Hootis

Thinking about extending my flares a few inches forward to line up with the bumper.
Anyone tried it, or no of aftermarket ones that are longer?

JPXJMOAB

You would need to add metal to the rear of the fender so I wouldn't say that's a feasible option.. I would just trim the fender to match and say goodbye to flares.

JeremyXJ

I think he means cutting the flare, moving the forward edge to the bumper, and then inserting a section of another flare to fill the gap. I'm pretty sure it hasn't been done with stock flares, but there are a few aftermarket flares that extend forward quite a bit, and add extra tire coverage.

by921

It looks like you have the smittybilt bumper and I have the same one with rugged ridge fenders and they extend a good bit farther forward

kylemason

If your looking for the OEM look - X-Max fenders are the way to go, in my opinion.



http://notchcustoms.com/product/x-max-fender-flares/

Here is the 2 door XJ and MJ link: http://notchcustoms.com/product/m-max-fender-flares/

alpine.adrenaline

Thanks so much for posting that link- those are exactly the flares I've been looking for for my MJ. Gorgeous XJ, by the way.

kylemason

Ha no problem - not my Jeep, I took it from their photo gallery.

JeremyXJ

As much as I like the look of those flares, they're really expensive and their site says they require welding for installation. That's crazy.

kylemason

I totally agree!! and they charge for shipping which was another $115 to ND. I'll probably go this Bushwacker flat fender flares: The best price I have found is $417 before tax on Amazon:

Hootis

I really like the Bushwackers also.

Bought another stock one today, I'll keep you posted on the cut and section.

kylemason

I haven't use a plastic welder before but a buddy used one to fix his grill. still needed body work and bondo etc but looked good after..
http://www.harborfreight.com/welding...c-welders.html

Hootis

I know the opening is a little big now, especially for my 31"'s but I think I like the finished look better. I'll post a pic after the flares are painted.

Jamie57

Great way to think outside the box. I think this'll look great and "Factory", something I've always tried to do in any custom work I've done.
You know sometimes all it takes is a few more minutes thinking about the "Problem" to come up with a great solution.
We can't all be Chevrolets. What a boring world that would be.

kylemason

I like how they turned out! A little bed liner/Rust-Oleum Vinyl Dye and you wouldn't hardly be able to see the seam at all!

I'd be curious to see the whole profile view of the jeep to see the front vs the rear opening

Hootis

The next pic will be in my driveway, and done.