I just bought a 2012 RX350 and am wondering how to protect the front of the hood from stone chips. I have not seen an RX350 with any kind of front hood protector/bug deflector. Seems like it is not an accessory offered by Lexus, and I have not found any aftermarket hood protector/bug deflector. I admit they don't look the greatest but I hate stone chips. Any ideas?

 

Here is one option, Clear Bra.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...clear-bra.html

 

My car is at the shop right now for the clear bra. $255 for the hood (22" I guess), fenders and the mirrors using VentureShield 3M products.

Update: Got the car back, all good. They cover about 1/2 of the hood and 5-year warranty.

 

You could buy a clear mask hood kit from an outfit like this:

http://invisiblemask.com/

... and install it yourself. Total cost should be somewhere around $125. I've installed their products on two cars. I am going to do one more car (my Subaru Outback) and then possibly my RX. The hood is an easy area to install.

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

+1 on the clear bra suggestion.

I had Xpel installed on my '12 RX 350 two weeks after taking delivery. To do the hood (not quite 2/3), fenders, mirrors, bumper and headlights was $996.50. Prior to the install I could already see some small nicks on the bumper. A bit pricey, but I think well worth it in the long run. I have 3M on my IS (cost was $800) and between the two products, so far I think the Xpel is more durable. In a previous thread someone commented on the 3M having some noticeable "orange peel" on certain colors. Definitely is noticeable on my IS but it's Obsidian and the RX is Tungsten Pearl.

 

Again, a couple of questions: 1) I have a light color , Satin Cashmere, so will the edge of the clear bra be more noticeable on such a light color? 2) After several years, if I decide to remove the clear coat, will the paint that was under the clear bra look different than the paint that was not under the clear bra?

 

Film is less noticable on lighter colors and metalic colors. The paint will fade at the same rate the rest of the vehicle so here is no difference in color.

 

where did you install the clear bra?
I purchased rx 2010 2 weeks ago and am interested in the clear bra
thanks

 

My 2013 has the $429 factory applied paint film protection option on the front foot or more of the hood, the front edges of both fenders and about 75% of both mirrors. It is also listed on the 350 build accessories as a dealer installable option but may run you $750 installed at the dealer. Brochure says it is on the lower front painted area as well but have not crawled down there yet to confirm.

My 2013 was fairly heavily loaded with options ... about $51,800.

 

I just installed a hood bug deflector yesterday. I purchased it from our local Lexus dealer.
This is from a Canadian dealer. The part number is PU50048100. I don't know if Lexus in the US has the same thing. It looks great and should save some rocks and bugs from hitting the Rx.
Cheers,
Jim

 

Thanks for the update machineman - my car doesnt have it
Congrats gladiator on a job well done - did it come with an instruction manual? I did think about doing it myself but Ive never worked on cars

 

Hi.
There were no instructions with the deflector, however the nice gal at the service desk was able to download a set of instructions and was not to difficult to install. Took about 40 minutes. I think it looks ok. I don't like the invisible 3m clear hood protectors as after a while they get faded and scratched.
The deflector cost about $129.00 cdn.
Cheers,
Jim

 

My 2013 RX 350 came with the factory installed clear bra. I have Starfire Pearl and the clear bra is almost unnoticeable. It covers half of my hood to the bottom of the front bumper and to the side fender up to the wheel. Also, to the back of the mirrors, back bumper, under the 4 door handles to prevent the finger nail scratching while opening the door especially the ladies. My dealer said its an option and costs $750. I did not know about it until my salesman pointed and explained about it. He said it can be peeled off anytime and it won't leave any residue behind and protects the paint from bugs and stones damage. I really like it and highly recommend it!!!

 

Thanks, Jim. Prior to having 3M Paint Protection Film installed on my 2012 RX350, I did an extensive search for a LEXUS bug deflector in the US and could not find any. Would you please post contact info for the dealer you purchased your bug deflector from, in case I ever remove the film. Also, can you provide any pictures?

Thanks!