noticed no increase. I travel about 20 minutes a weekday on highways usually at about 70-80 mph (just keeping up with traffic ) and there has been no additional noise noticed. Doesn't sound any quieter, but definately not louder. And no new paint chips! |
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Wow...nice !
Let us know how it deflects bugs. |
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So far, no better or worse on the bug deflection off the windows, but less are hitting the hood! :) I keep a supply of Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Cleaner for use in the spring through fall. Works like a charm.
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I am going to be purchasing the formfit hood deflector here in Toronto, Canada, at Downtown Acura, Price $89 Cdn. + Tax.
My wife has a Formfit deflector on her car. I had to remove the bumpers after a few weeks, because they were not alligned properly, my mistake, and they came off fine with no damage at all to the paint.
Don't worry about sticking them on your hood. Great Canadian Product :) |
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So does Formfit do any retailing? All I can find with a web search is women's apparel - that's been interesting, but right now I'm more interested in keeping bugs off my hood :).
Hey, when you go to Downtown Acura there in Toronto, see if they'll ship down to the States. If not, you could start up a great black market business in bug deflectors, maybe even work in some prescription drugs. :D:D |
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http://www.autoseattle.com/focus_photos.htm
Found this. No pictures of a MDX, but it's kinda scary that the MDX deflector looks very much like the Camaro one second down on the left! :)
Plus Tim has them for $2.50 less shipped. ;) |
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| Just got back from 500 miles round trip and this time I can definatly say that the front hood reflector kept the bugs off. A quick spraydown and the front of the car was clean as a whistle :) |
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| tsai_guy |
Just put on my Formfit deflector (thanks Tim!)
I must say it really does look good!
I had one small problem though. There are two points on the deflector that touch the plastic center piece (where the Acura emblem is), and this has resulted in two scratches in the plastic that caused some of the SS paint to come off. I'm talking about the two lowest points on the deflector that is supposed to wrap around the inward sloping grille part between the headlights and the Acura emblem. Does anyone else have this problem? |
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