Fender Flares

[vmodi]

This past weekend I took off the fender flares on my 1998 Pathfinder. I think the truck looks a lot better without them. Some questions about the change:

 

1. I saw a bunch of holes in the body used to hold the flares in place, should I close these up or is it ok to leave them open?

2. Would rust increase since I took the flares off? I was fortunate to not find any rust under any of the fender flares.

3. What could I use to plug the holes if I needed to?

4. I was unable to remove the flare that is part of the front bumper, has anyone done that and if so how do I remove it?

 

Thanks.

[tmoore4512]

Hey bud, welcome to the forum...

 

I do not have a 98, but it should not be much different either way.

 

The holes are probably either nutserts or some kind of "slip over" mount for the screw/bolt to go through when the flares are mounted to the vic.

 

You shouldnt* have an issue with them being open, but without seeing it, it willb e hard to answer. Can you snap and post a pic?

 

Rust shouldnt* increase. Again, we need to see it.

 

Silicone would work, or some weld/body filler/paint to match if it was going to permanent.

 

On the WD21, the front valance or "flare" is bolted to the bumper, radiator support and to the fenders. Its a PITA to get off, (well it was on mine.) but reveals a bunch of ugly if taken off.

 

Good luck bro.