Fender Flare Trim

One of the dirtiest parts of your car is the fender well. You can install flares to protect the area around it from damaging soil and rocks, and also to enhance the appearance of the car. Yet, when the flares are covered with mud, these become nasty, and it can affect the overall look. To combat this, give your car more upgrades with a set of fender flare trims. Here are a few questions to ask when on the look for flare trims.

Most makers sell a complete set of trims for the whole vehicle. Whether you have a truck, or a car, you can buy a set of trims to cover all wheel wells. However, trim makers know that you may want to have a different front and rear look for your car. With this in mind, fender flare trim sets are also sold in sets of two. Read the product description to see if the item you are looking at is either a 2-piece, or a 4-piece set.

There are two main ways fender flare trims are installed on a car: clipped, or drilled. Here is an overview of the two.

1. Clipped: These trims are simply slotted between the fender wells, or the fender flares. Non-abrasive clips are inserted to secure them in place. This allows for quick installation and removal. Even with easy installation methods, these clips do a good job of securing the trims. Pick clipped trims if you don't want to tamper with the main frame of your vehicle.
2. Drilled: Rather than using clips, drilled trims use bolts and screws to secure the trim in place. A compatible trim for your car should have the same number of holes for screws on the trims and on the fender well. However, some may still require you to drill more holes on the car to fully fit the trims. Pick drilled ones if you are confident with your drilling skills, and if you are fine with puncturing your car.

Fender flare trims are usually made of polished stainless steel. Some have the option of having a chrome finish. No matter the style, a high quality set will guarantee that the trims will not rust or corrode. You can be sure that these will look good for a lifetime.

A truck, stock and unmodified, already looks tough and rugged. With a set of fender flare trims, you can make it even more stylish and aggressive to handle any adventure. Install these add-ons on your truck by following this simple instruction guide.

• Flat head screwdriver
• Flat nose pliers
• Wax and grease remover
• Painting set
• Drill
• Wrench set
• Fender flare trim set

Step 1: For the front wheels, remove any nuts, screws, and plugs to peel off some the stock fender well. Save these for later use.

Step 2: Grab a fender flare trim and place it over the fender well to see if it will properly fit. Check if the moldings are aligned, and if the trims will properly close when secured. If you have any problems doing this, return it to your supplier and ask for a replacement. If you are satisfied with the fit, check if there are enough holes for screws. Use a drill to make extra holes if necessary.

Step 3: You may choose to paint the trims. Clean the surface to remove any wax and grease. Never use lacquer thinner or enamel reducer for cleaning. Once clean, proceed painting. Use only approved car paint. Let it dry.

Step 4: Some fender flare trims are attached to the body either with the use of clips, or screws.

• For non-drill trims: Line the trims to the fender well. Use a screwdriver to make a gap between the trims and the well so that the clip can be inserted. Refer to the instruction manual to see if there is a clipping pattern to follow.
• For drilled-in trims: Line the edge of the trims with tape. Use the adhesive that comes along with the kit. Place the trims on the fender well, and insert the screws in the hole.

Finish by returning any remaining nuts, screws, and clips of the original fender well.

Step 5: Do the same procedure for the rear wheels.

Without painting, the whole process can take about 10 minutes per wheel.

1. Make sure the fender flare trims fit well before painting. Painted trims will not be replaced.
2. Never use steel wool or any abrasive material when cleaning mud off these trims. You can use diluted degreaser to get the job done. Silicone dressing is another option. However, never use it on painted trims because it can damage the paint job as well.