PyrPatriot
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2019
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- Location
- Kentucky, USA
- Vehicle(s)
- JT Sport S Max Tow; Honda Element
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- #1
So a few weeks ago, just as my 35s were installed, I was able to work out a deal for some Rubicon Fender Flare takeoffs for $250 with about a couple hours travel to get them. They didnt come with the parking lights and turn signals, liners, or any of the pushpins, but the fender clips were intact. The fender flare liners were about $100 and the pushpins and rivets were another $100. Considering the flares as a kit were $800, I was still ahead by $350. Liners took another 2 weeks to come in, plastic bits a week or so. I got everything in Monday and got around to it today.
I have zero experience with such things but I got the instructions and watched videos of others doing it. Results: not a perfect success.
I managed to get the old liner and fender flares out. All manner of dirt and rocks fell out as I yanked it free. A satisfying feeling. It was tough working with 35s in the wheel well but I dont have a garage and the surface was at a slight angle. I did try to raise up the front end to get the tire to droop like it does at tire changes, but it didnt. But everything came off. One big difference is that there are only 10mm bolts, not 2 8mm like instructions say.
So what was the surprise? An air intake!!!
That’s right. Just behind the flare liner at the top of the tire is an air intake under the air filter box. At leas I think that is what it is. Looks like an air intake. The front end has an air inlet hole just to the left of when you face the passenger headlight, going to underneath the air box, which has holes in it’s bottom box housing, so I am fairly certain this is an air intake. This is concerning because if you go through water at speed the splash could reach up here. Seems like an odd place to put it.
Edit: not an air intake hole. I forgot this piece was shown in the Quadratec Rugged Ridge snorkle install
Moving on we can see some differences between the two flares. Noticeably the lamp bracket. Doesnt quite line up with all the holes like it does in the Sport Max Tow fender but the key bolts went in fine. I would say 80% fit, lamp and reflector look to fit the plastic the same, just had a couple extra screws left over that I couldn't get the lamp bracket hole to line up with the nut threads in the plastic. It’s going to be dark soon so I hurry up.
Fender flare clicks into place. Doesnt quiet fit though. Tire clearance looks great!
Sport S flares
Rubicon flares
Liners did not go back on easy or properly. I was only able to put back 2 of the bolts I took out and the third the hole doesnt line up with the receiving threads, at all. So I only have 2 of the 5 bolts in. All of the push pins worked fine, but the rivets are not working with Quadratec’s recommended rivet tool.
Now the rub. I mean actual rub. Before there was no rubbing of the liner, or anything. Now af full turn there is audible flare rubbing. Will have to look at it closer tomorrow when it is light out.
Furthermore the flare doesnt go all the way in and there is a noticeable gap. Thankfully it didnt get wider while driving on the highway.
Driver side unmollested flare for comparison
Will re-assess tomorrow after work. I hope to get the rest installed asap as I have a big ride planned on Saturday
I have zero experience with such things but I got the instructions and watched videos of others doing it. Results: not a perfect success.
I managed to get the old liner and fender flares out. All manner of dirt and rocks fell out as I yanked it free. A satisfying feeling. It was tough working with 35s in the wheel well but I dont have a garage and the surface was at a slight angle. I did try to raise up the front end to get the tire to droop like it does at tire changes, but it didnt. But everything came off. One big difference is that there are only 10mm bolts, not 2 8mm like instructions say.
So what was the surprise? An air intake!!!
That’s right. Just behind the flare liner at the top of the tire is an air intake under the air filter box. At leas I think that is what it is. Looks like an air intake. The front end has an air inlet hole just to the left of when you face the passenger headlight, going to underneath the air box, which has holes in it’s bottom box housing, so I am fairly certain this is an air intake. This is concerning because if you go through water at speed the splash could reach up here. Seems like an odd place to put it.
Edit: not an air intake hole. I forgot this piece was shown in the Quadratec Rugged Ridge snorkle install
Moving on we can see some differences between the two flares. Noticeably the lamp bracket. Doesnt quite line up with all the holes like it does in the Sport Max Tow fender but the key bolts went in fine. I would say 80% fit, lamp and reflector look to fit the plastic the same, just had a couple extra screws left over that I couldn't get the lamp bracket hole to line up with the nut threads in the plastic. It’s going to be dark soon so I hurry up.
Fender flare clicks into place. Doesnt quiet fit though. Tire clearance looks great!
Sport S flares
Rubicon flares
Liners did not go back on easy or properly. I was only able to put back 2 of the bolts I took out and the third the hole doesnt line up with the receiving threads, at all. So I only have 2 of the 5 bolts in. All of the push pins worked fine, but the rivets are not working with Quadratec’s recommended rivet tool.
Now the rub. I mean actual rub. Before there was no rubbing of the liner, or anything. Now af full turn there is audible flare rubbing. Will have to look at it closer tomorrow when it is light out.
Furthermore the flare doesnt go all the way in and there is a noticeable gap. Thankfully it didnt get wider while driving on the highway.
Driver side unmollested flare for comparison
Will re-assess tomorrow after work. I hope to get the rest installed asap as I have a big ride planned on Saturday
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