Fender Flares

[GColeman]

I want to replace my Xenon fender flares. I have had a problem since I got them. They will not stay attached with the 3M tape. My friend has a body shop and he has tried everything. They continue to pull away from the body, mainly when the truck body gets hot in the sun. After a couple of months, the only thing holding them on is the screws in the inside lip of the fender.



I don't know if I just got a bad set or if they all deform like this when they heat up, but I am tired of trying to make them work.



Can anyone recommend a good quality fender flare that can be painted to match the body and one that remains secure? Pictures would be great.

 

[AHofner]

same boat here

I don't know what kind of flares I have, they were on the truck when I bought them. The clear coat was chipping off so I sanded them down and had them painted to match the body. The problem I have now is that when they were black, there was a thin black weather strip b/n them and the body, now that everything is silver, I can't use the weather strip and it throws off the spacing between the flare and the body panel. I'm looking at using some thick gray 2 sided tape I found at the hardware store. If anybody has any better ideas, I'm all ears as well.

 

[Slow Six]

My Xenons did the same thing. I took truck to body shop and we used a bead of urethane (used for windshields I think). They have stayed in place since.

 

[GColeman]

My Xenons did the same thing. I took truck to body shop and we used a bead of urethane (used for windshields I think). They have stayed in place since.

We also tried some type of urethane like that but it didn't hold. It was a pain to remove. I have had the biggest problem with the rear flares.



There are a lot of quality fender flares out there I'm sure. I would just like to hear from some satisfied owners before I spend more money on another set.

 

[LFarmer]

I have the Bushwacker Extend-A-Fender flairs that I painted to match. They are high quality with great fit and came with a rubber gasket to cushion against the fender. They are a little bigger than the power wagon flairs, but smaller than the largest that Bushwacker makes with the simulated bolts. They are pricey though, I think I paid between $300-$400 two years ago and then had to pay for the expensive PPG base/clear.

 

[GColeman]

I have the Bushwacker Extend-A-Fender flairs that I painted to match. They are high quality with great fit and came with a rubber gasket to cushion against the fender. They are a little bigger than the power wagon flairs, but smaller than the largest that Bushwacker makes with the simulated bolts. They are pricey though, I think I paid between $300-$400 two years ago and then had to pay for the expensive PPG base/clear.

How do they attach to the body... ... ... . Tape, Rivets, Screws? Thanks for the info. I will check them out.

 

[RMaguire]

I just bought the Bushwacker Extend-A-Flares... plan to install next week if I get them back from the painter.



I let you know how it goes.

 

[Mobius1]

Not to rain on anyones parade, but I would stay away from fender flares and run not walk away from the bushwackers. I have had the bushwackers on for a few years and i am regretting getting them. They do look nice, however they have scratched the fender of the truck where they contact almost to the point where it is down to the primer. plus over time with the dirt and water that gets behind the flares and just sits there can cause rust. I am going to have the the truck linex'd. IT looks nice and its tough as nails. Anyone who have their truck linex'd would know.



I think there was just a thread on this not too long ago where a member had this done. .

 

[RMaguire]

From what I understand there is a gasket between the flare and the body. Is this not true? Is it not protecting the paint? Would the problem be corrected by adding protective film to the fender?

(3M SCOTCHCAL - 2" WIDE (SOLD BY THE FOOT)-Dodge Cummins and Ford Power Stroke Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage)



I like the look of the flares and would like to put them on my truck... if the problems can be avoided.

 

[Mobius1]

From what I understand there is a gasket between the flare and the body. Is this not true? Is it not protecting the paint? Would the problem be corrected by adding protective film to the fender?

(3M SCOTCHCAL - 2" WIDE (SOLD BY THE FOOT)-Dodge Cummins and Ford Power Stroke Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage)



I like the look of the flares and would like to put them on my truck... if the problems can be avoided.

There is a rubber gasket that goes on the flare but dirt and water can get by the gasket and along with vibration, thats how the paint gets damaged. That film looks like it might work. If you have to do the flares, I would def. get something else to protect the paint other than just the gasket bushwacker gives you. I still think line-ex is the way to go

 

[RMaguire]

I have aftermarket wheels and tires and need the added coverage of the flares. Otherwise my Black Rig will nver be clean again.



I am looking into Line-X'ing the rocker panels.

 

[HLewallen]

I really like the looks of my "OEM" style bushwackers. I also had the idea of the 3M protective tape since I wasn't sure I was going to like the flares when I put them on. The Bushwackers fit pretty good to the truck with just the screws mounting them in the fenderwells. However, I have contemplated trying to run some double sided tape between the rubber "gasket" and the fender to make them extra secure and prevent chaffing. Knowing the proedure for mounting them though, I have not figured out a way to get the couble stick tape into place.

 

[GColeman]

RMaguire: Did you ever install your fender flares? How did it go?

 

[Matt400]

I have the ATS flares. Had a body shop do the install the first time and 3 came loose. ATS sent another set that I installed, something about fitment issues. Those have stayed on a long time now but one has come loose again.



I am contemplating the OEM power wagon flares. Seems OEM stuff always fits better but the PW flares I understand bolt up just like the bushwackers so some paint chafe can be expected if you remove them. I really don't care what happens back there if they stay on and fit right I don't plan to take them off.

 

[RMaguire]

I installed the Bushwackers over this past weekend... took all of an hour. It takes longer to put the rubber gasket on the flare than installing the flare on the truck.



I can see the potential for dirt to get trapped between the flare and the body. I have ordered the 3M tape mentioned above. I'll probably take the flares off this weekend and add the tape. I really like the look. The added coverage has been great... my truck is still clean anyway.



Very satisfied.