| Installing Running Boards and Fender Flares on an SUV |
From "Car Care & Repair"
episode CCR-102 |
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Factory and dealer options like fender flares, air dams and spoilers give a car a distinctive look that many people find appealing. Such sporty amenities are often available on new vehicles only as part of special-edition packages, and they nearly always add a sizable punch to the sticker price. If you're a car enthusiast who appreciates sport styling, but the price tag associated with big-ticket options causes you hesitation, you should know that less expensive alternatives do exist. After-market options are available that you can install yourself. To the untrained eye, these custom add-ons may be indistinguishable from their factory-installed counterparts -- especially when the body parts are professionally painted and color-matched with your vehicle.
In this demonstration, we install running boards and fender flares on a 1998 Ford Explorer XLT. Kits similar to this one are available for most current models.
Materials:
Body-styling kit (includes parts and mounting materials)
Sandpaper
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) cleaning solution
Adhesion promoter (provided in kit)
Socket-wrench set
Electric drill and Phillips-screwdriver attachment
Grease pencil The parts for this installation are available as a kit and come from the manufacturer unpainted in a black matte finish (figure A). They can be installed unpainted if you like a plain look. They simply need to be cleaned and treated with a sealer as specified by the manufacturer. If you wish to paint them to match your vehicle or (as in our example) in a contrasting color, the parts manufacturer recommends that you have them professionally painted at a body or auto-paint shop. The kind of paint needed for these parts is specially formulated with flexors and hardeners so that it won't crack or discolor.
At the paint shop, the parts will be treated with chemical cleaners then scuffed with sandpaper so that the paint will adhere properly to the surface. After a second cleaning, the surface is prepared with a catalyzed primer before the paint and clear coats are applied. After they've been painted, the parts are allowed to cure completely before they're installed.
For ease of installation and better viewing, our installation was done with the vehicle on a lift. The installation can also be done using an floor jack and jack stands (figure B). For added safety, chock the wheels at the end of the vehicle opposite from where you're working.
Installing the Fender Flares
Install the rear fender flare first. It installs in two pieces: one portion attaches to the rear fender, and the other attaches to the rear of the door panel. Before beginning, remove any factory parts that might interfere with the installation. On our vehicle, we removed the wheel, tire and plastic plate at the bottom of the wheel-well to allow better access. On some vehicles, you may also need to remove body side molding, fender trim, mud flaps, etc.
- With the wheel and body trim removed, test fit the rear portion of the flare (the part that attaches to the fender) by positioning it exactly where it will be mounted. Mark its outline with a grease pencil (figure C).
- To prepare the area of the underside of the flare where mounting tape will be applied, first clean the area with methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) (figure D). Next, scuff the area with sandpaper. Finally, follow up with a second cleaning using MEK.
- Apply the adhesion promoter to the surfaces where tape will be applied.
- Apply double-stick tape (figure E), leaving a portion of the backing hanging off at each end to serve as a pull-tab.
- Clean the area of the body where the flare will be attached (figure F) using MEK. When cleaning, be careful that you don't erase your grease-pencil outline.
- To install the part, hold it in place, pull the tape backing away (figure G) and press the part firmly onto the body.
- Secure the part beneath the edge of the wheel well, using self-tapping screws. Do not overtighten the screws as this could cause the part to split.
- The forward portion of the flare attaches to the door. Installation is essentially the same as with the rear portion -- test fit the part, outline it with a grease pencil, prepare the surface and attach the part using double-sided tape. Mounting this part, however, will require that you drill and attach screws into the metal surface of the door. To mark the location of the screws, apply colored modeling clay on the predrilled screw holes on the bottom of the part (figure H). Place the part in its correct position and press firmly. Use the markings made on the door by the modeling clay for reference points to predrill your holes.
- Predrill the screw holes in the door using the markings as guides. Secure the part in place with self-tapping screws (figure I), then remove the tape backing.
- Install the front fender flare on the forward wheel well. The front flare attaches in the same manner as the rear, but installation is easier since there is no door involved, and the flare is a single part.
- Repeat the installations on the other side of the vehicle.
Installing the Running Boards
Installation of the running boards involves essentially the same steps as the fender flares -- test fitting the part, preparing the surfaces and applying the part using double-sided tape and self-tapping screws. The running board, however, also utilizes an underlying support plate.
- Use the factory-drilled holes on the body to loosely install the L-brackets ( figure J). The brackets are provided in the kit.
- Slide the mounting bolts into place on the aluminum support plate (figure K).
- Lower the plate into place, inserting the bolts into the L-brackets (figure L). Loosely attach the support plate to the brackets.
- With the support plate in place, tighten all the nuts and bolts to secure the support structure.
- Prepare the back surface of the running board in the same manner as outlined above with the fender flares.
- Apply double-stick tape, leaving a portion of the backing hanging off at each end to serve as a pull-tab.
- Clean the area of the body where the flare will be attached, using MEK.
- With the double-sided tape applied to the part, slide the running board in place over the support plate (figure M). Remove the tape backing and press the part firmly into place.
- Secure the running board in place with self-tapping screws according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Attach the nonslip surface to the running board.
- Repeat these steps on the other side.
- Tip: If the fit of the parts is not precise because of slight warping or distortion, place the parts in the sun or in a warm place (less than 130 degrees Fahrenheit). The materials retain structural "memory" and should return to their original shape under slight heat.
- Important: These installations were performed in keeping with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the body-styling kit. Follow the instructions provided with your kit. There may be some variation in techniques according to the brand or style. Follow all safety precautions, including those dealing with the chemicals used for cleaning and preparing the surfaces.
RESOURCES :
Xenon Body Styling Kits
Xenon parts are available from
American Best Car Parts, Inc.
2891 Via Martens
Anaheim, CA 92806
Toll-free: 800-999-8753
Phone: 714-732-1709
Fax: 714-632-2738
Web site: www.teamxenon.com
Vehicles provided by McNelly-Whaley Ford Lincoln Mercury
750 Dolly Parton Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 865-453-2833
Web site: www.ford4u.com
The 2000-2005 World Outlook for Automotive Parts and Accessories
Model: 0585390703
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
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