Reattaching '97 fender flare - tips?

[scottm]

Right-rear flare, I've read the archives. I've got the mount points epoxied back into the flare, it looks like I'll have to get to the fender interior to attach it. Some clips missing, cDan on vacation, maybe Autozone has clips that'll work? I'm removing old double-sticky foam tape remnants, did that hold the flare or the painted rubber strip, or both? I'm trying to reuse the rubber strip, not planning to enter carshows with it, just make the wife happy. I'm not above running a bead of adhesive caulk to hold it all together, that could solve a few problems. Wife's truck, I've shown her pics of flareless and bedlinered 80s already, no dice.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Scott,

Give me a shout, bro. I've got:

a) An unmounted '97 flare (piece that goes on the quarter panel, not the forward section)
b) A full set of new clips from CDan.

If you need the clips, they'll be there tuesday - just say the word.

I've pulled my 93 exact same piece once before (much easier than these 95+ flares) and reattached the rubber gasket with 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive after cleaning it with 3M Adhesive Remover. Worked extremely well, but I'll be doing this on the 97 since it came poorly repaired. Sounds like someone did what you're doing but poorly.

DougM

 

[scottm]

Thanks bro, I think I've got it. Last step is getting the painted, rubber strip installed. I see double-sided foam tape on both sides of it, I'm off to hunt for some of that. I have dark-grey adhesive caulk, but that may be too permanent. Hope to have a writeup to add to the archives soon.

 

[scottm]

Done, looks good, feels solid. My digcam broke this winter, so no pics. I reused the threaded, metal studs after repairing the slots in the flare they clipped into with 2-part epoxy. I replaced the two plastic clips with carriage bolts, the heads in the flare and the threaded ends through the fender into washers and nuts. 5/16" for the front one, 1/4" for the one about midway back. I replaced the screw and expanding plastic clip under the bumper cap with another 1/4" carriage bolt. All were fairly easy to put nuts on from inside the cargo area with the trim removed. You can reach out the sliding window and push the flare tight against the fender. I used 3M molding tape (double-sticky foam) on both sides of the rubber trim between the flare and fender. Less than 24-hours since the damage, one trip to Autozone, done.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Scott,

Excellent. I may be calling you for tips when I get to mine. Have to have it painted first, tho.

DougM