DIY: installing generic Truck-style mudflaps - BG/BK/BD

[Huffer]

Tools:
Jack, jack stand and lug nut wrench
Power screwdriver (power drill with screwdriver adapter)
Foam mat for your knees
Patience

Time: 1-2hrs, more if you're like me and take ages making a decision

So you want mudflaps, but don't want to pay outrageous prices for custom fit ones, or even some of the pricier "Armor" styles?
No worries - the truck department at your local autostore has you covered. You need to buy TWO sets of flaps, any generic kind will work:


This was a $9 set on sale, I bought two. These have self tapping screws that I used - you will note that I did not drill into any metal on the car, only the plastic body parts.

First step - you need to test out how the mudflap is going to hang on the car and how you will position the flaps. Being my first time doing this, I found it easier to have the wheels on the car while I made my decision (which took a long time!). When you finally go to do the install proper, you should take the wheels off because it makes installation a lot easier - particularly on the rear wheels.

This is a picture of the rear wheel well - I chose to attach the mudflap via FOUR (4) screws into the bumper. You could drill a hole into the mudflap and then use a push rivet (plastic) because there are push+screw plastic rivets holding various fender well & side skirt parts on but I wanted something more secure. You could do both.


And here is the mudflap installed on the rear:


This is a picture of the front driver's side wheel well - note that I have screwed into the side skirt, and NOT the fender.


There is a slight 1/4" gap at the top of the side skirt and the mudflap, but it tapers away as you head up towards the securing point. For the top hole in the mudflap, I drilled a hole in the flap, and then reused the securing bolt on the car. It is long enough and pretty sturdy. On the middle of the flap I used two screws that go into the side skirt. In the summer, these holes can easily be covered with a push rivet.

Here is a view from the back of the car:



Hope this helps anyone else doing this - my install didn't go perfectly, on my passenger side rear I had the mudflap angled too far into the car when the wheel was on, so I had to take it off, and redrill the mudflap holes.

I'll update the thread with a full car shot when I get a moment.

[httrdd]

Nice DIY now get some dirt on those wheels!

[Huffer]

^^ wheels are dirty. Never cleaned them from last winter!

Whole car pic:




Can't really see the flaps cos the ground is black too.

[eekay]

Nice! I can't wait to do my mud flaps. Not sure which ones I'm going to do though. Gotta work around the fiberglass body kit...

[Danny-G]

I got the same flaps on the back of my car. I went with O.E. ones for the front.

[eekay]

Well, it's sort of stupid as far as who "makes" mud flaps for our cars. Nearly nothing fits exact based on the fact that almost anyone who says the flaps "fit" ship some universal stuff. I think it's awesome that you did a DIY for universal flaps! Save $300..? Yup!

[Huffer]

Yeah, I figure for the summer if I really want to cover up any holes in the plastic ive made, I can always install a set of JDM mud guards.

Btw, this install really only worked because I have factory side skirts.If you don't have the side skirts, then you'll be drilling into metal.

[Danny-G]

Had the "truck" ones on since August ans I can say if they see lots of dirt and road debries they do bend after some time. Mine are bent towards the back of the car now. I believe I first noticed them being bent about two months or so ago.

[Huffer]

^^ that does depend on the material. Mine are pretty firm, they don't bend that much given that there is no support structure molded into the actual flap (like an OEM one would).

I have to say, with these on, I've had much less debris hit the back windows, which is interesting.