SgtAxe

I'm apologizing in advance for the redundancy, and I did search other threads before starting a new one, but...

I have a 2012 XLT SCREW. I just bought a set of FX4 flares. The seller thought I would have no trouble just using 3M tape on the lip to adhere them to the outer fender and then just drill a few holes to mount under the lip. I got the flares and see the push pins that run along the arch of the flare that would go into holes along the outer fender. Is there an alternate way to install these flares with out drilling into the outer fender? Be kind. I know some of you hate repeat threads, but I'm not getting the answers I'm looking for. Anyone have similar issues or concerns that can share their install tips and pics?

Hobzit

I thought the factory flares were all plastic push in fasteners...? Ill have to look at mine after work to be sure, but I know the bottom is definitely push in fasteners. I had to trim around it when I trimmed for clearance after the lift.

SgtAxe

From the factory, they are. My truck never had them, so holes need to be made where none were before. If its to be done right.

NASSTY

I installed OEM flares on my 06 XLT. I just drilled small holes in the fender lips and used black screws with oversized heads. They hold more securely than push pins. You could put tape on the areas where the push pins go in the outer fenders. I didn't need any but the FX4 flares are a bit flimsier than the painted flares so you may need tape there?

AllF150

^^^ What Nassty said. Put some on my 2010 STX that same way.

Hobzit

Hmmm well if you don't mind possibly wasting money to try this out...

Rubbing alcohol
A rag
3M double sides adhesive tape
Scissors or razor blade
A bit of prep work... Cleaning, trimming and positioning and then step back and take a look, I've screamed at 180+ with a GoPro on my helmet with 3M and it held fine, I'd imagine it would hold fenders just fine. Just make sure to actually strip down the dirt and wax before placing the 3M and fender. Just make sure you get the 3M seated good. Warm weather application is recommended, or use a hair dryer or heat gun (does not need much heat at all)

But that's advice towards you not wanting to drill holes, however if you end up not caring about the holes then I definitely agree that it would look fine with well placed holes and would be really secure.

SgtAxe

I had the body shop at Ford drill the holes to mount the flares. After all that work and money, the flares I bought were not sitting flush. The body shop manager said that from being removed, they warped just enough to beca problem. They even tried a heat gun to warm them up, but they are unusable. Holes are already drilled, so what's a guy to do but cough it up to a lesson learned and order brand new flares from Ford. More money than I wanted to spend, but it'll be done right and more importantly, it'll look right. Got rid of the chrome grill too and will be dipping the chrome bumpers as soon as it warms up a bit. A silver and flat bleach accented look is what I'm going for. Hated the chrome after two months.

SgtAxe

A silver and flat black look..,stupid auto correct.

FX44AU

How bad were they? I've pulled off two sets of textured flares and installed two sets of used OEM painted flares and none of them have been warped. To be honest it sounds like the dealership didn't do too good of a job getting the holes drilled. If they used the OEM fasteners and they were off just a little bit while drilling I could see it putting stress on the flares therefore not being flush.

SgtAxe

To be honest, from the naked eye, they don't look bad. And it's not like they were bowing out, just not as snug as they should be. Their body shop has an impeccable reputation, so I'm confident the holes were drill properly. I'm sure out of 500 fender flare swaps, 499 will probably go right. I just happen to be the rare case. Oh well, stuff happens.