BlueCornChips

Just to update, I've since removed the gaps without using double sided tape. Where there was a gap, I put pressure on the the flare, holding it tight to the truck and drilled a fresh hole. A little rust paint with a small paint brush, a couple more push pins and no more gaps.

DBL Boost

did u paint you silver truck black?

DBL Boost

I bought a 2012 Lariat and didnt realize my truck had fender flares till I got it home.

STXblueflame2014

When you say vinyl, do you mean plasti dip? I'm thinking of using plasti dip to protect the bumpers and the lower edges of the body exactly like what you've done here creating a two tone effect with the factory flares also plasti dipped.

BTW,thanks to everyone who contributed here, this thread is exactly what I needed as I'm not interested in any other type of flares beside the factory ones.

Here's what I've learned from this thread, use bushwhacker tape to get nice seal, use pushpins as needed to assure snug fit, use factory bolts in rear, don't use double sided tape, and that my two tone protective idea will look great when tied together with the factory flares. Love this thread, thanks guys.

white08gt

i didn't use push pins, didn't want to drill that big of a hole. they also can move around a little bit. i used a washer head selftapping screw that holds the flare tight and just coated the screw with thread sealer and the sealed on the backside. i used the Bushwacker welting between flares and truck. i always wash under the well wheels to keep moisture under control. bought the black screws at Napa, 15 to a pack, needed 1 more so i bought another pack. less than $12 for both.

BlueCornChips

Vinyl is totally different than plasti dip. I suggest youtubing "car vinyl wrap". It's basically a giant sticker, using heat it will conform to the shape of almost anything you wish to apply it to. IMO plastidip looks cheap and it will last only 6-12 months. Vinyl applied right looks like a paint job and can last around 5 years. Like PD, vinyl is also easily reversible.

I was inspired by this thread;
https://www.f150forum.com/f38/ptm-bu...e-pics-181168/

STXblueflame2014

BCC,

Thanks a bunch, I am so incredibly uneducated about all this stuff, had no idea people were doing all this cool stuff with their vehicles. I think I prefer vinyl over plasti dip after reading that awesome thread you posted. Do I really need to get a heat gun? Is their a starter kit that you recommend? I also want to create a two tone look on my truck to protect the bumpers and rocker panels. I wonder what would look good with the blue flame paint, I'm thinking I'll vinyl the factory flares with whatever color I use for the rest of the project, is that possible or should I just have them painted?

sircharlespiko

I should receive my flares soon, and wanted to double check with everyone who has already done this. What's the best way to the protect the holes after drilling in the truck? Would I just use touch up paint and cover all exposed areas? Silicone over that? Thanks in advance, just don't want to potentially find rust in the future

MJ13

yea....I considered flares, but drilling + winter salt in MN = bad idea.

I'll live w/ mudflaps and wheel well liners.

flyin51

iTrader: (1)

I had my dealer get their "expert" body shop to install flares on an XLT I bought 6 weeks ago. They went thru drilling the holes in the fender sides and all. Took 3 tries before the Ford Sales Manager said it was good enough to deliver to me. Well...3 weeks after delivery I noticed gaps forming between flares and body. Dealer said take it to MY choice body shop and get it fixed on his dime. Long story short THEIR body shop drilled the fenders all to hell and then used 3M tape to cover up his shotty work. MY body shop guy said he couldn't reinstall the OEM flares it was so bad. Long story short the dealer ended up cutting me a deal on a Lariat and traded my XLT back in even money. Im happy now ha!