Builds Let's build a 79 Series from parts...

[c2dfj45]

While we were messing around with interior bits and pieces, I decided to install the Kut Snake flares on the truck. I had planned on doing this truck differently from #1......it wasn't ever going to be a stock build(recreation?) so not staying as close to OEM as possible, while nearly impossible for me to accept, was how it would be done.

I'm still torn on the flares...I can't say I'm 100% in favor of them. I'm contemplating maybe doing them in a different color. Maybe doing them smooth instead of textured. Not sure. I might just wait to see how the truck comes together before worrying about them. I think once the proper wheels are on it, a proper bumper of some sort and the canopy with all it's cool stuff, they might just end up looking really cool.

The positive of these flares.....they required no cutting. Unlike #1 which had a large portion of the fender lip cut on the rear bed. Yikes.

Did a quick mockup....had to get the courage up to drill a new body. Hard to do when it's your truck...easy to do when it's a customer's truck. Ha.

The fit was outstanding on these flares....they really really fit tight.

The flares are extremely strong and sturdy. 5mm ABS. UV resistant. Tough as nails. Definitely not a cheap flare for looks....these will do well off road and are surprisingly flexible enough that I doubt they will shatter or crack.

 

[c2dfj45]

They come undrilled....so you have to drill some pilot holes(we use either a washer or some other way to make a consistent hole in the area where the fastener will go), mark the truck, drill the truck, open the pilot hole, install the gasket, install flare.

I have been using the supplied stainless self tappers....would be nice to do a nut-sert setup at some point. Maybe the next set will get them.

 

[c2dfj45]

Not too difficult once the holes are in.....just run the self tappers home and call it a day. I think I am going to go back and bed line the areas under the flares....seal up the holes really well with paint and then silicone. Hopefully keep the rust away.

I haven't measured them compared to #1 but I think they are about 3/4" to 1" wider than OEM.

 

[c2dfj45]

Rears are definitely wider than stock.....and no cutting either. They just kind of sit flush with the bottom of the wheel well opening. The OEM ones have all kinds of brackets, clips, etc. Really complex. And the extra width is a great thing...the 80 series axles are very wide in the rear for these skinny trucks. I'm hoping I might be able to run an 11.5" wide tire now. This truck probably(key word) won't run the skinny 255/85/16s and steel wheels.

I think my biggest gripe, other than the fact that they look a little 'bro' to me, is that they didn't follow the contour of the relief in the side panel above the opening. Not sure why they did it like this...might end up fitting different 70s maybe(?). I notice it every 4 out of 5 times I look at the truck. Trying to accept it.

Bet that Lambo's owner didn't think it would be parked next to a vehicle that steals away all the attention....

 

[TonyP]

Looks good! I agree, the bolt provisions/pockets are a little bro-ish but not too bad considering the clearance they provide.

 

[c2dfj45]

Looks good! I agree, the bolt provisions/pockets are a little bro-ish but not too bad considering the clearance they provide.

I don't love them but I don't hate them. I've got this weird picture of a 79 in my head and it has stock flares....like #1. Dream truck. This is just different.

Not having to cut was a huge plus. The added width for this particular build is a huge plus too. I think I'd be way more inclined to push this truck a little more in the rough stuff too since it will be armored, flares will be able to take some abuse...etc. All in all, this was the ideal way to go. Plus it's nice to be able to demo them.

This is #1s fender after all the stuff the OEM flare required. Ouch.

 

[JMasi]

@c2dfj45 Do you know if the 75 / 77 Series version of the flares will work on a SWB 70?

 

[c2dfj45]

@c2dfj45 Do you know if the 75 / 77 Series version of the flares will work on a SWB 70?

I had asked this question.....I was told that the rear flares fit ALL 70 series trucks. Which would explain why the flare on the back of my truck doesn't really match the contour. I never thought about but I should have tried the rear one on my 73. Not a big deal to take off and try out.

Fronts are either 75(narrow nose) or 78/79(wide nose).

I don't keep the 70 series flares in stock...just 80 series stuff for now but we will start bringing more in I think. Seems to be a demand for nice flares.

 

[SNLC]

FYI I have a set of OEM 70 flares in route to me for the PZJ70 and yes it is a ton of mounting parts. I may or may not just let a body shop mount them up.

Cheers

 

[c2dfj45]

FYI I have a set of OEM 70 flares in route to me for the PZJ70 and yes it is a ton of mounting parts. I may or may not just let a body shop mount them up.

Cheers

If you can put a truck together, putting on flares isn't that big of a deal. I get worried about body shops...I take apart a lot of stuff they do and it's not always what you would expect. It's scary. We work with good ones but sometimes even they have their bad days....OR.....a new guy who thinks he knows it all. Ha. "Let the new guy install the flares....how hard can it be?". I know what goes on it those places...lol.

 

[SNLC]

If you can put a truck together, putting on flares isn't that big of a deal. I get worried about body shops...I take apart a lot of stuff they do and it's not always what you would expect. It's scary. We work with good ones but sometimes even they have their bad days....OR.....a new guy who thinks he knows it all. Ha. "Let the new guy install the flares....how hard can it be?". I know what goes on it those places...lol.

Well I do have a friend who owns a big body shop here. He lets his guys do side jobs on weekends in his shop.

Also a good one man show in my neighborhood that does a lot of hot rods.

I hear ya though and I may install them or I may source it out. Thing is and I am sure you know this but time management plays a big role in making some decisions. The same owner of the PZJ70 also owns this HDJ81 that I need to finish preparing for him. He is picking both trucks up at the same time and so while the 70 is out getting some things done to it at the end of the build it gives me a chance to get what I need to do on the 81.

Cheers

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I may have overlooked it in some of your earlier post but do you plan to match the flares to the truck color.

 

[cruiserdan]

The rear flares can't be the same for short/mid or a Troopy with a sub tank. those will need a clearance notch for the fuel door

 

[c2dfj45]

he rear flares can't be the same for short/mid or a Troopy with a sub tank. those will need a clearance notch for the fuel door

Good point....need to clarify that.

They do make one that is notched....but it's a 2 piece for a 4 door. Maybe they do a 1 pieced notched.

 

[JMasi]

Sorry for the hijack, I think they do, but it says for 75/77 series, I'm not sure it would fit the SWB/MWB

Let me know if you are planing to bring some more.

thanks

 

[cruiserdan]

In comparing vehicles in the museum I think they would. Naturally a dry-fit would be definitive.

 

[cruiserdan]

as far as a tire/wheel combo for that truck it would be difficult to improve upon 16x8 80 Series steels and the 285/75/16 mud tire of your choice. I'm a Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3 fan.

 

[c2dfj45]

Sorry for the hijack, I think they do, but it says for 75/77 series, I'm not sure it would fit the SWB/MWB

Let me know if you are planing to bring some more.

thanks

View attachment 1945384

They will have them. I order once a month when I have enough orders together. PM me and we'll sort out what you have and all that good stuff. You will NOT be disappointed. They are really nice.

 

[c2dfj45]

as far as a tire/wheel combo for that truck it would be difficult to improve upon 16x8 80 Series steels and the 285/75/16 mud tire of your choice. I'm a Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3 fan.

I think I'm going this route. They do a size that will work of me in a 16x7. I think they'll tuck OK. It's really dependent on the offset. But this build may be able to get away with a little more aggressive fit. #1 has the optimal setup as far as I'm concerned.....

I love you #1....you will always be my favorite.

 

[SNLC]

I may have overlooked it in some of your earlier post but do you plan to match the flares to the truck color.

Ya I did and prefer it but the owner requested black so that is what it gets.

Cheers