Plugging Holes When Wheel Flares Removed

[NuKauBoi]

I want to thank all the people that have posted threads in the past. I am not much of a mechanic but all the help I have received has saved me $$$.

I was hit by a delivery truck that trashed my front right wheel flare and did a little damage to the quarter panel. When I found out how much a new fender flare would cost from Cruiser Dan I was stunned. I looked into finding one in the classifieds here on Mud, but I also found some articles about just removing them. I then looked at all the threads regarding how to fill the holes that are left.

I had used Sugru a couple of times before and it is pretty amazing stuff. When it drys it is still rubbery, but man does it stick. It also is impervious to water and comes in multiple colors. Anyway, I put together a little photo thread of how it came out in case anyone else is interested.

Oh, if anyone could use any of my other wheel flares, let me know. Just pay for shipping or pick them up.

 

[Alleycats]

It kinda looks like you stuffed marshmallows in your fenders. But it works.

 

[NuKauBoi]

You are right, it does. You have to let it cure for a day, but then it is tough as heck. Dishwasher safe! All I cared about is that is doesn't let in any water.

 

[Mighty690]

Really cool. Good use of your noggin! I think it looks pretty good and I like the corrosion/moisture resistant aspect of it.

 

[NuKauBoi]

Thanks.

 

[Fourt7]

Can the sugru be sanded or reduced down once it hardens? I just bought a white 97. It's missing the right rear flare.

 

[Fourt7]

I'm thinking I'll do the same thing but paint some al's over the flare line.

 

[Fourt7]

PS what wheels are you running? I like the solid black steelies.

 

[NuKauBoi]

I am not sure if it can be sanded. I should look on their website. After I got it flattened out I tried to wipe it with a wet cloth to take out the finger prints. As for the wheels they were on it when I bought it, but I am pretty sure they are the basic steel wheels off an FJ Cruiser. My main concern with plugging the holes was that it was water tight, but my paint job is not the best. Good luck.

 

[BRob2756]

Think this would be a good fix to plug roof rack holes on roof? Was going to leave screws in and surround with silicon but I like this idea.

-Rob

 

[NuKauBoi]

I think it would work great. The first time I tried Sugru I took a plain old flat key for the Landcruiser and put on black. After it had cured a little I stuck the key ring through and let it cure a day. It is rubbery, but tough. You can bend it a little but it does not come off on the fingers or rub off. Sugru also comes in multiple colors. I ordered a bunch of white, but they come in assorted packs as well. I don't mean to be an advertisement for them, but when it works it works. I am not sure how big the holes are from the roof rack, but the bigger holes from taking off the wheel flares I used about half a pack per hole. For the smaller holes I used about a quarter.

 

[NuKauBoi]

I looked on their website and it said you can sand it. However, it does rough it up so it would grab and hold more dirt. I am going to just leave mine as they are.

 

[Cove]

Anybody know what size the holes are for the clips? I am going to remove my flares soon and was going to get some of the black plastic plugs to temp. cover them up until I permanently fill and line them.

 

[Fourt7]

Ditto. I'd like to know the sizes as well.

 

[bryson]

Anybody know what size the holes are for the clips? I am going to remove my flares soon and was going to get some of the black plastic plugs to temp. cover them up until I permanently fill and line them.

Ditto. I'd like to know the sizes as well.

IIRC, most of the holes are not round, so the plastic plugs may not work as you're intending... And, there are several sizes of holes.

 

[Teddy]

I believe the holes are a mix of roughly 5/8 and 3/16, however (as others have said), they are not round. I tried the plugs for a bit and it didn't work. I ended up using Gorrila Tape until I got them lined.

 

[retrofive]

I believe the holes are a mix of roughly 5/8 and 3/16, however (as others have said), they are not round. I tried the plugs for a bit and it didn't work. I ended up using Gorrila Tape until I got them lined.

Same here. And pretty sure you are correct on the size and them not being round. Seems on the smaller 3/16 holes I even had to drill out a little bit.

 

[Fourt7]

Anyone ever left the metal bolts in and ground them down to leave the holes plugged?

 

[ramrod1827]

I'm putting black sugru in my fender holes today, any tips on how to shape it, or any other suggestions now that it's been three years

 

[Marine7]

I'm putting black sugru in my fender holes today, any tips on how to shape it, or any other suggestions now that it's been three years

I’m not a “pro”, but if it were me I’d apply it from the backside. That way there is very little to sand down, plus it seals against moisture! Maybe put a plug of this from the back, and once cured, apply body filler (tiny, tiny bit) on the outside; allow to dry, sand down, and viola! Ready for paint! Lol
OP- great job.... your Cruiser looks great!