Xenon fender flare installation

[Archive]

I just got my flares yesterday and since I've never done an installation like this I'd appreciate some hand-holding.

I read through the instructions and it looks like I'm going to have to sand the body of my truck where the double-sided tape goes. Is that correct? I'm hestitant to do that but I want them installed to last. If sanding is correct, how much do I sand the area? Down to metal or just scuff it up some to allow for better adhesion of the tape?

Well, that takes care of my first question. I'm sure there'll be MANY more to come. #ad


TIA,
Gary


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2k Dodge Ram 2500 QC, Cummins 24v Diesel, 5-Speed Manual, SLT, 4x4, Full-Length Bed with Spray-On Ultimate Lining

 

[Archive]

I put a set of the Xenon's on my 96. I did not sand the paint and would not consider it. The kit came with some cleaner pads. They work well. You will notice this cleaner will soften the flares a bit, so I know it was able to remove all wax from the truck. Play with the flares to get them exactly where you want. Once the adhesive is on, they will not come off. I was happy with the Xenon brand.

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2000 3500QC 4x4, 6-speed, 3. 54, Patriot Blue, SLT+, every option, mopar brushed aluminum side rails

 

[Archive]

Got ya. Reading the instructions more carefully I can now see that the flares are supposed to be sanded, where the tape goes, but the truck just needs to be cleaned up.

My plan so far is to do most of the prep work on the flares (I'm not painting them so this should be minor) and then to go ahead and bolt them on. Then mark the truck body, remove the flares, put the tape on, prep the truck (clean) and install them.

I read good reviews of the Xenon (and Warn's) in all the online publications I could find. The Xenon's were easier to find at an online source and were on sale so they are now sitting in my living room!

Thanks for the reply Chaw!
Gary


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2k Dodge Ram 2500 QC, Cummins 24v Diesel, 5-Speed Manual, SLT, 4x4, Full-Length Bed with Spray-On Ultimate Lining

 

[Archive]

Gary 7,

It wuld be helpful to have one if not two sets of hands to help you install. The drawback of Xenons is they are rigid. If possible, do it on a sunny day where you can let them sit for a couple of hours. This will help soften them for install. Also, when you put them aginast the truck, when your are ready to shoot the first screw, have your helper(s) press really hard so as the lip of the flare is touching the body completely. This will LOAD the flare so it is alsways pressing the 3M tape aginst the body. They are a mess when that tape isn't all the way stuck.

If you have any questions, e-mail.



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96 Long bed EC, Banks Twin Ram, BD TC, BD EB, BD VB, Mag Hytec Pans, Warn 8000# winch, TJM Bull Bar, Speedliner, Katzkin Leather kit, K&N Filter, Trailmaster 2" Lift, 35BFG ATKO's, Kodiak Sidewinder Steps, Reflexion Cowl Hood, Autometer Guages, Horton Clutch Fan, PIAA Superwhites, Optima Red Tops, BD Pressureloc, BD Torquloc and Espar coming Soon.