I was debating on a bit of panel protection in the rears from stones, etc, and ran across the JDM flare thread a while ago...I do also somewhat like the esthetics of a bit of contour to match the front fenders too...nothing crazy, but just a little touch of "shape".
Example from the thread:
I had a bit of steel leftover from all the patching, and a bit of time this afternoon, so thought I'd give it a go. My main goals:
I started with a ~2" strip bent to match the shape of the wheelwell lip, and then plasma cut a vertical piece of 16ga to match the opening and mate up against the tub, essentially making a T to work off of. I *should* be able to bolt the flares on with a few fasteners around the inner wheel lip, which I'm ok with. We'll see how they shape up, but I'm guessing either a rubber gasket (to prevent chafing) or some 3M panel tape where the flare meets the vertical part of the tub.
Aesthetically, been just "eyeballing it" as I go, but it did end up proportionally decent with the front fenders.
I'm still on the fence, but now is 100% the time to try something like this before it gets paint, and making them removable/non-altering also helps. Rain on the way tomorrow, so more time to putter in the garage waiting for drier weather so I can fling some paint...
JDM OEM Fender flares
All Japan market 40s after October 1981 had OEM fender flares (61631-90800 and 61633-90800). There are no bolts on the scheme. Does anyone know the material & fixation method? Detailed photos are also appreciated. Didn't find it in a FAQ :( Thanks!
forum.ih8mud.com
I had a bit of steel leftover from all the patching, and a bit of time this afternoon, so thought I'd give it a go. My main goals:
- ~1" slimline-style flare, along the lines of the impossible-to-find JDM flares
- Metal
- Removable / non-destructive to the tub/fenders
I started with a ~2" strip bent to match the shape of the wheelwell lip, and then plasma cut a vertical piece of 16ga to match the opening and mate up against the tub, essentially making a T to work off of. I *should* be able to bolt the flares on with a few fasteners around the inner wheel lip, which I'm ok with. We'll see how they shape up, but I'm guessing either a rubber gasket (to prevent chafing) or some 3M panel tape where the flare meets the vertical part of the tub.
Aesthetically, been just "eyeballing it" as I go, but it did end up proportionally decent with the front fenders.
I'm still on the fence, but now is 100% the time to try something like this before it gets paint, and making them removable/non-altering also helps. Rain on the way tomorrow, so more time to putter in the garage waiting for drier weather so I can fling some paint...