Bushwacker Fendflares test fit

Sammy Sandbag · 08-10-2004, 03:03 PM

I just got the flares in today and installed one on the passenger side to see how it looked unpainted. I originally had my mind set on painting them, but after looking at it on the truck, I think I actually like it black, not to mention the $$ saved. Before looking at the Titan I was looking at Tacomas and I liked the look of the unpainted fender flares on those as well. Any comments?

bestatchess · 08-10-2004, 03:12 PM

I think it looks fine w/o paint. When you get your new wheels & tires, I think they will become the center of attention, making the unpainted fender flares even less noticeable. And yes, they also remind me of the Tacoma flares.

Also, I was wondering how well the paint would stay on and endure (temp changes, flexing, gravel & stuff thrown from tires). I wonder if that is why the Tacoma flares are not painted? I am thinking about getting them to protect the paint on the truck and maybe keep the sides of the truck a bit cleaner. I have hesitated because my truck is silver and I am a bit leery of the durability of any paint applied to the fender flares. I was hoping somebody with a silver truck would get them and post some pics.

Sammy Sandbag · 08-10-2004, 03:23 PM

Quote:

I wonder if that is why the Tacoma flares are not painted

Well some models of the Tacoma come painted others don't. I was more interested in the unpainted ones. Either way I believe I'll leave them this way. Now back to scrubbing those damn emblem's adhesive off.

Optimist · 08-10-2004, 03:30 PM

Being in a high impact area & soft I think they would chip rather easy. I think they look perfect just like that.

VShortt · 08-10-2004, 03:33 PM

I think it looks pretty damn good. I take it that the wheel/tire combo that you have ordered for your truck will stick out a bit further allowing the outside of the tire to be flush with the outside of the fender flare. From these perspectives they look good. Problem is every time I think of a fender flare on a vehicle, I always think of the ford explorer sport that comes stock with the fender flares, yet the tire is actually flush with the body of the truck. From the side they look great. From the rear they look absolutely ridiculous.

Sammy Sandbag · 08-10-2004, 03:41 PM

Yeah VShortt, I can't stand it when the fender flares come out way past the tires too. The Stingray III's I have on order have less backspace than stock and should fill out that space nicely. Take a look at Gero's or DTEK's Titans with the Stingrays to see how much they come out.

Here's Gero's head on pict: http://www.titantalk.com/attachment....tachmentid=824

BiXLL · 08-10-2004, 03:50 PM

Sammy, I think they look great unpainted. I believe that is how I will leave mine also. (when they get here!)

VShortt · 08-10-2004, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammy sandbag

Yeah VShortt, I can't stand it when the fender flares come out way past the tires too. The Stingray III's I have on order have less backspace than stock and should fill out that space nicely. Take a look at Gero's or DTEK's Titans with the Stingrays to see how much they come out.

Here's Gero's head on pict: http://www.titantalk.com/attachment....tachmentid=824

How wide are the tires in that link and how wide are the tires that you are putting on your truck? I really like that wheel/tire combo that you picked because I saw the exact same thing in another thread. Also you must post pics (from various angles) once you get it all finished. One more thing. What was the total wallet damage after flares, wheels, and tires and is your suspension still completely stock?

Sammy Sandbag · 08-10-2004, 04:07 PM

The tires are 295/70R17 (33.19x12.13) roughly a 33x12.50R17. Gero's tires are BFG T/A ko and are 315/70R17 (34.5x12.0.) I'm adding the Skyjacker 2.5" coil spacers, which came from the same place as the flares, TruckAddons.com. I got the flares for $320, spacers for $133, and $12.95 shipping for a total of $465.95. The wheels and tires came from discounttiredirect.com for $1,532 total (free shipping.) I also ordered a set of speed bleeders from speedbleeders.com to install at the same time. I'll be sure and start a new thread with pictures once everything is installed.

VShortt · 08-10-2004, 04:13 PM

Are these spacers basically the same as the Daystar's that everyone has? If not, how do they differ.

homer · 08-10-2004, 04:14 PM

I think they look great as is, Sammy. How was the install?

Sammy Sandbag · 08-10-2004, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VShortt

Are these spacers basically the same as the Daystar's that everyone has? If not, how do they differ.

Yes, they are made by DayStar, as are the Rough Country. They actually arrived in a Skyjacker shock box, guess they haven't come up with packaging for it yet. Check this thread for more info: Daystar, Skyjacker, Rough Country Spacer Install Instructions

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homer

I think they look great as is, Sammy. How was the install?

I just installed the one on the front passenger side to see how it looked unpainted. I only secured it with two of the factory screws that hold on the now missing mud guard. This weekend I plan to rent a lift bay at the post auto craft center and install the coil spacers, speed bleeders, flares, and new wheels (if they have arrived by then.) From browsing the instructions for the flares, they look very easy to install. They use factory screws and holes where possible. In other spots it requires a hole drilled, a clip inserted, and a screw. There is also a rubber edge strip that must be installed along the flare where it touches the exterior.

Slurppie · 08-10-2004, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammy sandbag

Any comments?

From the look of the first pic, it must be trash day so don't forget to take out the trash. I think your truck can go either way with the flares. The black blends well.

Potroast · 08-10-2004, 09:00 PM

looks good. But I'd add something in the rear, too.

Gearman1987 · 08-10-2004, 10:22 PM

SWEET! I have been planning on installing the Bush Wacker flares - as soon as I recover from my massive audio overhaul (new head unit, sub, component speakers, amps, xm commander) - I'm set back for awhile - as soon as the Warden cuts me some slack I'll be on the phone - Where did you get yours from Sammy?