Fender flare install

[NY2LA]

Spent half the day going around to the best rated body shops in my area in an attempt to find one to prep, paint, and install my flares.

A few days ago I was told by one shop they couldn't paint them because they were textured. Today I had two more shops say the same thing. I specifically inquired about sanding. One said it was too hard; another said it was too risky on the thin material.

One shop also said the plastic would ooze oil forever and no amount of adhesion promoter could be relied on for the paint to hold.

Another shop said I'd be reducing the strength of the body panel too much by drilling the holes.

Only one shop agreed to do the work, for $3100. This seems excessive to me.

Anyone install flares and go through this? I'm not 100% I even want them, so I may give up on them on for now.

 

[NoClue]

What year is your vehicle and which flares are you trying to get installed?

 

[studawg]

Spent half the day going around to the best rated body shops in my area in an attempt to find one to prep, paint, and install my flares.

A few days ago I was told by one shop they couldn't paint them because they were textured. Today I had two more shops say the same thing. I specifically inquired about sanding. One said it was too hard; another said it was too risky on the thin material.

One shop also said the plastic would ooze oil forever and no amount of adhesion promoter could be relied on for the paint to hold.

Another shop said I'd be reducing the strength of the body panel too much by drilling the holes.

Only one shop agreed to do the work, for $3100. This seems excessive to me.

Anyone install flares and go through this? I'm not 100% I even want them, so I may give up on them on for now.

These types of responses from so-called "professionals" or "experts" are examples of things that are making me lose faith in all humanity.

 

[Fisher23]

are those the new eBay ones for like $600? I think you need to paint them with a paint for plastic and auto body shops don't usually have that. Maybe primer for plastic from Lowes or Home Depot .. than ask the body shop to paint them?

 

[NY2LA]

What year is your vehicle and which flares are you trying to get installed?

2020 Heritage. Kut Snake.

 

[Fisher23]

Those I believe you need to go through the same process they go though to paint ATV fenders.

Likely cheaper to shrink wrap them the same color as your LC200.

 

[grinchy]

said I'd be reducing the strength of the body panel too much by drilling the holes.

Definitely don’t pick this shop.

seems like they don’t think they’re able to make money on the job. They didn’t get 30% on the parts, and maybe it’s not worth the shop time without that margin.

agree wrapping is a better option then painting.

At that point maybe you want to buy a drill and rivnut tool (or maybe they bolt thru to a nut?) and do it yourself. Probably already spent more time looking than it’ll take to do the install.

 

[Artie]

I’d reach out to Eric and see how they did these. It does look like the type of job that some previous experience with those particular flares would be preferable. I think they look killer and I look forward to seeing yours on.

 

[4wheelgreg]

I would hope the hex bolts are for looks and the outer edge is a 3m double face tape , takes me back to days of cut. Flairs , I’m not drilling holes in my fenders .

 

[Fisher23]

They look like the Smittybilt ones which attach with rivets, and are paintable.

 

[Omega3651]

Why doesn't anyone make a smooth version without the bolted on look?

 

[marketShark]

@BloggerL
You can always opt for the "Gulf States" 200 series OEM flares

Removing fender flares from a 2013 - Gulf States Package

Hello folks - new here 15 year 4runner owner looking to move on and up. I'm considering purchase of a 2013 with a 'gulf states package.' I prefer the stock look and I'd like to know about taking off the fender flares and pinstriping. Regarding the flares, does anyone have experience...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[NY2LA]

I’d reach out to Eric and see how they did these. It does look like the type of job that some previous experience with those particular flares would be preferable. I think they look killer and I look forward to seeing yours on.

Ha. Every time I have trouble with something, it turns out that @Eric Sarjeant previously found a solution.

 

[Artie]

Ha. Every time I have trouble with something, it turns out that @Eric Sarjeant previously found a solution.

It both funny and true. Honestly, the wealth of knowledge on this forum blows me away daily.

 

[Omega3651]

How does one go about ordering the 'Gulf States' 200 series OEM flares?

 

[Tighe]

How does one go about ordering the 'Gulf States' 200 series OEM flares?

I had the same thought. I kinda like them!