[blake989]

I pony'd up and bought some knock-off bolt-on fender flares off ebay. Upon inspection I noticed something I was not expecting. THE FLARES DO NOT BOLT ON. The kit comes with screws and rubber nut type things. The screw should go through the flare, through pre-drilled hole in tub, and into this rubber sleave thing.

How have/would you guys install these things: scrap the screw & rubber things and just go get some stainless nuts & bolts? Or should I use these rubber things to provide some form of flexibility? If you did use the rubber stuff, how is it holding up? If you've never seen these things, from what I describe, which method would you use? Any and all advice is much appreciated.

[pyro9862]

Any time I have to remove stock flares I use zip ties to re attach them that way when they have to come off again just clip the zip ties. I havn't had a problem with it yet, can't speak for aftermarket ones though.

[TellyDSP]

Sounds liek a similar setup to the stock app. Not sure if you removed your stockers yet, but see if they're the same. otherwise, it doesnt hurt to go nut/bolt, but you'll probably need to make the holes in your tub a bit bigger.

[blake989]

No, I haven't removed the existing ones. I was checking out the rears though, it seems screws go through the existing flare and tub and fasten to a built-up portion of the liner. I would really like to keep my rear liner, so I know I'm going to have to get some bolts to re-attach it (new flares are larger than existing/holes do not align).

I'm the king of zip-ties, but these attach on the outside, I would probably have to drill an additional hole beside the current holes so the tie could loop back through.

[TellyDSP]

Originally Posted by blake989

I would really like to keep my rear liner, so I know I'm going to have to get some bolts to re-attach it (new flares are larger than existing/holes do not align).

I was able to retain my rear liner when I did my TJ flares. Just took a utility knife and cut off the part of the liner that had to be trimmed. I drilled holes in the liner that corresponded with my new holes, tucked it up behind the lip in the flares, and bolted it in. It doesnt look as "water tight" as the previous setup, so I plan to inspect it's protection capabilities down the road.

[blake989]

Originally Posted by TellyDSP

I was able to retain my rear liner when I did my TJ flares. Just took a utility knife and cut off the part of the liner that had to be trimmed. I drilled holes in the liner that corresponded with my new holes, tucked it up behind the lip in the flares, and bolted it in. It doesnt look as "water tight" as the previous setup, so I plan to inspect it's protection capabilities down the road.

Yeah, I was following your guys thread the other day about installing TJ flares, what you say above, and possibly bending the lip back around (somebody mentioned in that thread) sounded like some very solid advice. Thank you.

[condoor]

Originally Posted by pyro9862

Any time I have to remove stock flares I use zip ties to re attach them that way when they have to come off again just clip the zip ties. I havn't had a problem with it yet, can't speak for aftermarket ones though.

X2 - Big fan of the zip tie method

[koeingsyj]

blake i think i have those exact same flares your talking about. there made by genuine truck somthing or other. any how they look like bushwackers right? i to was debating the bolt thing but deceided to start with the screws provided and see how well they held up. worst case you dont like it and drill your holes bigger and go with the bolts.

[koeingsyj]

o and all new holes have to be drilled none of the factory holes are going to line up. when your installing them have a buddy help you so he can hold them in place and you can take a look at it to make sure that the wheel is going to be centered. 3 of the 4 flares i did turned out great. the last one was alittle off so i drilled new holes and bondoed the old ones(its a project). that didnt matter any how it hasnt been panted yet. the fronts are easier to do than the backs. if you have any problems let me know

[blake989]

Thanks man, I'll probably take you up on that offer. IIRC the company was called TAG = Truck Accessories Group (ebay), a guy on here recommended me to them. Yeah, they appear to be a perfect knock-off of the bushwacker for 1/2 the price.

[koeingsyj]

ya thats why i picked them up. cant go wrong with the price

[95 jeeper]

I had something like this. the rubber things went between the new flair and the body and the screws bolted into the body after I redrilled a few holes. You will need these rubber pieces for stability. I've had mine on for a few months now and no problems yet.

[Tomb Raider]

I like my TAG fenders. I have "massaged" them on trees, and they do bend, not break. The screws seem to be holding up fine. As for the fender, I just trimmed mine with a 4 1/2" grinder.