Oem flares or none?
- Thread starter Serina
- Start date
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Removed my flares, got sick of the holes and didn't have time to mess with a diy solution so I got them professionally patched. Shop ended up repainting all the panels and doors including the hatchback b/c of a spoiler generated rust spot on the DS. Couldn't be happier with the results. About $500 for the flare patch/paint job for those interested.
'96 80 Series Deflared and Spoiler Delete
'96 80 Series Deflared and Spoiler Delete
LINUS
Waiting for the Great Pumpkin
I like the look of flares, but they just don't hold up nor are they worth the trouble to try & keep all of them on.
That said, my 80 is missing 2 of the 6 pieces right now & I'll let life remove what's left. Plus the gaskets are getting cracked & UV-damaged, so I may just pull 'em sooner.
They were nice back when these were $30-$50K pavement princess / soccer mom rigs, but most 80's are now in the hands of people who are in the "bend to fit, dent to match" mindset.
That said, my 80 is missing 2 of the 6 pieces right now & I'll let life remove what's left. Plus the gaskets are getting cracked & UV-damaged, so I may just pull 'em sooner.
They were nice back when these were $30-$50K pavement princess / soccer mom rigs, but most 80's are now in the hands of people who are in the "bend to fit, dent to match" mindset.
No flairs all the way. When I bought this cruiser it was in my mind to remove the flairs even before I got it home. I painted the lower 1/3 with plasti-dip but will be using monstaliner on the whole truck very soon. The holes were "plugged" with aluminium tape. Not sure what I am going to do when I line the whole truck..
Wow, that looks really clean, good job! My 80 has all the bolt on stuff, roof rack, rails, tail-gate spoiler, etc. I'd like to remove all of it and do a repaint with results like that.
sorry @Serina that it took so long, been busy. Here is the only decent pic I have on hand. It was taken maybe a week after lining and the liner was WAY brighter than my crusty old paint, they're a little closer in color now.
Amazing work right here!
Doing this with sliders, and il be good for a long while. Looks fantastic
100%. 
Looks much better with the flares in my opinion.
I ripped one off at Windrock last year and fixed it and replaced. If I rip them off again Ill fix them again.
But I want to modify the flares with magnets so I can just pull them off while wheeling, then slap them back on. Gotta give credit to @Trollhole for that idea.
I ripped one off at Windrock last year and fixed it and replaced. If I rip them off again Ill fix them again.
But I want to modify the flares with magnets so I can just pull them off while wheeling, then slap them back on. Gotta give credit to @Trollhole for that idea.
Thought I'd revive this thread because I read it about five times in the past few months. I always thought I loved the flares on the 80... but now that I really look at it I think it's love of flares on other vehicles made me think that I liked the flares on the 80. If you're close to stock width on tires I think it's hands down better flareless. I had one section connected with chicken wire (almost literal there) so I ripped it off. Those are 295/75r16s.
I have been debating to do the same and thank you for this unicorn picture. I am holding on to my flares for as long as possible, deflared 80s just dont do it for me.
Here was my option. Simply get short stainless carriage bolt and nuts for the backside. A dab of sealant before putting them on and holes are filled but not permanent.
Not that it's useful info but...the couple times a crushed flare saved my sheet metal a strange, comforting feeling swept over me.
Not advocating for factory flares...just thinking some sort of ablative protection (flare in this case) is better than none imho when end-to-end, port/starboard barwork isn't in the budget.
Not advocating for factory flares...just thinking some sort of ablative protection (flare in this case) is better than none imho when end-to-end, port/starboard barwork isn't in the budget.
Sick pics, @Broski !!
lumbee1
Native American
I've had my 80 for 12 years and purchased it with raptor liner where the flares used to be. I still have all the flares and I've waffled back and forth whether to reinstall them or not.
Outsane
Supporting Vendor
If you want the easy way to fill the flare holes.
I made a series of plugs to fit all the holes, there are a few different sizes.
solvefunction.com
I made a series of plugs to fit all the holes, there are a few different sizes.
Fender flare plugs
Fender flare plugs for the FZJ80 or FJ80 Early kits were all FZJ80, let me know if you need the FJ80 Printed in flexible material, they easily pop in. Various shapes are included to cover 1 vehicle. Does not include LX450 plastic panels. Diagram available for download at...
solvefunction.com
77mustard40
SILVER Star
Simple fix for me after a rock "borrowed" one of my rear flares, they look fine from a couple steps away and IMHO the truck looks cleaner de-flared. One day when I can't think of anything to spend $ on I will get some body work done on the 80 to clean up some small dents and fill these in.If you want the easy way to fill the flare holes.
I made a series of plugs to fit all the holes, there are a few different sizes.
Fender flare plugs
Fender flare plugs for the FZJ80 or FJ80 Early kits were all FZJ80, let me know if you need the FJ80 Printed in flexible material, they easily pop in. Various shapes are included to cover 1 vehicle. Does not include LX450 plastic panels. Diagram available for download at...
Hornd
SILVER Star
Will not be long and OEM Flares will be either Unobtainable or too Expensive.
Last I checked a set was about $1000.
The 3rd Row is Gone,
Running Boards are Gone.
Roof Rack is Gone.
Front Bumper is Replaced but I still have Original.
Last I checked a set was about $1000.
The 3rd Row is Gone,
Running Boards are Gone.
Roof Rack is Gone.
Front Bumper is Replaced but I still have Original.
Deflared is a nice look. It looks like an evolved 60 Series, IHMO. I deflared about ten years ago, and just covered the holes with HVAC tape and had it shot with Rhino Liner. Sometimes I wish I had had it done across the beltline all the way across, like the other blue 80 in the post above. I've been very happy with it. It's super durable and it looks great to my eye. I think the 80 looks better deflared, and for tight trails it nice to be a little narrower.
Deflared, prior to Rhino Liner:
With Rhino Liner:
Deflared, prior to Rhino Liner:
With Rhino Liner:
Hey man are these available in Emerald Pearl (6M1)?If you want the easy way to fill the flare holes.
I made a series of plugs to fit all the holes, there are a few different sizes.
Fender flare plugs
Fender flare plugs for the FZJ80 or FJ80 Early kits were all FZJ80, let me know if you need the FJ80 Printed in flexible material, they easily pop in. Various shapes are included to cover 1 vehicle. Does not include LX450 plastic panels. Diagram available for download at...
