Struggling to get the perfect fender flares for your Nissan Frontier? Look no further!
This comprehensive guide will empower you with everything you need to know to decide which style, material, and installation process fits your needs best. With all the essential details provided, this article will solve your fender flare dilemma once and for all.
For Nissan Frontier owners, installing aftermarket fender flares is a great way to enhance both the aesthetics and the protection of your vehicle. Whether you want to give your ride a more rugged look or you’re looking for an extra layer of protection against debris and road hazards, adding a set of fender flares can help achieve these goals.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of fender flares available for your Nissan Frontier, as well as materials and installation process. We’ll also go into the details of what makes each style unique so that you can make an informed choice when selecting your new fender flares.
Styles of Fender Flares for Nissan Frontier
Fender flares can be attached to the edge of any wheel opening in your truck or SUV in order to give it a customized appearance. These fender flares are offered in various styles and materials that can be chosen by the user, depending on their individual needs and preferences. Below is an overview of the three most popular styles of fender flares for the Nissan Frontier.
OEM Factory Fender Flares: Designed to look like they came from the factory, these fender flares feature an OEM-style construction with a clean, finished appearance. They provide your vehicle with extra coverage while blending seamlessly into its existing wheel wells.
Pocket Style Fender Flares: Pocket style fender flares have a sleek, low profile design that give your vehicle a more aggressive look than OEM factory style fender flares. These flare up away from the wheel well and extend outward near the end in order ensure optimal wheel coverage.
Extended Width Fender Flares: Extended width fender flares feature an oversized profile that extends much farther out than standard models with dimensions ranging from 4” – 6” or wider on average. This type of flare provides maximum wheel protection against mud and dirt where traditional style didn’t offer enough coverage for off-roading conditions.
OEM Fender Flares
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) fender flares for your Nissan Frontier are factory-made components specifically designed for your vehicle. They are crafted to replace the original parts that came with the vehicle at the time of purchase. They may come with lockable clips, mounting brackets, and spacers to snugly fit around your wheel wells.
OEM fender flares will provide your truck with an authentic appearance and match up more completely to the exterior of most models than aftermarket alternatives. However, they can be more costly since they are made to fit precisely to your vehicle specifications.
Pocket Style Fender Flares
Pocket style fender flares for the Nissan Frontier provide an easy way to give your vehicle a rugged, off-road look. They are available in black, silver and tinted styles, depending on the design. The main construction material is fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane that offers rigid durability, although some models feature hidden hardware to reduce the customization of installation even further. Furthermore, they can be painted to match your vehicle factory paint color.
The Installation process is relatively straightforward and requires some minor automotive skill and basic mechanics knowledge:
- Start by cleaning the installation area as any dust or debris can create additional difficulty in removing parts during the rest of the installation process.
- Laminate tape should also be applied onto clean surfaces to ensure better adhesion when installing fender flares onto the factory wheel wells of your Nissan Frontier
- Carefully lift up each wheel well cover on one side at a time so that you can access a variety of bolts that secure it in place
- Remove all of these securing bolts and carefully detach wheel wells from Nissan’s body frame
- Fit each pocket-style fender flare into its designated place and make sure it covers both inside and outside surfaces properly
6 Once all flare pieces have been installed then replace all factory wheel well coverings with pocket style ones
7 Finally reattach securing bolts into their original places completing installation
Extended Style Fender Flares
Extended Style Fender Flares provide maximum tire coverage and protection for your Nissan Frontier. They feature a full-coverage design that extends far beyond the wheel wells, adding an aggressive look and protecting fenders and hoods from dirt, rocks and other debris.
Materials used to produce this style of flares range from polypropylene mesh to steel mesh for the ultimate in durability. Depending on the specific model, installation may require rivets or screw nuts as well as bolt-on components. Some Extended Style Fender Flares come with detailed instructions while others take a more straightforward approach. Either way, they must be installed correctly which may require slight vehicle modifications or accessories in order to mount them securely – consult the manufacturer’s specific guide for more precise details.
Materials Used in Fender Flares for Nissan Frontier
Fender flares for Nissan Frontier are available in a variety of materials, including ABS plastic, carbon fiber, and stainless steel. This guide will cover the pros and cons of each material that can be used to create these exterior truck accessories.
ABS plastic is resistant to cracking and can be easily painted to match any vehicle’s exterior color. It is also important to note that it is lighter than the other materials used in the manufacture of fender flares, making it easier to install on your pickup truck. The main downside to ABS plastic fender flares is they can fade over time if they are exposed too often to extreme temperatures or UV rays.
Carbon fiber offers a more sleek look than ABS plastic, but it may require some more time and effort during installation due to its heavier weight. It does provide added protection against sunlight exposure compared to ABS plastic, but its cost could make it prohibitive for some people who are looking for an affordable option.
Stainless steel fender flares are the strongest of all the materials mentioned here and offer maximum protection from virtually all types of weather conditions or road debris that may come their way while driving your pickup truck. They will also last longer than either plastic or carbon fiber options because stainless steel won’t corrode over time due to moisture or other factors like those mentioned above. On the other hand, stainless steel will require a more involved installation process which may exceed many drivers’ experience levels even with professional instructions supplied with your purchase.
ABS Plastic
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic is a popular and durable choice of material used to make fender flares. When compared to other materials such as fiberglass or PVC, ABS plastic is more flexible and easier to work with. It also contains heat-resistant properties which makes it great for standing up against UV radiation.
When purchasing ABS plastic fender flares, you’ll find them available in two different grades – injection molded and thermoformed – depending on the style and design you’re looking for.
Injection molded ABS fender flares are constructed from a single piece of material that has been injected into a mold at high pressures. This type of flare offers superior strength and durability as well as increased accuracy when it comes to fitment on your Nissan Frontier, making it the ideal choice for those looking for an exact replica of their original flare size.
Alternatively, thermoformed ABS fender flares are made from several pieces of thinner plastic that have been fused together through a heating process. Although these types of flares are not quite as strong or durable as injection molded plastics, they offer excellent flexibility which allows them to be bent and worked into complex shapes without fear of cracking or breaking apart. Furthermore, they can be purchased in pre-painted colours providing paint matching convenience right out of the box!
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a thermoplastic material known for its superior weather-resistance. It offers great breathability with superior shock absorption and abrasion resistance, making it an ideal choice for fender flares. While polyurethane is slightly heavier and more expensive than plastic, it is usually the preferred option due to its longevity and aesthetic appeal. It can also be flexed without becoming brittle or cracking, making it the choice material when off-roading or navigating difficult terrain.
Generally speaking, you’ll pay slightly more for polyurethane fender flares but they have a much longer lifespan and are often backed by strong manufacturer warranties against warping or cracking. They also come with all necessary hardware for installation; however, additional tools might be needed in some cases as each make and model are different from the other.
Fiberglass
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a durable and lightweight material, making it ideal for the harsh outdoor conditions that come along with off-roading. Fender flares made from fiberglass can protect the paint of your Nissan Frontier from mud and dirt kicked up on the trails, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing look for your truck.
Fiberglass fender flares typically come with built-in mounting points which allow you to easily attach them to your vehicle without having to drill any holes. It’s important to note that fiberglass can be quite brittle if not cared for properly, and so it’s critical to select a high quality product in order to ensure longevity. Fiberglass fender flares are also typically one of the pricier options available, but they offer superior protection and may require less upkeep than other materials.
Installation Process of Fender Flares for Nissan Frontier
When installing fender flares on a Nissan Frontier, you will need a few basic tools such as a set of Allen keys, an impact drill, and a socket tool. Depending on the type of flares you purchase, the process can range from very simple to more complex. Below is an outline of the general steps for installation.
- Wash Vehicle: Before installing your fender flares, it is important to clean your vehicle and make sure that all the area around the wheel wells and underneath the vehicle is free of dirt, debris or other objects. This will help ensure that your install goes smoothly and doesn’t get stuck because of something stuck in the wheel well.
- Mark Flares: Once all areas around installation are clean, mark each flare with a permanent marker and include notes about where each piece should be secured for proper alignment with bumper lines and other accessories on your vehicle in order to achieve perfect installation fitment.
- Drill Holes: Using an impact drill or other power tool appropriate for metal work, create holes according to manufacturer’s instructions (you may want to double check measurements with permanent marking). Be careful when drilling – having extra holes can cause issues with the final look of your finished product if not done properly.
- Secure Flares: Once all holes are drilled, use appropriate screws and washers provided by manufacturer to secure new fender flares in place ensuring tight fits without movement in any direction; this also helps keep flares securely attached over time against all driving conditions that Frontier may face during its lifetime.
- Check Fitment: Double check fitment by examining areas around wheel wells where tire meets outside edge of body panel; make sure no gaps exist between panels/flares and tires/wheels before finalizing job as this can lead to rusting issues over time if not properly sealed against environment exposure.
- Finalise Install: Finally spray sealant or use appropriate weatherproofing material along flange where tire meets body panel especially around curves – you may need someone else’s assistance during this step due to difficult-to-reach areas like sides & top portions near wheel wells – hope that helped!
Preparation for Installation
Before beginning the installation process of Fender Flares on your Nissan Frontier, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure a successful installation. Preparation before installation will not only save time, but can also help prevent potential installation issues.
The first step is to read through the instructions provided with your Fender Flares kit, which will provide you with information about tools and materials needed for a successful installation. Make sure you have all of the necessary tools and materials before beginning the Fender Flares installation process.
Once you have all of your supplies gathered, make sure to double-check that your Nissan Frontier’s fenders are in good condition and do not exhibit any signs of rust or damage that could potentially cause leaks or weaken mounting points. While inspecting your fenders, take extra care to check around existing screws, bolts or mounting holes as they may need to be cleaned out in order for new screws or bolts/nuts to properly secure the new Fender Flares in place. Additionally, clean off dirt and debris from any parts which will be coming into contact with the Fender Flares; this will help ensure a secure fit when mounting them onto the fenders of your Nissan Frontier. With all these preparatory steps completed, you should be ready to begin installing your Fender Flares.
Removal of Old Fender Flares
Before you can install your new Fender Flares for the Nissan Frontier, you must remove the old ones. This is a relatively simple process, but wear work gloves for safety when you do it and make sure to clean up any debris as you go.
To begin, insert a flat-head screwdriver into the gap between the flare lip and body of the truck. Gently twist and pry out to release any clips or fasteners holding the flare in place. Carefully remove these clips and set aside – they can be reused with your new flares. Once you have removed all of them, use your hands to slowly pull off each old fender flare starting from one end until they are all removed completely. Put them aside until you’re ready to install your new set of Fender Flares for your Nissan Frontier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several different styles of fender flares available for the Nissan Frontier that can be made from different materials and installed in various ways. The key is to determine what style flare you want, what material it should be made from, and how complicated the installation process will be. With a little research, you should be able to find the perfect set for your truck.
If all else fails, enlist the help of a professional to ensure that your Nissan Frontier looks its best with new fender flares in place.
FAQ’s
How are fender flares installed?
Fender flares are typically installed by drilling holes into the fender and attaching them with screws or bolts.
What material are fender flares?
Fender flares can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, fiberglass, and metal.
How do you install bolt style fender flares?
Bolt style fender flares are installed by drilling holes into the fender and attaching them with bolts and nuts.
What tools do I need to install fender flares?
The tools needed to install fender flares typically include a drill, drill bits, screwdriver, wrench, and possibly a jigsaw or other cutting tool.
Do fender flares require drilling?
Most fender flares do require drilling into the fender for installation.
How do you install fender flares without drilling?
Some fender flares can be installed without drilling by using adhesive tape or clips to attach them to the fender.
How do you silicone fender flares?
Silicone can be used to seal the edges of fender flares to prevent water and debris from getting underneath them.
Can you glue on fender flares?
Some fender flares can be glued on using automotive adhesive, but this method may not be as secure as drilling and screwing them in place.
How do you install front fender flares?
Front fender flares are installed in the same way as rear fender flares, by drilling holes and attaching them with screws or bolts.
Can you screw in fender flares?
Yes, fender flares can be attached with screws or bolts for a secure installation.
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