17 Sport Fender Flare Fix

One of the guys here removed his fender flares to Plasti-Dip them and he said it was a PITA.

If I recall correctly he said he even broke one or two clips in the process. That's probably why most folks just mask around them.

Anyway, I couldn't find the thread but I do have some of his pics, and you can clearly see how they are mounted.

 

Dont be surprised if you do try to pull them and find some tape there. I've asked around about replacing mine and some trucks have tape and some dont. I dont really think Toyota is doing enough QA on these trucks. I had a big glob of sealant on the inside of my engine bay. I assume someone put it there to use it somewhere else and forgot it since it served no purpose where it was at.

 

They absolutely DO USE DOUBLE SIDED TAPE.
That's why Toyota says they are non-reusable parts.
But thanks for playing.

 

Is that for a gen 3?

 

It absolutely is. Would you like to see the whole procedure?
And in those pictures you posted, what do you think the shit is above the clips, it's residual double sided tape.
I appreciate your enthusiasm, but let's own our truck for more than 3 days and 60 miles before we start spreading misinformation. Thanks

 

I was making my comment from reading the OPs comment. It sounded like he said its held on with doublesided tape. No mention of all the clips.

And yes I would like to see the whole procedure. From the looks of it the doublesided tape along the edge looks like it's used to make a watertight seal. I'd guess all the clips hold it in place.

Do you have an install video, love to watch it.

Thanks
Norma

 

I would like to see it, I plan to replace mine at some point.

 

Ya me too!

I dipped mine, but when spring time comes around I might have'm painted matte black. Six months or so of seeing them dipped black I'll know for sure whether I want to make it permanent or just keep them dipped.

Hope it's a video, love watching stuff like that, you can always picks up some good tips!

 

That looks above my skill level. I'd probably break too many of the clips. Claws on the other hand seem pretty durable. I didn't even remember reading in the other guys post about the 7 screws.

Well if I get them painted, I'll let a professional shop do the job.

I'll see if they can use a gasket along the edge. I prefer that black edge against the truck body. Had them on my Tundra and really liked it better that way.

 

Checked YouTube, nothing, couldn't find a Tacoma fender flare removal.

 

To the OP, the flares have a slight grain, or texture to them. Not as noticeable as the 2nd gen, but it's still there. Sanding them is going to remove that, and any repair is going to be noticeable.

Your cheapest option would be to plasti dip them on the truck if you have any desire for them to be black.
Short of that, you could go to one of those bumper doctor 1 day repair places, or one of those mobile guys dealers use for recon work, and have them scuff it and spot it on the truck.
Again, that's going to remove the texture and the repair will be noticeable, but it will be painted and a cheap fix.
The correct repair is to have the flare replaced and painted at a Toyota certified collision repair facility.

 

Curious how/what you did, do you have an update?

 

Why thanks for asking lol?!
So I visited 4 different reputable local body shops between Monday and Tuesday and had quotes between $100 and$350 plus the option of buying those ones on Craigslist.
The plan right now is on Tuesday I'm bringing it in to one of the body shops and they are going to prep it, build up the curved part that got flattened(the black spot) and then paint it, then do top coat, then reapply a new clear vinyl piece to make it "look like new".

I'll definitely post pics when it's done and let you guys/girls see how it came out. The cost is estimated for $125. Fingers crossed! I know it's a small blemish and I'm going to get worse ones but this first one after only 2 weeks is killing me. Not how I wanted to spend extra money as I still "NEED"
1. Running boards/steps,
2. A trifold tonneau cover,
3. Black TRD rims
4. KO2's or equivalent beast mode all terrain/winter tires
5. TRD Pro grille!!

That's not asking for too much right?!

 

$125 isnt too bad compared on paying $350. and nah your enot asking for much haha

 

$125 is not too bad. Hope it does "look" like new.

I found the TRD Pro rims, matte black, for $725 delivered. Plus $30 for the black lugs.
The KO2s, 265/70R17s I paid $827.96 delivered
Got my TRD Pro Grille from Cochrane Toyota in Canada and paid U.S. $374.59 delivered
And my black cast aluminum running boards I bought from my dealership for $656.25 Installed
No tonneau cover.

 

I'd have just got some white touch up and dabbed it on. Even at $125 ... it's a $7.23 problem. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/332012607550?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

 

Some people are dabbers and others are perfectionist. It's always expensive getting it done professionally.

 

"It absolutely is. Would you like to see the whole procedure?
And in those pictures you posted, what do you think the shit is above the clips, it's residual double sided tape.
I appreciate your enthusiasm, but let's own our truck for more than 3 days and 60 miles before we start spreading misinformation."

Wow...what a nasty response, mean and uncalled for.
Another one added to my "ignore" list.

 

It's the Internet, nothing on here should be taken to seriously. I see it as a condensed sampling of the all the different kinds of people we have to share life's ups and downs.

I've noticed, just as in everyday life, most of the people are incredibly kind, and helpful. Then of course you gotta have a handful here and there of others, a minority for sure, that you definitely would not want in your life.