The switch to these new wider wheels and wider tires on Candy Van, I want fender flares to prevent sandblasting my fenders. There are currently zero options for an Express Van in a direct-fit thing. There are universal stick-on or screw-on flares, but they are EPMD foam rubber and the reviews usually say they're great on a bro-dozer that never sees anything but pavement, and flaming reviews for people who actually use things off road.
So first question... does anyone know if there are "real" fender flares that you can get in generic sizes?
Next part... I have some plastic sheet at the shop. Some of it is about 1/8" black plastic that smells like PVC when I cut it. I have some other stuff that is probably 6mm or so and it's hard to describe. Both sides are smooth and the center seems like maybe a dense foam. It kind of looks like foamcore, but the plastic version. Like the sheet was made from a plastic high density foam and the extrusion process made the smooth surfaces. I cut a 3" strip today of the first PVC stuff and mocked it up. I'm not above just screwing it on inside the lip of the fender, but I need some assistance. If I just use an adhesive like double sided tape, I know it will fall off. If I just screw it I know it will be wavy, especially when it's hotter. I also know that if I screw it I'm going to want some kind of sealant on the screws to at least keep rust a little slower to consume the fenders.
So is there maybe a good adhesive/sealant I can use on the whole lip to bond whatever plastic I use to the steel in between the screws that will also go in and seal the screw holes? I'm looking for something that will hold strong enough to keep it stuck, but not something permanent like epoxy or panel bond.
Am I barking up the wrong tree with these plastics? Will they just shatter the first winter day a stone gets tossed into them? Any idea what the foam-type plastic is?
Can you get ahold of some fiberglass or ABS conversion van flares?
Regarding universal flares, have you searched on Expedition Portal? I'd assume someone over there has set up an Express for overlanding, and may have found a good set of flares that fit closely enough.
Javelin said:
Can you get ahold of some fiberglass or ABS conversion van flares?
A) I have never seen a newer Express conversion van with flares. B) Most of the fender flares on conversion vans are a bit intrusive. I will look, though. I could cut and modify them if I find them.
I did find a video in which WeldTec was developing fiberglass flares, but they aren't on their website yet. They do sell complete fiberglass "prerunner" bulging fenders for the front but they're a pretty penny and that doesn't help the rears.
In reply to eastsideTim :
I haven't yet. That's a good idea. I did search and ask on Pirate4x4 but no responses yet.
Edit... just checked Expedition Portal. I found one, and it was WeldTec's prototype.
Got any kiddie pools you can cut up?
In reply to stanger_mussle (Supported by GRM undergarments) :
No, but there are some annoying kiddies in the neighborhood. Probably not a good long-term solution as they might start to smell
Anyone have thoughts on the adhesive/sealant?
stanger_mussle (Supported by GRM undergarments) said:
Got any kiddie pools you can cut up?
Sad to see that happen to a clean looking 35 year old truck.
Will the sliding door hit whatever flares you want to put on it .
on my express van it looks pretty close ,
they did make door extension rods for earlier conversion vans , not sure about express vans ,
Good Luck
In reply to californiamilleghia :
I have bi-fold side doors.
I've had some friends use Clinched flares;
https://www.clinchedflares.com/universal-fender-flares/
I think they were ABS?
I found a few on ebay as well but none of them really look like they'll work well.
55 gallon drum cut up and 3M panel bond, ideally with rivets as well.
In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :
Why not do simple, classic, box flairs? Basically 3 cuts. Pull the wheel opening out as far as it needs to go. Fill in the holes and Bob's your Uncle.
It will look nicer if you radius the curves by using a piece of water pipe and some tapping with a body hammer. Weld everything back together using a MIG welder. Smooth it all out with a little bondo. Should be able to knock a flair a day out. It would help if you had an old Geezer to smack you on the back of the head when you're making a mistake. But with U tube, you should be able to figure the how to's out.
This is the generic rubber flares used on box trucks, ambulances etc. Not my favorite, but it might be an option. My ambulance had something like that and they were extremely durable.
In reply to WillG80 :
This is good to know. I had been looking at the Pacer flares but (as is typical) the reviews range from flaming angry up to blissfully happy. The big complaint seems to be that they constantly get wavy and bowed based on temperature. I guess I could try them. At worst it will be a $150 mistake
ian sane said:
I've had some friends use Clinched flares;
https://www.clinchedflares.com/universal-fender-flares/
I think they were ABS?
Ohh giving me ideas for the w108
