Hey all,
Plans to go flareless and I like what XJ?2010 did by plugging the mounting holes with paint matched screws and using wheel trim for the sharp edge. I plan to go that route, but I don't know how to make a clean line with the flareless rear. How do I get a clean line with that stinkin' 'bulge' (I understand it is there for the hole that would otherwise be too close to the edge)? If others have cut it off, what would happen if I went back to the flared look after trimming the bulge off?

Pics would help.

Thanks,
s

that tiny little buldge after the cut and fold is done? you cant get rid of it unless you cut it off and reweld your fenders back together.

I guess I wasn't clear. I'm not planning a fender trimming yet, just flare removal. If I do this, there is a bulge that hangs down on the rear fender that gets in the way of the arch when looking at it from the side. What is it for and what would happen if you cut it off and then tried to go back to stock wit hthe fender flares?

s

im not too sure what youre talking about.

i know what u mean i have no idea why its like that and its very ugly, i would cut it off

It really doesnt bother me anymore my endcaps bother me more. I think you could wrap the molding around it or get a bolt with a large washer to cover it.

I believe this is the bulge hes talking about

Too many firewalls at work to see the photo, but I'd imagine you know what I'm talking about since it was your build that got me thinking. I really like what you did to the front end and I'd like to replicate that front and rear on mine. Is the hole just another flare mount or does it serve another purpose as well? If you think the molding would make those bends, I'll try to give that a shot.

s

No that hole doesn't do anything I have no idea why it is there and apperently no one else does either. That molding is pretty flexable im pretty sure it would go around it but tomarrow i will go out and seeif it works for ya. i used a hair dryer to heat it up and it worked wonders so i reccomend that also get a good paint mine is starting to chip off.

I'd just cut it off to follow the rest of the fender and fill the hole in with something. It definitely won't have an effect on re-mounting the flares.

What do you mean wheel trim? This idea fascinates me and I may do it if I can figure out what it is. I like the fenderless look, but hate the holes it leaves and that bulge.

The trim is in the blue packages i got it at the auto parts store 7 bucks a pack.

Before

After

Hope that helps

XJ?2010 has a sweet set up for this. He posted the pics already, but you might want to check out his build for the background on it. Since my XJ is green, paint matching will be more difficult, so I've help off on the project. I've decided that I will follow the fender flare mounting lines with the herculiner I use for the rocker panels so the screws will be sealed into the bedliner. Then to take the harp edge off, use the molding that XJ?2010 used in his build. It is definitely a clean look that I can't wait to do. Problem is I have to wait for 70 degree days to do the bedliner and it just snowed about 8 inches today.

s

Perfect. That is exactly what I was hoping to hear!

s

Hey thanks. I look forward to hearing what the trim will do. No rush though. It is too cold and windy here to use a hair dryer. I plan on doing this mod as soon as I get a couple nice days for the bedliner to dry (to seal the screws in place).

s