How to Protect Paint from OEM Mud Flaps?

[Tulsa618]

My ’00 had OEM splash (mud?) flaps with the little wrap-around piece. Of course, they rub the body in the wind, and they’ve eaten their way right down to bare metal. Fortunately, the dealer is repainting these areas as warranty work. (Melton’s has treated me great, and the paint work they did three years ago was first-rate! ) Unfortunately, my truck is in Tulsa for the week and I’m stuck hitchin’ with my buddy in his PSD… Oh! The shame…!



I told the dealer to leave the flaps off and that I’d figure something out. I’d like to put them back on, but not until I can put something under them to prevent the paint from being rubbed off again. What product would provide this protection? If I had the extra $$$, I’d just have Line-X do the rockers, lower body and the wheel well lips, but I might have to stick with the flaps for the time being. What do you suggest?



Thanks to the TDR and for all the help you guys have provided me over the years!

 

[Neal Cassady]

Genos sell 3M tape that you can put on under the splash guards. It is working OK for me so far. I think it is around . 004" thick. You may be able to find it a little thicker if you look around.

 

[The patriot]

I guess a bead of clear silicone would do it?

Eric

 

[richardleonard]

a cheap suggestion

What about putting a little of the foam seal material they use between the bed rails and a bed cap to keep those pesky splash guards off the paint?? I am always finding uses for that foam material around my shop where you need a little padding or a light weight water seal.