Those with Bushwacker Flares

[BiXLL]

After installing my flares, I have noticed an open area behind the tire that is going to allow dirt, sand, road salt, etc to gather and sit between the flare and underside of fender. This is true especially on the front ones, but is also there on rear. Has anyone else noticed this, and been a concern to them? Here in Pa., where rust used to be a big problem with older designed cars, this makes me feel like this is asking for trouble! I think I am going to pick up some of the rubber/tar tape that is used for installing aftermarket windows in vans, and sunroofs. I will force it into those voids, then go back over with a cover of rtv silicone to seal it up. What are your thoughts and opinions? Below is a couple pics to show where I mean.

[IMADOGMAN]

BiXLL, If I am viewing this correctly, the second pic is looking forward from behind the lower edge of the flair. If you seal it up, then there will be no way for moisture to drain out that may get in anywhere else. These kind of moisture traps are what caused many of the older designs to rust away. I would just keep it rinsed out so that the salt doesn't have time to do it's corrosive thing. I live in UT and we just happen to have a great big lake full of salt nearby, so the Dept of Transportation uses lots of it cause it's cheap. Anyway, clean it often and park it inside if you can so that it can thaw and dry out...

[IMADOGMAN]

Besides, from my experience, the RTV will fail, and it doesn't stick to the plastic/rubber in the long run...

[BiXLL]

Good point, but what happens once you get stuff freezing in there, like "dingleberries" that hang off behind the tires in winter? Maybe try to seal off fender well part? (pic 1)

[IMADOGMAN]

I don't have problems with the dingleberries because I park inside a garage where it generally stays above freezing, and they melt and fall off. We call them road-clinkers here, and we make "road clinker pudding" and serve it with "fog pot pie"...both are delicious served with green jello and hot cocoa...< both local religious foods
If it were me, I would try to hit the car wash often, even if it was just to wash the road clinkers off. Icy water is better than icy salt water... Anyone else have any ideas?

[Sammy Sandbag]

BiXLL, I wouldn't attempt to seal anything off on the flares, like IMADOGMAN said, it could just cause water to build up in there, plus you'll have a hard time actually sealing it off completely.

[BiXLL]

IMADOG, sammy, thanks guys! What you say makes sense. I was just trying to head off any problems, but as you have stated, I may make more problems for myself. I guess thats what makes these forums so nice, being able to bounce ideas around.