Mudflaps install hack (without removing crash bar)

[Markco]

Hello,
I purchased these to install like i saw on Budget Bronco on YouTube but couldn’t install due to the fact that my crashbars are bolted and welded on. Too difficult to drill.

so i came up with an easier mod. Simply get 2 stainless pipe/hose straps for each side. Melt or cut 2 slits in the flap (use the strap as a stencil for the slit size). . Snake the ends of the straps through the slits. Then wrap them around the crash bars and tighten. It took about 10 minutes on each side. Thats it, no drilling or any other work. ThePlasticolor flaps only cost about $33, cheaper if you buy the ones with the Ford oval. The straps are about $1.50 each at HD. Buy four straps

Plasticolor 000543R01 Black Off Road Scene Easy Fit Mud Guard 11" - Set of 2 https://a.co/d/co9Bg4b

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[Markco]

Hello,
I purchased these to install like i saw on Budget Bronco on YouTube but couldn’t install due to the fact that my crasbars are bolted and welded on. Too difficult to drill.

so i came up with an easier mod. Simply get 2 stainless pipe/hose straps for each side. Melt or cut 2 slits in the flap (use the strap as a stencil for the slit size). . Snake the ends of the straps through the slits. Then wrap them around the crash bars and tighten. It took about 10 minutes on each side. Thats it, no drilling or any other work. ThePlasticolor flaps only cost about $33, cheaper if you buy the ones with the Ford oval. The straps are about $1.50 each at HD. Buy four straps

Plasticolor 000543R01 Black Off Road Scene Easy Fit Mud Guard 11" - Set of 2 https://a.co/d/co9Bg4b

 

[Markco]

You can use some rubber sheeting under the straps. I simply cut the rubber pipe gaskets that come with some straps.

 

[Aztec1382]

looks awesome

 

[BudgetBronco]

That is a good hack, nice job! You might also consider adding a screw and spacer up top like I did in my video (see link here) to keep that from flapping around at all. Somebody else commented on my video about the crash bar being hard to drill through, but I didn't have any problem. Maybe just the drill bit I used, or maybe they changed the crash bar material at some point...who knows. Either way this is a good and easier solution.

 

[Markco]

That is a good hack, nice job! You might also consider adding a screw and spacer up top like I did in my video to keep that from flapping around at all. Somebody else commented on my video about the crash bar being hard to drill through, but I didn't have any problem. Maybe just the drill bit I used, or maybe they changed the crash bar material at some point...who knows. Either way this is a good and easier solution.

Thank you for the comment. I love your channel and all the great things you have done with your Bronco.

 

[mbagne]

Hello,
I purchased these to install like i saw on Budget Bronco on YouTube but couldn’t install due to the fact that my crasbars are bolted and welded on. Too difficult to drill.

so i came up with an easier mod. Simply get 2 stainless pipe/hose straps for each side. Melt or cut 2 slits in the flap (use the strap as a stencil for the slit size). . Snake the ends of the straps through the slits. Then wrap them around the crash bars and tighten. It took about 10 minutes on each side. Thats it, no drilling or any other work. ThePlasticolor flaps only cost about $33, cheaper if you buy the ones with the Ford oval. The straps are about $1.50 each at HD. Buy four straps

Plasticolor 000543R01 Black Off Road Scene Easy Fit Mud Guard 11" - Set of 2 https://a.co/d/co9Bg4b

And those Plasticolor flaps are the only fiberglass reinforced flaps on the market today (that I have seen, and I have looked at a TON of flaps). The fiberglass reinforcement will prevent ripping/tearing with installations like yours. I think a lot of other flaps would be prone to future tearing once you cut a slit in them. The quality on these is amazing given the price, great value!

 

[mbagne]

You can use some rubber sheeting under the straps. I simply cut the rubber pipe gaskets that come with some straps.

And you should hit those pipe straps with a little black paint to finish a clean installation (just an idea).

 

[NatureBoy]

That is awesome man…Necessity is truly the mother of invention.

 

[Markco]

And those Plasticolor flaps are the only fiberglass reinforced flaps on the market today (that I have seen, and I have looked at a TON of flaps). The fiberglass reinforcement will prevent ripping/tearing with installations like yours. I think a lot of other flaps would be prone to future tearing once you cut a slit in them. The quality on these is amazing given the price, great value!

They were actually very tough to melt through.

 

[Markco]

And you should hit those pipe straps with a little black paint to finish a clean installation (just an idea).

Yes i will do, but shame on those looking under my girls wheel wells. Lol

 

[DaveInSA]

What size clamps did you use?

 

[Markco]

What size clamps did you use?

I would say a little smaller then a baseball size. Sorry I didn’t mesure. You dont want them too large because then the tale would be too long.

 

[Funkdoobiest]

Have these always been welded on?

 

[DaveInSA]

Have these always been welded on?

I can't answer for @Markco but mine were just bolted on. I removed them to install the weathertech flaps for now.

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