Hood protector/air deflector

[spasmonaut]

Hey guys,

Could really use a hand here. I have a 2012 Outback 2.5i Limited and I ordered a hood protector from subaruonlineparts.com (part # E231SAJ000) and was going to install it this weekend. However, it appears that the mounting holes don't quite line up correctly towards the outer holes and the very outside holes that I would expect to find under the hood do not seem to be there. In other words, the very outside mounting holes on the shield do not match up to anything under the hood and it seems to me there are no holes for attaching the brackets on the outer most section.

Was there a change between the '10 and '11 models that this shield that they shipped me could perhaps be the wrong one? They complain '10-'12 compatibility and I wanted to see if anyone here can vouch for that or not. Not at all interested in drilling holes and the instructions clearly state you only need a screwdriver. Am I missing something? I'll get some photos if need be and going to reach out to them as well about the sale although I can't find a phone number which sucks; I hate using e-mail on something like this.

Anyway, any and all feedback or suggestions are welcomed and appreciated!

[OBnube]

The hood deflector has six mounting screws. The center two have white plastic spacer/keepers that screw into holes on the underside of the hood. (When you do your install put a blanket or sheet over the engine bay several others have reported dropping them and not seeing them again.) There are straps that screw through the keeper and wrap around the front lip of the hood with holes for the deflector. This "centers" the deflector on the hood.

The other two pair of mounts are friction straps that are pressed onto the front lip of the hood. No holes. All six straps have small 3M clear bra Pads that are applied to the leading edge of the hood where each strap goes to protect the paint from being scratched. They are quite small and if not centered carefully will not line up with the straps. Prefit where possible. Work from the center out.

There is a foam strip under the deflector that rests on the paint. It will damage the clearcoat. Some have removed it and others(me) have obtained a strip of 3M clearbra about 2" wide and 30" long and applied it to the hood before the install to protect the clearcoat.

The deflector has several rubber snubbers under the trailing edge to support it from sagging. They may or may not touch the paint but they do supply more 3M patches that go under each one for protection.

The 3m protectors took me the most time. They are barely wider than the straps. Nothing to it but to do it. Hope this helps.

[Telar]

Originally Posted by OBnube

The hood deflector has
There is a foam strip under the deflector that rests on the paint. It will damage the clearcoat. Some have removed it and others(me) have obtained a strip of 3M clearbra about 2" wide and 30" long and applied it to the hood before the install to protect the clearcoat.

The deflector has several rubber snubbers under the trailing edge to support it from sagging. They may or may not touch the paint but they do supply more 3M patches that go under each one for protection.

The 3m protectors took me the most time. They are barely wider than the straps. Nothing to it but to do it. Hope this helps.

Ok, looked for a strip of the material mentioned above. I've talked to a couple places like AutoZone asking about ClearBra and they had no idea what I was talking about. Then I went to a store that supplies auto paint to the trade and the guy there didn't know either. Maybe I need a generic name for the stuff. Can you suggest a source?

[OBnube]

Here is the product. Clear Bra Kits Subaru paint protection film to protect your vehicles painted surface from rock chips and road debris.

Find a dealer in your area and see if you can beg a scrap cheap(free). They get lots of scraps from custom jobs. Try window tint shops.

[fosterick]

If you go to the Weather Tech web site they have a video on installing the bug guards.

[subaruonlineparts]

Originally Posted by spasmonaut

Hey guys,

Could really use a hand here. I have a 2012 Outback 2.5i Limited and I ordered a hood protector from subaruonlineparts.com (part # E231SAJ000) and was going to install it this weekend. However, it appears that the mounting holes don't quite line up correctly towards the outer holes and the very outside holes that I would expect to find under the hood do not seem to be there. In other words, the very outside mounting holes on the shield do not match up to anything under the hood and it seems to me there are no holes for attaching the brackets on the outer most section.

Was there a change between the '10 and '11 models that this shield that they shipped me could perhaps be the wrong one? They complain '10-'12 compatibility and I wanted to see if anyone here can vouch for that or not. Not at all interested in drilling holes and the instructions clearly state you only need a screwdriver. Am I missing something? I'll get some photos if need be and going to reach out to them as well about the sale although I can't find a phone number which sucks; I hate using e-mail on something like this.

Anyway, any and all feedback or suggestions are welcomed and appreciated!

spasmonaut,

Has your issue been resolved? For any assistance please PM me here or email us at sales@subaruonlineparts.com

The E231SAJ000 Hood Deflector is actually used on 2010-2013 models, I have posted the installation instructions below

http://subaruonlineparts.com/pdf/E231SAJ000.pdf

Thanks, Benny

[gringoanthony]

Like OBnube mentioned, the foam strip will ruin the clear coat. We noticed this within a week of having a brand new Subaru hood protector installed on our brand new Outback. The clear coat took on a significant orange peel texture. Not sure if it was from chemicals in the foam or what, but the clear coat was ruined. We got rid of the hood protector and resolving this issue with Subaru has been a major, perpetual PITA.

Your best bet, unless you plan to permanently leave the hood protector on your car, or aren't worried about damage/resale value might be to consider a clear bra instead of the Subaru hood protector.

[OBnube]

I just did both on my '13. Clearbra then Hood Protector.

[Alx]

I am late here, but DON'T get one of these. They will do more harm than good, unless the design has significantly changed. The metal clips wil rust onto your paintwork, and the acrylic guard will rub and mark your bonnet/ hood (the corners) and grille. Buy some touch up paint and fill stone chips as they occur. You will be better off in the long run.

And don't bother with the headlight protectors - total waste of money. Polycarbonate headlights are nearly indestructible.

[OBnube]

Are you speaking of the OEM deflector? I have installed two of them and the only thing that directly touches the paint is the foam strip. That strip will damage the paint. All other contact points have 3M pads to protect the paint from any damage.