Hood Deflectors Now At Zeta Products
Three words:
I am truly impressed, and that is not something I say very often.
This
thing
works
I drive quite a bit at night, near water and through rural and farm areas, and I suffer quite a few bug hits. They drive me crazy! I'm fussy about visibility, especially considering the nighttime mileage I do. Since putting this deflector on my '08 Fit Sport, the number of bug hits has dropped off a cliff. I went through two tankfuls of gas with almost zero bug splatters on the windshield.thing
works
I am truly impressed, and that is not something I say very often.
New Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9
From: Dayton, Ohio
Does it fit a 2009 Fit?
I am very frustrated. I purchased a 2009 Hood Protector from Zeta but I cannot get it to fit. Had several people also trying to help. On the second page of the tech data/installation sheet it has a picture of the Metal Bracket. It appears to be upside down in the picture. The longer part of it has the square hole and is meant for the top of the hood but the picture shows the longer part on the underside of the hood. Putting the longer part on the underside of the hood is also impossible because the hole would not line up with the hole on the underside of the hood. But once I figured that out the real stopping point is that the "bend" in the Metal Bracket is way too narrow to fit over the edge of my hood. The edge of my hood is considerably thicker than the width of the bend in the Metal Bracket. I certainly don't want to force the bracket on and damage my hood and I have no way of expanding the bend. You can't just pry the opening a little more open, you really need to make the bend at the base of the part wider too. Has anyone had this experience on their 2009 Sport? I obviously wanted to install this so it is sad to have to return it.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 42
From: Illinois
I am very frustrated. I purchased a 2009 Hood Protector from Zeta but I cannot get it to fit. Had several people also trying to help. On the second page of the tech data/installation sheet it has a picture of the Metal Bracket. It appears to be upside down in the picture. The longer part of it has the square hole and is meant for the top of the hood but the picture shows the longer part on the underside of the hood. Putting the longer part on the underside of the hood is also impossible because the hole would not line up with the hole on the underside of the hood. But once I figured that out the real stopping point is that the "bend" in the Metal Bracket is way too narrow to fit over the edge of my hood. The edge of my hood is considerably thicker than the width of the bend in the Metal Bracket. I certainly don't want to force the bracket on and damage my hood and I have no way of expanding the bend. You can't just pry the opening a little more open, you really need to make the bend at the base of the part wider too. Has anyone had this experience on their 2009 Sport? I obviously wanted to install this so it is sad to have to return it.
I'd like an answer too, before I buy one.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 85
From: CA
Earlier this week, I received the 09 hood deflector for a Base Fit. I planned to install this weekend as time permits, but just made some quick measurements in the dark.
The 3 metal brackets are about 3.0mm narrowest to about 3.2mm at the opening.
There are seven holes (positions) on the bottom of the hood lip for possible mounting:
By the numbers, those brackets seem tight, but it's hard to be sure without a closer look. I plan to take a closer look tomorrow or this weekend as time permits.
Regarding the instructions: Besides the metal bracket diagram being upside down, the direction for the single bumpon looks ambiguous on first read. Is the 90mm from the hood lip on-top of the hood (using a flexible measuring tape), or 90mm vertical (and perpendicular to flat ground)? It's probably vertical, but I would have added a side view like the sticker stuck-on the middle of the deflector--or added the number to that sticker.
The 3 metal brackets are about 3.0mm narrowest to about 3.2mm at the opening.
There are seven holes (positions) on the bottom of the hood lip for possible mounting:
3210123 (0 is center hole)
The 3M anti-abrasion pads will add 0.4mm total (0.2mm each side) to the "hood" thickness. 1 is the thinnest, about 3.8mm
0, 2, 3 are thicker, about 4.8mm
2, 0, 2 are the mount points for the Zeta 09 hood deflector metal brackets
0, 2, 3 are thicker, about 4.8mm
2, 0, 2 are the mount points for the Zeta 09 hood deflector metal brackets
By the numbers, those brackets seem tight, but it's hard to be sure without a closer look. I plan to take a closer look tomorrow or this weekend as time permits.
Regarding the instructions: Besides the metal bracket diagram being upside down, the direction for the single bumpon looks ambiguous on first read. Is the 90mm from the hood lip on-top of the hood (using a flexible measuring tape), or 90mm vertical (and perpendicular to flat ground)? It's probably vertical, but I would have added a side view like the sticker stuck-on the middle of the deflector--or added the number to that sticker.
Last edited by mkchiu; Aug 13, 2009 at 12:19 AM. Reason: paragraphs, forgot to mention 3M pads
Here is some additional info that may help...
1. The drawing of the metal clip in the instructions does look like the clip is upside down. Actually the drawing is inaccurate, because it shows the top surface of the clip being much shorter than it actually is. The top of the clip is actually longer than the part that goes underneath the hood edge.
2. If the clip could be easily slipped over the edge of the hood, it would cause wear on the hood surfaces because of the flexing and buffeting that the plastic wing (deflector) experiences at highway speeds. It has to be VERY tight when it is installed to avoid movement on the hood, and to avoid rattling. It is a spring fit. For this reason, use either a rubber or plastic mallet, or the wooden handle of a hammer to tap the clips into place, after first positioning the adhesive plastic pads over the edge, top, and bottom of the hood at each hole where the clip is attached.
1. The drawing of the metal clip in the instructions does look like the clip is upside down. Actually the drawing is inaccurate, because it shows the top surface of the clip being much shorter than it actually is. The top of the clip is actually longer than the part that goes underneath the hood edge.
2. If the clip could be easily slipped over the edge of the hood, it would cause wear on the hood surfaces because of the flexing and buffeting that the plastic wing (deflector) experiences at highway speeds. It has to be VERY tight when it is installed to avoid movement on the hood, and to avoid rattling. It is a spring fit. For this reason, use either a rubber or plastic mallet, or the wooden handle of a hammer to tap the clips into place, after first positioning the adhesive plastic pads over the edge, top, and bottom of the hood at each hole where the clip is attached.
New Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9
From: Dayton, Ohio
mkchiu,
Thank you for your post. It describes the problem much better that I did. As you noted, hole/positions 2,0,2 are the ones which match up with the predrilled holes on the deflector and they are the thickest. The bracket openings are way too narrow to slide over the edge of the hood at those positions. Angelo, I appreciate your follow-up suggestion but if you were to use a mallet to tap the bracket into place at these positions I am sure you would damage the hood. The brackets are just way too narrow for those positions.
It looks like the brackets might fit at hole/position 1, the thinner positions. But then you would only have two positions to work with and three brackets. In addition, you would have to add two additional holes on the deflector and not use the existing three holes on the deflector.
mkchiu, I look forward to your follow-up post to see if you reach the same conclusion. My guess is they just made the brackets to fit the wrong holes/position and they are not wide enough (particularly at the appex of the curve) as currently configured.
Thank you for your post. It describes the problem much better that I did. As you noted, hole/positions 2,0,2 are the ones which match up with the predrilled holes on the deflector and they are the thickest. The bracket openings are way too narrow to slide over the edge of the hood at those positions. Angelo, I appreciate your follow-up suggestion but if you were to use a mallet to tap the bracket into place at these positions I am sure you would damage the hood. The brackets are just way too narrow for those positions.
It looks like the brackets might fit at hole/position 1, the thinner positions. But then you would only have two positions to work with and three brackets. In addition, you would have to add two additional holes on the deflector and not use the existing three holes on the deflector.
mkchiu, I look forward to your follow-up post to see if you reach the same conclusion. My guess is they just made the brackets to fit the wrong holes/position and they are not wide enough (particularly at the appex of the curve) as currently configured.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 85
From: CA
Blah
I installed the Zeta hood deflector on an 09 base.
I have some photos and revised "instructions" in an album. I didn't realize the photos were so bad until now. If anyone wants a better photo, ask. (BTW, the dust is from daily driving after wash and second coat of cleaning sealant-wax on Sunday--today's Thursday).
Tools:
1 person, <60 mins including time to install Honda door visors
Install:
Using iPrOH, I wiped the (metal bracket) install areas, positions 2, 0, 2 as mentioned above. In the middle position (pos 0) I carefully placed the clear 3M vinyl sticker perpendicular to the hood-lip, with a little less than half on the top of the hood. This allowed some vinyl to cover the thickness of the hood. I smoothed the sticker down the top and bottom of the hood.
After carefully aligning the bracket circular hole with the hood hole, I tapped the bracket with the hammer. It wasn't moving so I hit it again from about 6 in away from the bracket with hand on the bottom of the hammer. I repeated this a few times to get in the bracket, but was careful to hit it straight. The bracket did not go in all the way, leaving a 1.5-2mm gap from the hood. I considered hammering from 18in, but decided I couldn't control the hit from that distance.
The next problem was the washer install instructions. The instructions show the washer installed onto the expansion plug immediately with the metal side facing the the plug's head. Installing the plug and washer as instructed kept the plug tip too far from the hood's hole. The plug expanded about 1mm outside the hole...
A few more tries to get the expanded plug into the hole failed. Attempts to bend the bracket failed. I separated the plug and washer, put the plug into the bracket, placed the washer with metal-side toward bracket and rubber toward hood, and then screwed plug into hood.
This appeared to work, and the plug expanded inside the hood. I plan on checking when there's more light out.
The two other brackets at the #2 positions installed about the same except required more force and more precise placement. I hit it from about 6-9 in for more force. They didn't want to go in, but hesitation or a bad tap would have been catastrophic. The brackets can not be shifted easily, and the anti-abrasion stickers can not be shifter either.
The pedestals extended out from the hood lip about 1.5-2mm, same as the bracket gap... Maybe someone with more guts and arm control can try a harder swing. After cleaning off the wax with iPrOH, I installed the deflector and placed the pedestals.
Luckily the deflector holes for the pedestal are curved rectangles. Despite getting placements marks on the corners on top of the hood, and edges from the bottom of the hood, the final mounted pedestals wre still off.
After removing the deflector and pedestals I used the included primer to "melt" or add to the clearcoat. After installing a door visor, I placed the first pedestal and remounted the deflector. The inaccuracy in pedestal position prompted me to adjust on the other pedestal.
I remounted the deflector and marked off bumpon placement. To roughly match up with the yellow sticker on bumpon placement (bumpon slightly away from delfector bend), I ended up with the bumpon 10cm from the hood lip.
I have some photos and revised "instructions" in an album. I didn't realize the photos were so bad until now. If anyone wants a better photo, ask. (BTW, the dust is from daily driving after wash and second coat of cleaning sealant-wax on Sunday--today's Thursday).
Tools:
tailor's tape measure (post-install measurement)
spray bottle of isoproyl alcohol
#2 phillips (as listed in instructions)
invisible tape (not masking tape as list in instructions)
instant detailer spray wax
replacable tip hammer, 29cm from handle bottom to center of tip
Install time:spray bottle of isoproyl alcohol
#2 phillips (as listed in instructions)
invisible tape (not masking tape as list in instructions)
instant detailer spray wax
replacable tip hammer, 29cm from handle bottom to center of tip
yellow, very hard tip
black, hard tip not used
black, hard tip not used
1 person, <60 mins including time to install Honda door visors
Install:
Using iPrOH, I wiped the (metal bracket) install areas, positions 2, 0, 2 as mentioned above. In the middle position (pos 0) I carefully placed the clear 3M vinyl sticker perpendicular to the hood-lip, with a little less than half on the top of the hood. This allowed some vinyl to cover the thickness of the hood. I smoothed the sticker down the top and bottom of the hood.
After carefully aligning the bracket circular hole with the hood hole, I tapped the bracket with the hammer. It wasn't moving so I hit it again from about 6 in away from the bracket with hand on the bottom of the hammer. I repeated this a few times to get in the bracket, but was careful to hit it straight. The bracket did not go in all the way, leaving a 1.5-2mm gap from the hood. I considered hammering from 18in, but decided I couldn't control the hit from that distance.
The next problem was the washer install instructions. The instructions show the washer installed onto the expansion plug immediately with the metal side facing the the plug's head. Installing the plug and washer as instructed kept the plug tip too far from the hood's hole. The plug expanded about 1mm outside the hole...
A few more tries to get the expanded plug into the hole failed. Attempts to bend the bracket failed. I separated the plug and washer, put the plug into the bracket, placed the washer with metal-side toward bracket and rubber toward hood, and then screwed plug into hood.
This appeared to work, and the plug expanded inside the hood. I plan on checking when there's more light out.
The two other brackets at the #2 positions installed about the same except required more force and more precise placement. I hit it from about 6-9 in for more force. They didn't want to go in, but hesitation or a bad tap would have been catastrophic. The brackets can not be shifted easily, and the anti-abrasion stickers can not be shifter either.
The pedestals extended out from the hood lip about 1.5-2mm, same as the bracket gap... Maybe someone with more guts and arm control can try a harder swing. After cleaning off the wax with iPrOH, I installed the deflector and placed the pedestals.
Luckily the deflector holes for the pedestal are curved rectangles. Despite getting placements marks on the corners on top of the hood, and edges from the bottom of the hood, the final mounted pedestals wre still off.
After removing the deflector and pedestals I used the included primer to "melt" or add to the clearcoat. After installing a door visor, I placed the first pedestal and remounted the deflector. The inaccuracy in pedestal position prompted me to adjust on the other pedestal.
I remounted the deflector and marked off bumpon placement. To roughly match up with the yellow sticker on bumpon placement (bumpon slightly away from delfector bend), I ended up with the bumpon 10cm from the hood lip.
2009 Fit Hood Deflector Installation Issue Solved
Good Day All:
There have had some complaints by customers who purchased a 2009 Hood Deflector from us. Some customers had problems with the installation of the mounting clips on the edge of the hood. I alerted the manufacturer (Focus Auto Design), who by the way is the OEM supplier to Honda Canada, and this is what they had to say:
------------------------------
Angelo
We have just returned from the Honda dealer investigating the fit of our metal brackets on the 09-up Honda Fit. We measured and installed the mounting brackets on 4 vehicles (all mounting locations) with no issues. As I suspected the extra thickness of the under hood sealant on your customers car is giving him trouble. We spoke with the service manager at our dealer and he suggested they only had issue with installation on one vehicle as it pertains to the hood sealant. He said they “trimmed” the sealant and concluded the installation. This particular dealer installs quite a few of these parts.
At this point we will not be changing any of the components on this application or notifying Honda Canada as to any potential issues. You could advise your customers to trim the sealant to facilitate the installation if needed. The sealant can be cut with w knife as it is soft, however this is not for a fussy owner as you cut into the paint by doing so. Yes the holes will line up.
Please advise Thanks
Grant
Focus Auto Design Inc
-----------------------------------
As is stands now, we will again start selling the '09 version and will include an note about the sealant. Hope this helps.
__________________
There have had some complaints by customers who purchased a 2009 Hood Deflector from us. Some customers had problems with the installation of the mounting clips on the edge of the hood. I alerted the manufacturer (Focus Auto Design), who by the way is the OEM supplier to Honda Canada, and this is what they had to say:
------------------------------
Angelo
We have just returned from the Honda dealer investigating the fit of our metal brackets on the 09-up Honda Fit. We measured and installed the mounting brackets on 4 vehicles (all mounting locations) with no issues. As I suspected the extra thickness of the under hood sealant on your customers car is giving him trouble. We spoke with the service manager at our dealer and he suggested they only had issue with installation on one vehicle as it pertains to the hood sealant. He said they “trimmed” the sealant and concluded the installation. This particular dealer installs quite a few of these parts.
At this point we will not be changing any of the components on this application or notifying Honda Canada as to any potential issues. You could advise your customers to trim the sealant to facilitate the installation if needed. The sealant can be cut with w knife as it is soft, however this is not for a fussy owner as you cut into the paint by doing so. Yes the holes will line up.
Please advise Thanks
Grant
Focus Auto Design Inc
-----------------------------------
As is stands now, we will again start selling the '09 version and will include an note about the sealant. Hope this helps.
__________________
Honda has just added hood deflectors to their Fit accessories list. You can have the pleasure of buying one of these Honda brand pieces for $135.00.
The deflectors we sell are made by Focus Auto in Canada and sell for $89.95. This is the SAME outfit that makes the Honda brand deflector. Why pay more for the same item?
click image for more info:
The deflectors we sell are made by Focus Auto in Canada and sell for $89.95. This is the SAME outfit that makes the Honda brand deflector. Why pay more for the same item?
click image for more info:
Honda has just added hood deflectors to their Fit accessories list. You can have the pleasure of buying one of these Honda brand pieces for $135.00.
The deflectors we sell are made by Focus Auto in Canada and sell for $89.95. This is the SAME outfit that makes the Honda brand deflector. Why pay more for the same item?
click image for more info:
The deflectors we sell are made by Focus Auto in Canada and sell for $89.95. This is the SAME outfit that makes the Honda brand deflector. Why pay more for the same item?
click image for more info:
That is hilarious!!!
Good to know you carry good products.
Honda has just added hood deflectors to their Fit accessories list. You can have the pleasure of buying one of these Honda brand pieces for $135.00.
The deflectors we sell are made by Focus Auto in Canada and sell for $89.95. This is the SAME outfit that makes the Honda brand deflector. Why pay more for the same item?
click image for more info:
The deflectors we sell are made by Focus Auto in Canada and sell for $89.95. This is the SAME outfit that makes the Honda brand deflector. Why pay more for the same item?
click image for more info:
