dplummer87

A quick write up of hot to remove and paint factory fender flares.

Required:
Flat head screw driver.
10mm wrench/socket
Pliars
Wire Cutters (Optional but helpful)
Dog (Dog may be substituted for lazy friend, small child, or non nagging wife)
Cold adult beverage (beverage may be substituted for coke or water if Under 21)
18 Replacement plastic...things (shown below) 5 per front, 4 per rear. Im going to call them "Push Plugs" If you have the correct name, let me know and Ill edit the post.



To begin, use the 10mm socket and remove the 4 screws located on each end of the wheel well. There are 2 per side in the rear.



Then, move to the front, there are 4 nuts here that need to be removed. 2 per side as well. However, both of these are located on the front side of the wheel well.

Then, use the flat head screw driver and pliars to remove the plastic "push plugs" I did this by first using the flat head to slightly bend out the flat part so that I could grab the edge with the pliars. In some cases i was able to easily pull the plugs out with the pliars. However, some were very stubborn. I then used the wire cutters to cut the flat piece off then then pushed the plug through the other side. (Not Shown)
Once you have removed all of these (4 per rear, 5 per front) start with one side of the fender flare and slightly pull out. I was paranoid about breaking something so I used a flat head screw driver to assist me. (shown below)

There are multiple pins per side so go slow.
If one happens to stay in, dont worry, simply remove it and place it back on the flare.

If you failed to remove the front 2 10mm nuts (as I did) you will need to use a screw driver to pop them off the flare. This is why I highly suggest you remove the nuts. You have to remove them either way in order to put the flares back on.


Repeat the process for all 4 wheels and your done with the removal!

dplummer87

I then used valspar paint for plastic gloss black. (Lowes) No primer needed, and did 2 coats. I was worried it was to shiny at first however now that they are on the truck I am very happy with the results.

Reinstall them in reverse order. PLace the fender flares on the wheel well and "pop" all the plugs back in. I then installed the bolts in the rear and nuts in the front. After which i popped the replacement "push plugs" in.



Total time to remove was about 50 min.
Total time to re-install was 25 min.
I have 0 prior knowledge with removing or installing fender flares. I would rate this at a 3 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. I will do my best to post follow up pictures down the road.

dplummer87

Good enough for a sticky?

David F-150

Came out great.

dplummer87

Forgot to put Feel free to PM me with any questions.

prowlerham

So how is the fender trim paint job holding up to the El Paso sun and car wash? My trim is reeaally bleach out now.

BROWNINGFX4

what is just a valspar black spray can?? hows it all holdin up??

also how hard was it to replace your FX4 decals... i want to get some camo ones for my truck

BROWNINGFX4

and where did you get the push plugs?

dplummer87

So far so good. No chips, nicks, flakes, fading or anything like that. Still look like new. very happy (was very worried they would look like crap in a week after doing it, definitely not the case) Been through the car was twice since doing it. No problem (its the kind where they have all the brushes and crap that touch your car)
It was the valspar for plastic gloss black. Holding up great. Still looks like the day I did it. Replacing decals is even easier. 10 minute job. Go out on a sunny day, use a blow dryer on the decals, peel them right off. You may require some goo gone or similar product. I did not, but then again its was 105 degrees the day i did mine and did it a few weeks after purchasing the truck.
I got 1 box from pep boys (because they only had one) and the 2nd box from auto zone.

KIETH F150

very nice! did you paint the outer ring on your tails or are they like that on the FX4?