Bushwacker fenders scratching my paint

$185 for all parts to replace broken retainers (I bought extras 'cause I am an expert breaking clips), the moulding itself, etc.

 

@toyomaniac71
Any updates? I just got my bushwackers in the mail today, getting ready to have them sprayed with Bullet Liner Tomorrow (knock off lineX). I went and bought some 3m half inch ds tape and plan to do the same thing as you. Just wondered if you had any updates...I know this is an old post.
Thanks!

 

@vipersmack
I ended up pulling off one more time - unfortunately this required me to purchase another set of rubber edging as it no longer would stick to the fenders.

I went thru same process again. I really wanted to try applying a vinyl layer underneath ( clear and gloss black) but found it to difficult to match contour of fender and make it look good. So I ended up just using DS tape. 1/4” should be plenty sufficient- if it does not lay flat it could fold up and make the fender stick out slightly. 1/4” I think would also make it easier to remove backing off of tape. The lower parts are harder to remove for some reason. I found it easier to slightly loosen lower screws to create more space to pull the backing on lower parts.

I’m pretty type A/detailed guy and I have black - maybe not best combo. Still love the look but just have to accept there will be a little rubbing.

Best of luck

 

@toyomaniac71
Thanks man, I will probably just do it the same way you did. I may swap the the 1/2 inch out for the 1/4 inch. Most likely when I put it on there it will be there for the remainder of owning my truck. I will probably just let them go with my truck if I ever trade. That being said I hope it goes well. I am concerned about following the angles of the flare to put the tape down. Also I have read about people putting electric tape on the fender of the truck to fix the problem, downside again is making it look good and not cause issues. Hopefully it all goes well. Thanks for getting back with me so quickly I appreciate the help!

 

@vipersmack
As far as the angles. That’s why I recommend splitting up the sections. Top part pretty straightforward. You don’t need to cover every inch of the rubber-to-paint contact point. The more you keep the DS tape in small sections and relatively straight, the easier to peel backing off.

Interesting idea on electrical tape. Bottom line, wherever there is rubbing with movement will likely cause some scratching. My plan is to keep her well washed to minimize dirt getting in between the rubber and paint.

 

If you don't want rubbing, just drill holes and run bolts all the way through! They won't move one bit

 

@mesojdm very interesting! Never thought of adding more holes. So you basically used longer bolts so they were actually functional instead of cosmetic?

Any extra photos, tips, things to avoid??

 

Yup! Nut and bolt all the way through. If you're gonna commit to pocket flares, might as well do it legit like they were designed to be. Just keep telling yourself its just a fender as you start putting hole in it
But really....I can move the truck by the flares.

Here's a break down of what I used.(ordered from Mcmaster)


Remove all the fake bolts, mount them up from the bottom like you have and mark the holes. Remove flare and drill.


You will need to space the flares off so they make proper contact when you tighten them up(hence the nylon spacers) listed in my above parts


Bolted on(you might be able to get away with a slightly shorter bolt.


And on! I actually had no choice but to mount them this was because as you can see I chopped half the bushwacker flare off(which is where it originally mounted)

 

@mesojdm
Wish I saw this idea before. I’m gonna keep a close eye on mine for now. Thanks for the detailed response! I may be reaching out to you again soon.

I could not tell from pics but as far as accessing spot to mount the nuts did you have to remove any plastic wheel well liner? Do you have a link already on how you did this?

Nice job.

I’m envious of your lights as well! I just haven’t had the extra cash to pull the trigger.

 

Love all the support ( from most members) on Tacomaworld!

Just a quick shoutout to Mesojdm, he’s got killer smoked lights he sells by the way. Saving my pennies to buy them at some point.

 

I have had bw Atleast 4 separate times and every time scratches the crap out of my paint. I will never buy again unless they are on a beater. My last set warped and they wouldn’t even warranty them!!!

 

I’ve got a little more hope with Mesojdm’s idea.

I agree that once you put these on, there really is no turning back. There will be scratches underneath and the paint will not match after years of sun exposure to other surfaces. May have to pull out the drill and start putting some holes in my truck...

 

I put the flares on, trace the outer edge with a grease pencil plus 1/8 to 3/16 inch, remove flare and follow inner edge of line with 3m tape, remove grease pencil with goo b gone. Put flare back on. Perfect match up.

 

Any tips for getting the fender liners loose? The only hole that really makes me cringe is the very front one next to the headlight, not much metal left there for mistakes. I give you credit looks awesome and would definitely be solid as a rock. $70 for hardware though is crazy!

 

So is $400 for some plastic overflares!
But there is fair amount of hardware involved. And I went with nylon locking nuts all black oxide coated. If you were to go down to Home Depot,lowes,etc I bet it would cost more piecing it together.

As far as removing the fender liners, there are little plastic snap clips That hold them in. I had to remove my front ones completely due to my cut fender(I am not running any liners) and made it much easier getting the nut on.
For the rears, I only undid a few plastic retainers and bend the stock liner back to reach my hand in from behind.

 

This is true! Ahhhhhh you've almost sold me on this honestly. I am thinking about doing the double sided tape first then I'll come back and drill later when I get the money up. I'm going to head to Lowe's and see what I can find using your list (thanks btw) how many of the plastic washers did you end up using, any idea?

 

IIRC it was 6 plastic washers per bolt and was a perfect fit. Such a good fit Im not running any of the weatherstripping/or double sided tape. Just flare against fender. No paint rubbing at all.
Here's the fitment

 

Man... you're really going to have me spending another $70 lol. Those look awesome! I guess if I return my double sided tape that'll put me $12 towards it. Thanks for the help with this, makes me feel a lot better about the install.

 

@mesojdm
I was wondering about the rubber stripping?!? One of your previous pics did not show it.

Are you able to post a closeup pic of how that sits against the body?

Do you think your method would work with the rubber strip as well?

My concern is if I remove mine, would I be able to buff out the scratches so that it would not show if I tried your method...

 

Here’s an updated pic of where I’m at with mine

Looks like I’ve got some buffing to do and try bolt on method