Discussion Thread: How To: Install OEM Fender Flares
Written By: ranger5572
This HOW TO is for OEM Fender Flares
Part Numbers:
1L5Z-9929164-BAB
1L5Z-9929165-BAB
IL5Z-16038-BBB
IL5Z-16039-BBB
Precautions:
Pay attention. Go slow. Take your time.
Things you need:
Time
Patience
Fender Flares
Drill
5/16 Drill bit- I used a DeWalt Titanium drill bit with ‘starter tip’. No need for a ‘pilot hole’.
Toothpaste – or something similar
I used toothpaste because it cleans easily if you mess up and has the right consistency needed.
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FIRST:
Put toothpaste on each of the clips on the back of the fender flare. Do one flare at a time.
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SECOND:
Line both sides of the fender flare up at the bottom of the wheel well (TAKE YOUR TIME HERE) and CAREFULLY flip the fender flare up making contact with the fender. Ensure all of the clips have made contact with the fender.
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THEN:
CAREFULLY pull the fender flare away from the fender. Your drill marks will be marked on the fender.
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NOW THE HARD PART:
Recheck the alignment of the fender flare and confirm the toothpaste marks are correct, if desired. You can’t un-drill a hole in the side of your truck.
Begin drilling your holes. Drill with medium pressure. Let the drill do the work. If you go too fast the drill bit will rip through the metal leaving behind a messy hole. Nice clean holes are essential as the clips must go in flush to clasp onto the back of the metal (they are kind of like Christmas tree-type clips).
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FINALLY:
When your holes are drilled, begin pressing the clips which are still attached to the fender flare (they do come off) into the holes. You may have to press pretty hard on the outside of the fender flare to get some of the clips to clip on.
When the fender flares are clipped onto the fender, you will still have to screw them to the underside of the fenders to complete the installation.
Use self-tapping screws to do this. Paint them flat black the day before so they are ready to be put on.
Enjoy your new look