Bushwacker fenders scratching my paint

I’ve buffed some pretty bad scratches out of my truck and my buddies... those look like they could be buffed out (can’t say for sure tho), when it’s white scratches like that it’s usually just the clear coat, I would be surprised if a plastic product took paint off the truck. (buffing compound + polishing compound) x elbow grease = key to your happiness.

 

How much you think factory flares are ? $2 ?
Plus aftermarket look better IMO than those skinny mall ones.

 

Thanks! I’ve done it once already. Rather take care of this early before it’s too late. I agree the rubber strip should not cause deep scratches but over time dirt will continue to creep in there and continue to scratch especially if it’s not secured to the body.

 

@mesojdm I see from pic above you do not have rubber strip on edging and I️ believe in another post you said you did not put it on. Are you able to show us a close up of that against the body? Any reason not to use rubber with your method??

 

No I don't have the rubber. The factory cut lines on the Buskwacker edges were pretty damn clean. Few spots I cleaned up with some light sanding. I wanted the flares to look like they were molded right to the fender with a single line... the rubber strip looked bulky/noticeable to me. Although, there are some instances where it's necessary.
Here's some crappy garage pics to show the fitment

 

We put clear on the upper part of a customers rear doors as his Labrador likes to put paws out of window and scratched the paint up pretty severly .
After two years on the new tundra it looked good as new!
His pups name is Charlie so we named the process the " Charlie guard ".
We sold a lot of them after that .
In other words it should take care of your issue.

 

Update**
I have been in contact with my window tint guy he said he would install a clear guard vinyl for $60 OTD for all four fenders So no need for 3m tape (may still use the tape undecided)or drilling holes. This will be my fix thankfully I have an honest tint guy that does great work so I'm pretty happy about the decision. I just couldn't bring myself to drill holes in my fenders especially if I ever get rid of the truck.

 

$60 ?

 

Yeah, he is going to use my flares to figure out where to place the vinyl (clear bra) then place it behind all 4 fenders where the flares will be sitting on the paint. $60 out the door for all 4 fenders.

 

Oh I thought he was going to do the "whole truck" for $60.

 

If you are able to take pics of how he does it that would be most appreciated.

I assumed he would install fenders, Mark somehow, remove fenders , apply clear bra, reinstall fenders. I agree per our conversation that it should be at least1/4” edging of BW.

Excited to hear how it goes. Getting car wash now to start buffing out the scratches. If clear bra works, I would love to go down that path.

 

Lol yeah I see how you got that, I worded that a little wrong. I'm hoping it turns out well. We will see. Hopefully I'll get it done this week.

 

@toyomaniac71
I'll get some pics when he does it if I can. Worst case scenario I'll give a small write up of how he does it. I try not to bother people when they are working (tends to make people screw up lol) I'll see what I can do though. And definitely will have pics after he is done.

 

I have SR5 which came without fender flares. Has anyone had any experience installing OEM flares? Considering there are no holes drilled into the panels it seems like a daunting task. Also feel like the drilled holes would need to be clear coated to prevent rust. Any thoughts/comments would be great.

 

These(bushwacker) fenders would fit your SR5 because they require no holes in the fenders. (all bolts around the top are fake)
Also, if you drill holes I just sprayed the hole with 3m bedliner before I put the bolt in.

 

I installed with no drilling of holes. Used 3M tape. Read my earlier post on how I did it.
Piece of cake. I could not believe how easy it was and how tight it held up against the body. No gaps or anything. Looks like its bolted on.

 

Finally got everything installed, wasn't able to grab pictures of the process, but I have one of the final product. The clear protective vinyl is the way to go imo.

 

Looks good vipersmack good choice of mods

 

Have not had any marking on the paint from flares

 

Thanks, I am happy with how it turned out. Glad you aren't having any issues. I just wanted to be safe and plan to never mess with mine again since they are on. I'd love to have a camper top like you but I'll be in debt for what I have for a long time.