Ford OEM Hood Protector (Review)

B MIller

Oct 06, 2023

Hello Everyone,

After killing millions of bugs and one rock driving 4.5 hours to the Oregon Desert every few weeks. It was time to make the move to get a hood protector. I chose the Ford OEM Hood Protector because it also deflects the air up and over the Bronco. The bonus I was looking for.

Here's my thoughts (so far.) The product arrived safely with the cleaning supplies needed to apply the protector. The protector is well built and make a quality black plastic with nice stick on tape around the entire perimeter. The protector applies super easily (after lining it up) and the tape holds super tight. Very happy with what I received.

Next week I make another trip to the desert. I'll be sure to post here a follow up on if the wind deflector actually directs bugs up and over the windshield.

Until then!

Northwest Bronco Channel

Deano Bronc, Kenneth

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 06, 2023

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Oct 06, 2023

B MIller
Hello Everyone,

After killing millions of bugs and one rock driving 4.5 hours to the Oregon Desert every few weeks. It was time to make the move to get a hood protector. I chose the Ford OEM Hood Protector because it also deflects the air up and over the Bronco. The bonus I was looking for.

Here's my thoughts (so far.) The product arrived safely with the cleaning supplies needed to apply the protector. The protector is well built and make a quality black plastic with nice stick on tape around the entire perimeter. The protector applies super easily (after lining it up) and the tape holds super tight. Very happy with what I received.

Next week I make another trip to the desert. I'll be sure to post here a follow up on if the wind deflector actually directs bugs up and over the windshield.

Until then!

Nice fit, looks good. Let us know how it works. The bugs are crazy this time of year in Fla . right now I just have ceramic coating on the Bronco

B MIller

Oct 06, 2023

I have the same on my 2 dr. It puts the bugs at the top third of the windshield for me and has also saved me a couple of rock chips as well.

21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!

Dirt Dog, B MIller

Oct 06, 2023

I had mine installed when I bought it. I assume it works great (I wont say why cuz I don’t wanna jinx myself hahah). The only think that bugs me is there are tiny gaps on the rear and the right and left corner. I worry about dirt getting under there and wearing on it.

Dirt Dog, B MIller

Oct 06, 2023

i'm with Sven on how well it works. I still had to scrub bugs off the windshield every gas fillup on my 5700 mile western adventure. No rock chips but still had a plethora of bugs, especially on the top third. I don't know if its the deflector but at high speed I have noticed more hood flutter.

Res 7/24/20 - 4dr Badlands 2.7- MIC-- High - Hot Pepper- Mod-- 8/12 Blend Date -Del 9/12/22

B MIller, Sven

Oct 06, 2023

Dirt Dog
i'm with Sven on how well it works. I still had to scrub bugs off the windshield every gas fillup on my 5700 mile western adventure. No rock chips but still had a plethora of bugs, especially on the top third. I don't know if its the deflector but at high speed I have noticed more hood flutter.

Yes sir. I adjusted my hood bumpers to stop that.

21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!

Deano Bronc, Dirt Dog

Oct 14, 2023

Nice Bronco - Great garage too!! Yeah, just ordered this hood protector. Here in Colorado it's the winter de-ice & gravel CDOT spreads on our roads that blasts our frontend & windshield. Yeah, we appreciate the traction driving through winter storms, but it's sad what this material does to our vehicles. Annual windshield changes aren't unusual, but we try to get a few seasons more.

I didn't check our WildTrak windshield's replacement cost before closing and assumed Bronce had ~ $400 windshield. Well, with its driver assist camera, etc, this windshield maybe 2x that $ amount. Wish we had added Ford's windshield replacement coverage now..

Oh well, this hood protector looks good and may reduce some damage too. I've also stocked up on glass repair kits.

Cheers

Chief Ron, B MIller

Oct 14, 2023

Definitely makes a huge difference with the bugs. And like @Sven said, adjust those bumpers!

Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

Oct 14, 2023

B MIller
Hello Everyone,

After killing millions of bugs and one rock driving 4.5 hours to the Oregon Desert every few weeks. It was time to make the move to get a hood protector. I chose the Ford OEM Hood Protector because it also deflects the air up and over the Bronco. The bonus I was looking for.

Here's my thoughts (so far.) The product arrived safely with the cleaning supplies needed to apply the protector. The protector is well built and make a quality black plastic with nice stick on tape around the entire perimeter. The protector applies super easily (after lining it up) and the tape holds super tight. Very happy with what I received.

Next week I make another trip to the desert. I'll be sure to post here a follow up on if the wind deflector actually directs bugs up and over the windshield.

Until then!

Not to put a damper on your wishes, I had this installed before I drove my bronco off the lot. Currently at 5600 miles I have plenty of bugs on the windshield, and a crack from a rock strike! 😞 I also purchased what I thought included windshield replacement/repair when I bought my Bronco. Found out yesterday at the dealer that it only covers chip repairs, not crack, and not replacement. Total replacement cost with OEM windshield, ~$750! I’ll wait until the crack gets longer.

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‘23 Hot Pepper Red Wildtrak 2.7L-V6 4 dr. MIC Sas Lux and Lovin’ it!!

Deano Bronc, Kenneth

Oct 14, 2023

Sam I Am 1966
Not to put a damper on your wishes, I had this installed before I drove my bronco off the lot. Currently at 5600 miles I have plenty of bugs on the windshield, and a crack from a rock strike! 😞 I also purchased what I thought included windshield replacement/repair when I bought my Bronco. Found out yesterday at the dealer that it only covers chip repairs, not crack, and not replacement. Total replacement cost with OEM windshield, ~$750! I’ll wait until the crack gets longer.

And if you look closely you can see where the rock hit below the wiper, about 1/4” up from the bottom of the glass.

‘23 Hot Pepper Red Wildtrak 2.7L-V6 4 dr. MIC Sas Lux and Lovin’ it!!

Chief Ron

Oct 14, 2023

#10

radar3d
I had mine installed when I bought it. I assume it works great (I wont say why cuz I don’t wanna jinx myself hahah). The only think that bugs me is there are tiny gaps on the rear and the right and left corner. I worry about dirt getting under there and wearing on it.

Agree. I have the same concern and worries about the small gaps and dirt and sand getting underneath as I do a fair amount of beach driving.

‘23 Hot Pepper Red Wildtrak 2.7L-V6 4 dr. MIC Sas Lux and Lovin’ it!!

Chief Ron

Oct 15, 2023

#11

Sam I Am 1966
Not to put a damper on your wishes, I had this installed before I drove my bronco off the lot. Currently at 5600 miles I have plenty of bugs on the windshield, and a crack from a rock strike! 😞 I also purchased what I thought included windshield replacement/repair when I bought my Bronco. Found out yesterday at the dealer that it only covers chip repairs, not crack, and not replacement. Total replacement cost with OEM windshield, ~$750! I’ll wait until the crack gets longer.

Thanks for your reply & pics! Not good, but no real surprise. The glass folks tell me glass edges are its weakest area, and longer cracks from these edge hits are typical. At least, it's on the passenger side and you don't have to look thru it to drive.

Nice Bronco, luv that color!!

Cheers

Chief Ron, Sam I Am 1966

Oct 15, 2023

#12

The new offroad warranty from Ford sounds like it covers the windshield. In AZ windshield insurance is a standard part of your policy. Also look into windshield protection film. Has saved me from numerous direct hits.

Chief Ron

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