http://blog.joseph.eaton.net/blog/PrudhoeBay

5 pages total

Sensational pics - thanks for sharing!

Joe, it's interesting that in one of your pics it shows that the rear wind deflector does seem to have at least a limited effect on keeping the top/center portion of the window clear. Thanks for the pics.

ron

...the rear wind deflector does seem to have at least a limited effect on keeping the top/center portion of the window clear. ...

Yeah, that one in the Wally World parking lot shows REALLY clear rearward visibility. :)

To buy the wind deflector or not to buy the wind deflector, that is the question.

For me, I think it completes the rear of the truck. And, yes, it does work. I was 600 miles into the dirt roads when my back window broke. You could definately see the areas that the wind deflector kept clean.

Take a look at this one

http://blog.joseph.eaton.net/blog/PrudhoeBay/_archives/2005/6/23/969384.html

It appears that the deflector clears roughly the same width as the wiper/washer. The window corners are still dirty, as is the lower tailgate.

On vacation trips I often have enough in stuff in back that I don't make heavy use of the view out the back window. Dirt on the back is something of a bother if I am using the tailgate tent - I need to either wipe the worst off, or let the tent get dirty. The back corners need to be cleaned as much, or more so than the middle glass.

I don't think I am missing anything by not adding the deflector.

paulj

To buy the wind deflector or not to buy the wind deflector, that is the question.

For me, I think it completes the rear of the truck. And, yes, it does work. I was 600 miles into the dirt roads when my back window broke. You could definately see the areas that the wind deflector kept clean. I agree that the defector improves the look. without it the top/rear is just a little too, uhh, squared off and sharp cornered :). The defector adds just enough to change the line a bit and break it up a little. The fact that it actually does something semi functional is just a bonus and adds to the rationalization for justifying the purchase price ;).

ron

JoeDOHC, how did your rear window break?

I'm getting a little concerned about the long-term effects of driving washboard and rocky roads. Is anyone noticing metal fatigue, problems with doors closing, etc.? I wonder if the frame of the Element is stiff enough to keep its structural integrity with all the flexing and pounding on back roads.

Why should the Element be any different from any other modern car or truck with regard to handling bumpy roads and durability? The kind of body stiffness required by crash test standards, along with the stiffness expected of a well handling car, should go a long way toward ensuring durability on a variety of road surfaces.

Also the Element is the most comfortable car I have driven on backroads. That suggests the tires and suspension is absorbing most of the roughness, and not transmitting that much to the body or the riders.

At 27000 miles I don't have any new rattles or squeaks. A dash/firewall rattle that I dealt with back in 03 reappeared recently, but was solved with another generous spray of 303 lubricant.

paulj

These are some great pics. I have ALWAYS wanted to drive that highway, but, as I live in OHIO, I may never get the chance. When I take trips, I like to take pictures of myself next to signs for parks, or wilderness areas, things like that. I LOVE the picture of the sign of the arctic circle. So cool! :grin:

great pics. I so want to go to Alaska!!

The rear "wing" also keeps the back window kinda dry during rain. I never have to turn on the rear wiper. Only on the interstate does the window begin to collect water. Plus it looks pretty cool.