Fender Flare Removal - 40

[umpqua]

I checked the first 7 pages of search and didn't find a link so I'll apologize in advance if this question has been asked.

I have an '80 fj40 and it has white plastic fender flares on the back. I am trying to return to as an original look as possible...this wasn't original so I'd like to take them off. They are installed with rivets. And...they are cracked and look like crap.

The question that I have is if anyone has done this what did they find upon removal? The truck is rust free so I don't think that will be an issue. I'm thinking that the PO must have had to do some cutting on the fenders to install? It seems like I've seen somewhere on Specter that they sell some kind of fender material that can be welded? on if the fender was cut?

I intend to take this to a body shop to have it done right but any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Fast Eddy]

they are cracked and look like crap.

Start cutting, then post up some pictures of what you find.

 

[3doghouse]

Some are installed without cutting the quarter panels. If this is the case, consider yourself very lucky.

If the fenders are cut, you need to weld to fix. Post pics for more detailed advice.

Either way, the easiest way to remove rivets is to carefully drill them out using a bit slightly smaller than the rivet itself.

 

[1911]

Did the same thing and my fenders were cut. Still like them better than the plastic flares though. Before and after photos:

Before:

After:

 

[myquestoyota]

Took mine off when I went to skinnies, bought the patch panels from realsteelcruiserparts but have not welded them in yet.

 

[DSRTRDR]

nice shot from the Hotel Rock trail

 

[umpqua]

Thanks for the response..all.

I recently was able to pick up the origianl grey steel wheels and they had 33x9.5 BFG Mud Terrains. So, I took off the old white spoke wheels and the wider (11?) BFG All Terrains. I ordered hubcaps from a cruiser place in Oklahoma City. Everything looks good with this setup and the skinnier tires have made an unbelievable difference in handling; VERY little wandering now.

Ok, so I am going to attempt removing the flares by myself with a smaller bit. Thanks Dog. If they are in fact cut then I will follow Myquests lead on the patch panels...thanks I didn't know of a source. And I really like the photo's of both cruisers. Like, like, like the look of the grey steels and hubcaps.

I will take some before, during and after photo's to detail progress. I'll be doing it soon.

This is a great resource and I always appreciate the helpful advice and encouragement that I receive from this board.

Thanks!

 

[umpqua]

And by the way 1911, I'd give my left nut for that garage.

 

[mudlurker]

Cut your fenders? That's a paddlin'. Fender flares? Oh, you bet that's a paddlin'.

 

[umpqua]

I didn't cut them and I sure as hell didn't put on the flares. Had the 40 for twenty years and they have always been on there. Getting nostalgic in my old age for the "vintage look" so off they go.

 

[1911]

nice shot from the Hotel Rock trail

Thanks, that's exactly where it is, from May of 2010. That was a really fun trail too!

And by the way 1911, I'd give my left nut for that garage.

My wife claims the dedicated shop building is the reason we bought the place we're in now. [whistling, looking innocent].

 

[3doghouse]

The moron that cut mine apparently did it as his first attempt with a sawzall, using a dull wood blade... almost made me want to... put the wood screws back in the fender flares the asshat installed.

My eight year old said somebody needs to slap him

But, in fairness, this was a better display of intelligence than his attempt to JB Weld the header on.

 

[Degnol]

I didn't cut them and I sure as hell didn't put on the flares. Had the 40 for twenty years and they have always been on there. Getting nostalgic in my old age for the "vintage look" so off they go.

You can easily close the holes left by the rivets. Use a hunk of brass behind the hole in the quarter panel and weld the hole closed....weld won't stick to the brass.