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Filling the holes in the fenders after removing the flares

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by SMKYTXN, Nov 25, 2013.

  1. Nov 25, 2013 at 2:58 PM
    #1
    SMKYTXN

    SMKYTXN [OP] If it can't be overdone it's not worth doing Vendor

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    Well, the flares didn't agree with the last trip to Barnwell so it's time for them to go. I didn't like the look of the exposed holes so I came up with this solution to cover them.


    Tools needed / tools used:

    - Grinder
    - Metal file
    - Pliers


    Part numbers:

    EVERBILT Neoprene Washers - 5/16" (Home Depot)

    A20390 Toyota Fender Moulding Clips 90904-67036

    A20391 Toyota Fender Moulding Clip 90904-67037

    You can get away with just using the red clips. You will need a total of 40, but buy an extra box in case you mess up a couple. I made several extra for when/if I mess any up.

    Paint needed:

    I used paintscratch.com to buy my touch up paint in a 12oz aersol can. The paint match is great!


    This is what the stock clips look like.

    [​IMG]

    I figured these were a perfect platform to build off of for the plugs. The first step was to file off the outside clip and see what I was left with.

    [​IMG]

    I was hoping to find a nice flat surface under the clip, but that wasn't the case. There are two slots that are revealed after you grind the outside clip off.

    Here's what you're left with.

    [​IMG]

    The next step I took was to fill the slots with bondo. You could use epoxy or some other plastic filler, but bondo is pretty easy to work with.

    Here's the set of clips ready for bondo.

    [​IMG]

    I used a box I had laying around to hold all of the clips in place while I worked on them. This was also my painting platform.

    You can see that the sanding doesn't have to be perfect. With the flake in the MGM paint you can't see any of the little imperfections.

    [​IMG]

    Then fill the slots with bondo. Just make sure you push the bondo down into the slots.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The bondo will set in about an hour and be ready to sand. It's easier to work with now rather than waiting a day. It will get harder as it sets.

    Here's what the clips look like after the bondo has been sanded down.

    [​IMG]

    Since we're dealing with plastic I chose to use a plastic primer as the first coat of paint. I followed that with primer, black gloss, color matched MGM, and clear.

    Primed

    [​IMG]

    Final product

    [​IMG]

    You will need one of these neoprene rubber washers for each clip. I found them at home depot, $0.74 for a three pack. I'm still short six of these after cleaning out three home depots. :)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I will have to take pictures of this set when I get home as I put the last coat of clear on this morning. But for now, here are pictures of the two test plugs I made earlier. On this set I didn't use the gloss black before the MGM so the color match wasn't as good. This next set turned out a lot closer to the actual color. I'll get details on the part numbers you need as well as the required rubber washer that sits between the fender and the plug a little later. The rubber washer helps lock in the plug, otherwise the plug is free to slide around in the oversized hole.

    I'll also add that you don't need to get two different colors of clips. The difference is the outside clip, which you'll be grinding off. Just get the red ones as the outer clip is smaller and easier to sand off.

    Edit: You'll definitely want the red clips. There are four square holes, one on each fender that only the red clips will work in. The red clips are also easier to get into the holes.


    [​IMG]

    Well, I got home tonight and was able to install all but six of the plugs as I ran out of the rubber washers. The light was fading by the time I finished the front fender and pitch black by the time I finished. Here's a teaser shot to hold you over till I get some better light on this thing.



    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    I took a few more photos at lunch today. It's overcast today and I guess I did a good job of color matching, because the plugs blend in pretty well.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2014
  2. Nov 25, 2013 at 3:12 PM
    #2
    darkgreentaco

    darkgreentaco XXXL Member

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    Nice! That's a great idea! Can you throw up a pic showing the whole fender?
     
    JKU3000 and Kuntrykid like this.
  3. Nov 25, 2013 at 3:13 PM
    #3
    SMKYTXN

    SMKYTXN [OP] If it can't be overdone it's not worth doing Vendor

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    I haven't filled an entire fender with plugs yet as I just finished them, but this will give you an idea.


    [​IMG]
     
    Hawapino likes this.
  4. Nov 25, 2013 at 3:14 PM
    #4
    Bennett707

    Bennett707 Station707

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    looks great
     
  5. Nov 25, 2013 at 5:15 PM
    #5
    Large

    Large Red

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    Good job Nathan, you are going to color match yes? I guess I know what I will be doing when I get a day to myself.
     
  6. Nov 25, 2013 at 5:56 PM
    #6
    TinyBauman

    TinyBauman Well-Known Member

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    do the clip holes get larger as they get closer to the bumper?
     
  7. Nov 25, 2013 at 6:38 PM
    #7
    bakerla

    bakerla Man, Myth, Legend

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    Nice idea.
     
  8. Nov 25, 2013 at 8:03 PM
    #8
    SMKYTXN

    SMKYTXN [OP] If it can't be overdone it's not worth doing Vendor

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    There are two different size holes, one square and one rectangular. The rectangular holes are the same throughout.
     
  9. Nov 25, 2013 at 8:05 PM
    #9
    SMKYTXN

    SMKYTXN [OP] If it can't be overdone it's not worth doing Vendor

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    Oh yeah, color matched FTW.

    [​IMG]
     
  10. Nov 25, 2013 at 8:07 PM
    #10
    NewRider

    NewRider Well-Known Member

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    Like the idea but can you get a side shot of the whole truck with all the clips? One of my fenders got screwed wheelin and I've been wondering what to do but I wanna see what this looks like finished.
     
  11. Nov 25, 2013 at 8:14 PM
    #11
    SMKYTXN

    SMKYTXN [OP] If it can't be overdone it's not worth doing Vendor

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    I'm hoping for some dry weather soon so I can finish everything. I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished product.
     
  12. Nov 25, 2013 at 8:17 PM
    #12
    NewRider

    NewRider Well-Known Member

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    Great! I'll keep an eye out for when you do
     
  13. Nov 25, 2013 at 9:24 PM
    #13
    jw1983

    jw1983 Well-Known Member

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    Those looks awesome!
     
  14. Nov 25, 2013 at 9:35 PM
    #14
    Boomtacoma01

    Boomtacoma01 Well-Known Member

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    pretty neat idea.

    I might go ahead and do mine as well. Never really liked the flares anyway.
     
  15. Nov 25, 2013 at 9:50 PM
    #15
    JoeTacoma02

    JoeTacoma02 Well-Known Member

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    Way to go OP! You've started a new fender 'mod' trend lol I like it. Reason why I kept my fenders on was BECAUSE of those holes.
     
    JKU3000 likes this.
  16. Nov 25, 2013 at 9:53 PM
    #16
    RockyMtnTRD

    RockyMtnTRD Wanderlust.

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    hack job
    Gonna have to steal this idea. Looks good man.
     
  17. Dec 1, 2013 at 10:35 AM
    #17
    Blueitrgsr

    Blueitrgsr Well-Known Member

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    Wow that's an awesome idea!
     
  18. Dec 1, 2013 at 10:38 AM
    #18
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Great idea
     
  19. Dec 1, 2013 at 10:41 AM
    #19
    Bagman

    Bagman Dental Floss Tycoon

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    sub'd for final pics
     
  20. Dec 1, 2013 at 1:33 PM
    #20
    fixnfly

    fixnfly Well-Known Member

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    My paints too faded to take the flares off. Cool idea though.
     

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