Hello,

I've searched around for some info but not found alot. Here's my question.

I would like to install power wagon flares on my truck. See sig. My only concern with installing them is paint damage from slight movement of the flares during operation.

I know some people apply a film on the paint before installing the flares. Others have tape the flare to the truck.

So... what is the best method for the installing the flares to prevent paint scuff? I'm keeping my truck till the cows come home... so damaging the paint is not an option!

Thank you for any help!

 

I do not believe there is anyway around it, at least not if they are on there any lenth of time. Sand and road grime are going to get between the fender and the rubber flare gasket. Just have no plans of removing them once they are on.

 

^^^ I removed the ones that were on my truck for years and there is a slight "border" that is visible where the edges were. It's not awful, but very noticeable.

-J

 

Good idea using that paint protection tape! But I suppose it will scratch and look like heck too, and I hear it's a real bear to get off!

How about you have that bedliner stuff sprayed where the flares go and then mount them?

 

That probably defeats the purpose. If he is worried about the scuffing, he must plan on someday removing the flares, and having the original appearance. The bedliner coating would be harder to deal with than scuffs...

 

I used the 3M Protective tape when I installed my flares. Its been about two years and I have zero paint damage. This is the stuff and they sell it in 3" wide rolls. Works great.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...protectionfilm

sid

 

3m is really your only option. I bought a roll of 3", got lazy and did not put it on. My truck will always have flares now due to the paint rubbing. I had the PW flares at one point and really liked them.

 

I went w/ the Warn 4x flares ( http://www.warn.com/truck/flares/4x_flares.shtml ). They come w/ 3M tape to fasten the outside perimeter of the flare to the truck. The flares will stay on for the life of the truck, so I'm not worried about paint scuffing. The Warn flares provide a bit more protection (stick out a bit more) compared to the PW flares but are not obnoxious on a mostly stock truck.

 

Thanks for the info guys!

Do you cut the 3M tape in an arc to put around the wheel fender opening?

 

I used some 3m tape as well, found some that was 1/4" wide, fit just perfect.

 

Yeah, I just cut to length, used about a 2" wide piece, and then used a hairdryer to heat the strip up a little and molded it to the contour of the fender. I put the flare up first and used a pencil to mark my outline.

sid

 

That sounds great. I think I can handle that!

Thank you for the all the help guys!