Do you want to stand out from the masses of Jeep Gladiator owners? Installing Fender Flares is an affordable and effective way to make your ride look unique.
From traditional black plastic, to steel, and even carbon fiber options – we’ll give you the lowdown on all of the different styles and materials available, plus all the info you need for a successful installation.
Welcome to our guide about Fender Flares for the Jeep Gladiator! In this article, we’ll discuss different types of flares, the materials used to manufacture flares, and how to install them. We’ll also include tips on choosing the right style and material for your specific needs.
Fender flares can completely change the look of your jeep, giving it a customized look that stands out from the crowd. They are designed to protect from mud, rocks, and other road debris that often covers vehicles during off-roading activities. In addition, they offer protection against rust accumulation in critical areas where rainwater can collect. Without fender flares installed on your Jeep Gladiator, you may find yourself replacing key components such as doors or mirrors due to corrosion damage.
We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision about which fender flare is best for your vehicle and situation. Now let’s find out more about different styles of flares!
Styles of Fender Flares for Jeep Gladiator
The choice of material for your Jeep Gladiator’s fender flares determines the style, durability, and overall look of the final product. Depending on the type of material you choose, there are several styles to select from for your Jeep Gladiator.
- Plastic Fender Flares: These are the most affordable option and are available in many factory style designs as well as some aftermarket versions. They may require painting or die-cutting to get the desired look, but they offer protection from debris, mud, and water splashes.
- Polyurethane Fender Flares: Polyurethane is a composite material composed of two or more elements such as rubber and fiberglass that provide strength and durability while offering a stylish design. This type of fender flare is usually accompanied by vehicle-specific hardware making installation quick and easy with no drilling required.
- Aluminum Fender Flares: These are designed to be lightweight and durable while still looking good on your Jeep Gladiator. They can also be painted in various color options which allows you to customize your truck’s exterior look even further. The aluminum also offers additional protection as it will not rust or corrode easily like plastic or polyurethane does over time.
- Steel Fender Flares: If you’re looking for maximum protection for your truck’s wheels and tires, steel fender flares might be what you’re looking for. They are often found in higher-end vehicles due to their extreme durability and weather resistance; however, they can sometimes be bulky if not installed properly which could affect aerodynamics and fuel efficiency negatively depending on the size of the flares selected for your Jeep Gladiator build.
Narrow vs Wide
When choosing fender flares for your Jeep Gladiator, you must consider two main factors: style and material. First, decide which look is best for your vehicle; some customers prefer the exposed body line of narrow flares to have a sleeker look, while others prefer wide flares to have a more aggressive off-road style. Wide flares usually provide extra coverage and make a bold statement on the trail.
When it comes to materials, you should choose the ones that work best with your budget and lifestyle. ABS plastic is the most economical option, although some customers opt for steel if they plan on using their Jeep in more extreme off-road conditions. Steel might be durable and can handle scrapes better than plastic, but they are less forgiving when parking in tight spaces or maneuvering through rough terrain — as well as being heavier and more expensive than ABS plastic.
Installation typically takes two hours or less depending on your mechanical skills. You will need basic tools such as a drill/driver, socket set and wrench set in order to properly secure your new fender flares before hitting the road again. For those of you who want to put in extra care into their installation make sure to use sealant between each fender flare and body mount before tightening any bolts – this will help prevent any water from getting beneath the flare therefore preserving its appearance over time.
Flat vs Pocket
When looking at fender flares for the Jeep Gladiator, there are a few main differences to consider. First, there are two styles to choose from: flat and pocket flares. Both styles give you added tire coverage and protection, but offer different levels of style and customization.
Flat flares have a more traditional look with their smooth surface and streamlined design, typically maximizing clearance for larger wheels and tires. Flat flares are perfect for those who want classic style on their Gladiator without any extra bells and whistles, as they come pre-cut for easy installation.
Pocket-style fender flares feature additional depth due to recessed pockets in the design that give your Jeep some extra texture and surfaces for customization. They offer extra tire coverage compared to flat fender flares while still maintaining a mostly streamlined look. However, these options will require some additional tooling before installation in order to get the desired fitment.
OE Style vs Aftermarket
Fender flares can give your Jeep Gladiator a rugged look, enhance its aerodynamics, and provide added protection from mud, dirt, rocks, and other debris. You can choose from either OEM-style or aftermarket fender flares for your Jeep Gladiator. Both styles come in a variety of materials with installation methods ranging from simple to challenging. Understanding the differences between OEM-style and aftermarket fender flares is key to finding the right ones for your Gladiator.
OEM-style fender flares are designed to replicate the look of factory-installed fender flares on Jeep Gladiators. These are usually made from ABS plastic which is lightweight, yet durable enough to withstand off-road conditions as well as extreme temperatures. Because these flares match the contours of the body of your Jeep perfectly and use factory mounting points, installation is often straightforward and simple—no special tools or drilling required. OEM-style fender flares are great if you’re looking to give your Jeep a natural look without having to paint them or customize them further.
Aftermarket fender flares offer more customization options than OEM-style OE replacements in terms of look and material type – they also may have different clip styles which you’ll need to pay close attention to when choosing ones for your vehicle. These types typically require drilling for installation as they are not made specifically for any one particular car make/model—it’s important that you understand the full installation process before commencing this project in order create an effective seal once mounted onto the body of your vehicle. Aftermarket fender flares offer more availability in terms materials such as stainless steel or carbon fiber depending on what kind of aesthetic statement you are looking for with regards to styling even though these materials may be slightly pricier than ABS plastic found on OEM styles.
Pros and Cons of each style
In order to make an informed decision when choosing the right fender flares for your Jeep Gladiator, it is important to consider all of the options available in terms of style, materials, and installation. Each style has its own set of pros and cons that should be evaluated prior to purchasing.
The first type to look at are OE-style Fender Flares. These are designed for a stock appearance and provide an excellent fit for most vehicles. They provide coverage for additional tire clearance, enhanced protection from road debris and water, and a more aggressive look than stock wheels. However, due to their slim design they may not offer enough protection in extreme off-roading situations like rock crawling or mud drags.
The next type of Fender Flares are Street Style Flares which are larger than OE-Style Flares and provide extra tire coverage along with greater protection from debris such as road debris and rocks as well as water splashes. These flares also offer an aggressive appearance with sharp angles intended to give your truck a stylized look on the road versus the softer curves associated with OE-Style flares. One potential disadvantage is their heaviness compared with OE-Style Flares which can make installation more difficult or cumbersome if you opt to install them yourself.
Finally, there are Custom Fit Fender Flares which are designed specifically for Jeeps Gladiator models that allow each panel to fit flush against adjacent body panels ensuring seamless coverage around your tires without gaps or excessive bulging around the edges where you risk scraping against parked cars or curbs when turning tight corners in parking lots or driveways. Many of these flares also feature raised lip designs that further protect against road debris and water splashes while adding additional aesthetic appeal making them ideal if you’re looking for something beyond factory specs but without sacrificing quality or paying outrageous prices associated with most aftermarket parts customization projects. The downside here is the shorter longevity when compared with some other materials like ABS plastic which tends to hold up better in extreme conditions such as mud drags or frequent off-roading excursions over harsh terrain regularly exposing your rig’s exterior components dangers of hard knocks abrasion due rocks dust mud branches etc hazards encounters while navigating trails further out off into nature’s wilds.
III. Materials Used in Fender Flares for Jeep Gladiator
When choosing fender flares for a Jeep Gladiator, it is important to understand the different materials used to construct them. Each material has its own unique properties and benefits, and each is best suited for specific types of off-road applications. Generally speaking, steel, fiberglass and plastic are the most commonly used materials in fender flare construction.
Steel: A cost effective option that offers great strength and durability. Steel flares are built to last, but they require more maintenance due to their susceptibility to rusting over time.
Fiberglass: Lightweight yet sturdy enough for reliable off-road performance, fiberglass is perfect for those who want a durable set of fender flares without the added weight provided by heavy steel construction. It is also resistant to corrosion and can be easily painted or modified for custom looks.
Plastic: Low-cost and easy to install, plastic fender flares provide protection from road debris without taking up too much room inside the wheel well. However, because it may be prone to cracking or breaking in certain conditions, it is best suited for light duty applications on paved surfaces rather than extreme off-roading adventures.
ABS Plastic
ABS plastic is the most popular and affordable material for making fender flares for Jeep Gladiator models. This type of plastic is lightweight, impact resistant, and it won’t rust or corrode like metal can. It’s also relatively easy to install and usually comes pre-drilled with mounting holes so you don’t have to bore into the Jeep body.
They come in a variety of styles from sleek factory-style fitment to more aggressive designs depending on your preference. Many ABS flares are made from durable, UV-resistant thermoplastic which won’t fade or discolor over time.
Installing ABS fender flares requires only basic tools and should take no more than an hour or two depending on your skill level.
Aluminum
Aluminum flares are great for those who want the protection offered by Jeep Gladiator fender flares without the added weight of steel. Aluminum alloy is lighter than steel yet strong enough to handle whatever you throw at it, and since aluminum doesn’t corrode or rust, your fenders will look great for many years to come.
In addition, aluminum can be painted and powder coated to match your Jeep’s paint scheme. If you prefer a look that is less permanent, consider opting for black oxide aluminum flares which offer good protection with a matte finish that won’t need to be repainted or powder coated.
Aluminum flares usually come in four pieces plus hardware, and installation typically takes about an hour.
Steel
Steel fender flares for the Jeep Gladiator provide extra protection for both the vehicle and your tires. Steel is heavy duty and designed to take a beating, making it an ideal material for off-roaders and die-hard outdoorsmen. These flares will also be visually appealing, as they come in several colors, from satin black to classic chrome.
When you opt for steel flares you might end up saving money in the long term since their durability allows them to be used over a longer period of time than those crafted from other materials like plastic or fiberglass. Installation is fairly straightforward with minimal tools needed; however if you’re looking for professional services, most auto body shops are able to install them correctly.
Be sure to choose a reputable shop when installing steel fender flares on your Jeep Gladiator, as they need to follow certain guidelines regarding placement so as not to obstruct driver visibility or cause rubbing of current body panels/parts.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is a lightweight, yet durable material that can add a custom look to any Jeep Gladiator. Its low-gloss finish gives fender flares a stealthy, stylish look with an impressive amount of detail and depth.
Carbon fiber fender flares are easy to install, as well as easier to clean than other materials, making them perfect for on and off-roading.
It’s important to note that carbon fiber is more expensive than plastic or metal flares, but with proper maintenance they can provide you with years of reliable coverage and protection.
Pros and Cons of each material
When choosing the right fender flares for your Jeep Gladiator, it’s important to consider the materials that they are made from. Fairly common materials include plastic, metal and rubber. Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages which should be weighed up when selecting the best set for your needs.
Plastic: Plastic fender flares offer a lightweight and affordable option that won’t have a negative effect on fuel efficiency. They are very easy to install and offer a high level of protection against dirt, mud and other road debris accumulating around your wheel wells. Furthermore, plastic can be dyed to any color you require making it more aesthetically pleasing than metallic or rubber alternatives. However, the thin material is prone to damage over time, wear and tear often resulting in cracking or fading after prolonged exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations or UV rays.
Metal: Metal fender flares provide superior protection that is designed to last both on-and off-road adventures. The heavy duty material is highly resistant to denting or chipping due to their sturdy construction providing fantastic results in bumpy conditions or thick vegetation areas. On the downside, metal fender flares are somewhat costly compared with alternative materials and generally require professional installation due to their large weight capacity making them too hard for one person alone.
Rubber: Offering excellent durability while maintaining an affordable price tag compared with similar products, rubber fender flares bring together many desirable characteristics ideal for jeep owners embarking on extended road trips through hazardous terrain typical of many off-road routes. One potential issue can arise when using this style in colder climates as temperatures often lower enough for rubber’s flexibility strength reducing significantly leading without proper installations; risk of detachment can occur over time due to its elasticity diminishing when entering extreme cold weather scenarios.
Conclusion
In terms of style and personal preference, the choice of fender flares for Jeep Gladiator is yours. The good news is that whichever style you choose, the installation process is about the same for all types.
But don’t forget to look into the material type when it comes to selecting a set for your Jeep Gladiator — you want to make sure that it’s something that can stand up against extreme weather and other environmental factors.
And remember, if there’s ever any doubt about whether or not something should go on your vehicle, always use your best judgement and refer to a qualified auto mechanic!
FAQ’s
What material are fender flares?
Fender flares can be made from a variety of materials such as plastic, fiberglass, or metal.
What are Jeep Gladiator fenders made of?
The Jeep Gladiator fenders are made of steel.
What are the Jeep factory fender flares made of?
The Jeep factory fender flares are made of plastic.
What material are fenders made of?
Fenders are typically made of steel, aluminum, or plastic.
What type of metal are fenders made of?
Fenders can be made of various types of metal such as steel, aluminum, or even carbon fiber.
What are the different types of fender flares?
There are several types of fender flares, including pocket-style, flat-style, extended-style, and bolt-on.
Do fender flares require drilling?
It depends on the type of fender flares and the vehicle they are being installed on. Some fender flares require drilling while others can be installed using existing holes.
What is the best fender material?
The best fender material depends on the specific needs and preferences of the vehicle owner. Steel is typically the most durable, but aluminum and plastic can also be effective.
Is the Jeep Gladiator steel or aluminum?
The Jeep Gladiator is primarily made of steel.
What is the difference between fender and fender flares?
Fenders are the body panels that cover the wheels of a vehicle, while fender flares are additional pieces that attach to the fenders to provide additional tire coverage and style.
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