Rear wind deflector

[ClassyJalopy]

Why are folks overly concerned about the rear wind deflectors? Do they actually provide any function? IMO the early thin blade type are actually ugly!

 

[BullElk]

Why are folks overly concerned about the rear wind deflectors? Do they actually provide any function? IMO the early thin blade type are actually ugly!

I really like the small blade wind deflectors and the whale tails. I’m in the woods every day and like how they decrease dust sticking to rear glass.

 

[TLO]

Why are folks overly concerned about the rear wind deflectors? Do they actually provide any function? IMO the early thin blade type are actually ugly!

The design is to keep dust and spray from wet roads (Reside in Pac. NW) away from the rear window. I’ve noticed a difference in the accumulation of residue on the rear window without vs. with the wind deflector.

 

[kingkarlsen]

Hoping to find an alternative to the oem wind deflector. I’d be willing to pay more for a wind deflector made from a more sturdy material. I was on the highway when I witnessed mine fly off (through rear view mirror) and shatter on the pavement. Looked like pieces of shatter tile or plate hitting the highway. Luckily there wasn’t a vehicle behind me.

Have you found or gotten an alternative for this, I've searched everywhere and am looking for something.

 

[TLO]

Have you found or gotten an alternative for this, I've searched everywhere and am looking for something.

I haven’t found an alternative.

 

[kingkarlsen]

I haven’t found an alternative.

Alright thanks for response, wish I could get someone to remanufacturer or do custom jobs.

 

[Michaelsw97]

Alright thanks for response, wish I could get someone to remanufacturer or do custom jobs.

Agreed, if any sources show up I'd get one.

 

[Zooguy]

What is the going price for the rear wind deflector now a days?

 

[willmtaylor]

What is the going price for the rear wind deflector now a days?

I’ve seen asking prices $550-$750, but no idea if they’re actually selling for that or not.

 

[Michaelsw97]

I have my replacement rear wind deflector ready to install, but the old mounting bolts are just spinning, not coming out. The old one broke and flew off as some others have stated. How were the mounting bolts installed? Self tapping sheet metal or other? It doesn't appear accessible from the inside of the hatch door. Would I have to remove the rear window trim? Any recommendations appreciated.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I have my replacement rear wind deflector ready to install, but the old mounting bolts are just spinning, not coming out. The old one broke and flew off as some others have stated. How were the mounting bolts installed? Self tapping sheet metal or other? It doesn't appear accessible from the inside of the hatch door. Would I have to remove the rear window trim? Any recommendations appreciated.

I am pretty sure they are rivnuts. Not sure if you can actually get to the other side and hold them with a good quality locking pliers while backing off the old bolts.
More than likely you will end up cutting off the old bolts and drilling out the old rivnut and installing a slightly bigger riv nut in its place.
Post some pics here, in case I am way off in my assessment!

 

[Michaelsw97]

That sounds right. I've not worked with Rivnuts but I expected I'd need to drill it out. Here's a pic. I partially pulled the brake light and it didn't seem like there was clearance to get a tool in there to hold the back side nut.

 

[Keowee]

That sounds right. I've not worked with Rivnuts but I expected I'd need to drill it out. Here's a pic. I partially pulled the brake light and it didn't seem like there was clearance to get a tool in there to hold the back side nut.

View attachment 3300159

Try sliding a plastic trim tool under the washer and pry up while turning the bolt out.
Or use a flat screwdriver to lift it up. Tape up the paint to avoid chipping it.