NewXJaddict

Started removing flares today, broke 3 of the bolts off in the process, no going back now . Eventually I will do something about how crappy it looks because the last person who panted it just taped around all the plastic and now I have white spots where I have removed stuff.

Anyway, tearing plastic off = pretty fun.

Imabodybuilder

LoL im taking mine off next week to trim some more of the fenders...

ahenderl

I must be the only guy on the forum who digs flares. Oh well..I've always been a rebel.

When I removed my flares to paint them, about half of the studs broke. I picked up bolts at Lowe's that were the correct thread and welded them onto the retainer strips. Good as new...and I don't weld very good!

winston427

I still have my stock flares on. Although they took quite a beating this weekend stuffing the tires into them. As far as the broken studs, they always break.

NewXJaddict

Yeah, lots of the studs broke off. Eventually I want to trim the fenders up and make my own flares out of diamond plate or something. The only thing I didnt like about removing the flares is the front. It opened up a huge gap on each side of the body.

Also dont get me wrong I did like the stock fender flares. However when I removed the corner bumper cap things it just looked really strange so to "match" I decided to take off the fender flares too.

Howler_GT

I hate to burst your bubble....but Im gonna.

Some of us need flares to pass state inspection.
I can speak up for those of us from Pennsylvania that hate that requirement.

PA State Inspection: Tires may NOT protrude out past any bodywork.
A.K.A. Fenders -OR- Flares. Factory or aftermarket.

My Lil Red would not pass inspection. He's my DD...so I need him "legal".

The skinny oem flares were no longer up for the task at hand as I replaced the factory rim/tire set-up with 31x10.5's with 3.75" backspacing.

This pushed the outer edge of the tread past the "bodywork" (flares)

Not by much...at least to you or me. But enough for the inspection officer to say NO WAY.
I opted to go the TJ flare route.

I used a set of rear Rubicon flares up front.
I am planning on doing the rear very soon.
I only needed the front flares redone. The rears are OKAY for now.

I could have used the TJ fronts but I didnt care for that side-marker.
All a matter of taste.

Not a direct-bolt-on. To say the least.
Took me a couple of days to get them the way I wanted them.
I think it was well worth the time and effort.

This is what "wouldn't pass":



This is what Lil Red looks like with his new Rubi-flares:
FRONT:


SIDE:


I know...looks funny with the stockers on the rear... NOT for long.

NewXJaddict

Wow, that's some pretty harsh inspection there. Pretty lax where I live. Even though they recently switched from stickers to electronic inspection its still pretty easy to get by.

Pretty much as long as all the lights work, windshield wipers work and the exhaust system is in ok shape you can pass here.

Howler_GT

Yeah. It is kinda harsh.

I kept my stock tires and swapped them out the first time...

Got sick of it about the third rim. Put the fourth one on and passed...

I decided this year would be alot less work.

Besides I was eyeing up the Rubi-flares for awhile.
Good motivation.

RICZR2

Nice job with the front flares Howler....did the new flares require much cutting......to the flare I mean.