Fender Flare Gap/Sag?

**willydigger** · 07-22-2008, 08:52 PM

Is there a difference in fender flares with regards to how they are designed, to eliminate or minimize the gap between the body and the flare?

I installed some used Xenon 6 inch flares (not tube style). While removing the factory flare, I noticed it had a small "lip" around the outside edge so when it was installed it would fit tight against the body. The Xenon flares were completely flat and the bolt hole was bulged so it created a minor gap between the body and flare.

I don't know how old these flares are, but I was wondering if the new Xenon or Warn flares are made with a "lip" to prevent the gap problem. I would assume large flares (especially rubber Xenon's) would eventually sag and form a gap regardless. I've seen several pics on the forum with flares that seemingly meet flush with the body, but I can't figure if it's better design or just a new flare.

For those of you with 6 inch flares, have you run into a sag issue or noticed a difference between the design of the factory and aftermarket mounting side?

Here is the underside of the Front Passenger Side Flare front:

Here is the underside of the Front Passenger Side Flare back:

**dabprice** · 07-23-2008, 10:49 AM

I have the Xenon (Flat) Flares. They do not fit perfectly flush to the Jeep but they did not sag or gap. I stuck some 3/8" half-round vinyl trim in the crease. It looks and works perfectly:

**willydigger** · 07-23-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dabprice

I have the Xenon (Flat) Flares. They do not fit perfectly flush to the Jeep but they did not sag or gap. I stuck some 3/8" half-round vinyl trim in the crease. It looks and works perfectly:

Did you buy them new?

**willydigger** · 07-23-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dabprice

I have the Xenon (Flat) Flares. They do not fit perfectly flush to the Jeep but they did not sag or gap. I stuck some 3/8" half-round vinyl trim in the crease. It looks and works perfectly:

Did you buy them new? Was the mounting side flat?

**dabprice** · 07-23-2008, 07:49 PM

Yes, I bought them new about a year ago when they first came out. I don't recall that there was anything wrong or odd with the mounting side.

**Recoil** · 07-23-2008, 09:39 PM

can you throw a couple more pics on here of them on your Jeep

**willydigger** · 07-24-2008, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recoil101

can you throw a couple more pics on here of them on your Jeep

Here is the mount side of the extension. Notice the dark line at the top. This is the lip.

Rear Front Gap:

Rear Top Gap:

Jeep Overall:

They don't look bad until you get up to them. Especially the rear flares. The front does it too, but only a little.