DIY: fender plugs

inspiration from coastal.Tacoma, some pics are his

I used to run shaved painted plastic clips, that are less permanent and tend to chip paint showing the color underneath. Grinding sanding uneven, priming paint and install; bolts/hardware is probably easier and looks better




For hardware, search terms like “decorative engine bay bolts” on sites like Amazon and find what you like, probably including M6 bolts. The outer rings are what you’re looking for, color and shape of your choice.
The bolts that come with them should be matched conical to fit into them.

what’s not supplied and you have to find from a hardware store is what goes on the backside. Matching M6 thread (probably M6x1.0) unlock nuts

-fender washers, to spread the load since the hole is big
-rubber fender washers with an approximate good fit, to help conform
-I could have maybe also put rubber fender washers on the outside for that reason but didn’t. Up to you

m6 nylock nuts will probably be 10mm hex so it’s gonna require some time wrenching to install whether you’re going by hand with a ratchet, or cordless electric tool for speed

some of them are harder to get to and may require a short 10mm socket that should still fit over the bolt stud protruding, while most can be turned from the inside where a deep socket fits

I don’t think the tire during flex will rub the protruding stud threads but if it does they can always be trimmed down

I didn’t blue loctite the threads because it’s small, light duty, not very stressed. The nylock nut should hold just fine.

 

"jdm" dress up bolts, often have some dumb white lettering on them a little acetone usually helps remove that with some buffing. but yeah, use these on a few random places when i don't just want an ugly bolt.

also "dress up" bolts is a cool website to look for different cone washers.

if you want to save some cash and you find the right sale, swap the metric bolts to some SAE and but a bulk box of lock nuts and you're set.

still looking for an M8x1.25 equivalent for my roof rack