Fender flare removal/coating/replacement

I couldn’t find a “body work” sub-forum so here it goes!

I’d like to coat my fender flares. I wanted to get them Line-x’d but the quote was like $1100 (including rocker panel).

I’m now leaning toward DIY with Raptor bed liner.

So, should I remove, coat and replace? Or tape it off and apply while the flares are still on?

If I remove/replace, what should I use to replace the adhesive strip around the outside edge of the fender flare?

Thanks!

 

Suggest to remove the flare, then do a proper job of strip and prep. Then no worry about taping, masking or over spray.

There is a thread in the 2nd Gen section about removing the flares. Basically, a few bolts/screws on the bottom with clip around the top edge. Caution needs to be used when pulling the flare off the clips.

You may need to have a set of new clips on hand for the reinstall.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/removing-fender-flares.744247/

 

Just to be clear, are you referring to the black rubber gasket/seal that sits between the flare and the body panel?

 

Yep

 

I did mine and would suggest buying a pack of the orange and blue body clips that hold the flare to the body.

I broke a couple and I was trying to be gentle. As for the replacement adhesive I used a roll of 3M body panel tape.

 

Typically you'd just buy new seals/gaskets from Toyota (or in bulk from aftermarket) and stick them on after repaint. However, I don't have any experience working with that Line-X or Raptor Liner stuff, so I'm not sure how well those seals/gaskets would stick to it. If that stuff has poor adhesion compatibility then perhaps just leave the old ones on and mask them off.

 

All done! I ended up using 3M auto body adhesive with adhesive prep (along with the factory clips and bolts of course). I was very happy with the outcome

 

Looks awesome. How was the price doing this vs the 1100 dollar linex quote?

 

Just a guess here but I'm thinking under $30.
I did something similar to my rock sliders and it cost my less then $70 and that included the self etching primer which isn't needed for the plastic fender flares.

Excellent job on the flares!

 

Wow! This is a really nice coating for 30 dollars. Does it hold up well?

 

Thanks! Less than $200 after the bed liner kit, new clips and adhesive strips

 

I used the Raptor bed-liner kit on Amazon. There are some good reviews of it on Youtube. I only used 1.5 of the 4 bottles in the $150 kit, so if you factor that in, I only "used" about $60 of the $150 kit

 

I did finally get a quote from a local Toyota dealership for just the adhesive strips.... $150

I ended up with the MUCH less expensive 3M auto body adhesive (with adhesive prep)

 

Here are some more photos from the process...


I had to get this dent pulled out...


Along the inside edge of the flares there's a "channel" where the factory adhesive strips go. I scraped that down level and wiped it with adhesive prep before applying the 3M adhesive...


I also had to reinforce some of the spots where the clips attach on the back of the flares. I used super-glue for that.


The adhesive worked *decently* well. There are a few small gaps. I'm not sure if this is d/t not all of the clips "clipping" in or not. As I worked around the flares pushing the clips on, I heard the "pop" on some but not all of the clips. I pushed as hard as I safely could. I believe most, if not all, are fully seated.

 

I bought the $60 gallon can of Harbor Freight Iron Armor. Sprayed my rock sliders and full under body armor with three coats and still have a little less then a quart left.
That was 3 years ago (?) and its holding up very well - quite durable. I wouldn't say its the best stuff on the market but I am very happy with it.
this isn't the best picture but it should give you an idea of how it looks.