Sahara Fender Flare Options

[PackFan]

Looking at upgrading the fender flares on my new to me Sahara. The originals have various scratches and dings. I have searched the forum and have come up with a few options:

1. Paint the originals body color (light khaki)- I read that the Sahara fenders may have the color molded in or they may be painted? Either way, my concern is that the paint will be susceptible to additional scratches, so I may end up in the same place before long.
2. Paint the originals black- Same concern as above, plus the body color may show through on any future scratches.
3. Buy new black OEM style flares- This looks like the easiest and most affordable solution. My concerns here are coverage, as I plan on moving to 31 inch tires at some point (on stock wheels), and whether they will cover the old junction at the body without showing a "line".
4. Buy Mopar Rubicon flares- I would likely keep these black. This is the most expensive solution.

What go you guys think?

Thanks!

 

[rouxbicon]

Looking at upgrading the fender flares on my new to me Sahara. The originals have various scratches and dings. I have searched the forum and have come up with a few options:

1. Paint the originals body color (light khaki)- I read that the Sahara fenders may have the color molded in or they may be painted? Either way, my concern is that the paint will be susceptible to additional scratches, so I may end up in the same place before long.
2. Paint the originals black- Same concern as above, plus the body color may show through on any future scratches.
3. Buy new black OEM style flares- This looks like the easiest and most affordable solution. My concerns here are coverage, as I plan on moving to 31 inch tires at some point (on stock wheels), and whether they will cover the old junction at the body without showing a "line".
4. Buy Mopar Rubicon flares- I would likely keep these black. This is the most expensive solution.

What go you guys think?

Thanks!

Your TJ Sahara flares are the same as TJ Rubicon flares, just painted body color rather than semi-gloss black like the Rubicon flares. They are 1" wider than standard (non-Sahara/Rubicon) flares. If you're wanting that extra 1" of coverage, then your options 1,2, or 4 above seem like the way to go

 

[PackFan]

To be honest, I don't know if I need the coverage or not. The new tires may only add 1/2 inch or so to the exterior width, so I think it would be close with the std flares. Maybe others with stock wheels and 31x10.5R15 tires with std flares can confirm.

I am looking at adding a rocker guard and some other black accessories, which would tie in going with black flares. I would lose the Sahara stock "look", but I don't think that is a big deal. I am leaning towards buying rather than painting, unless there is a good reason to keep the Sahara look.

Thanks!

 

[glwood]

You've probably seen this, but I thought I'd post a photo of a khaki Sahara with the black flares, plus it has the black vs. the khaki soft top...

Gotta wonder, though, why this owner left the flare extension painted the body color...

 

[Brian83]

No reason to keep them color matched unless you just want to. But be aware the aftermarket ones are hard to paint due to the release agent they use on the mold for the flares. I removed my Sahara flares for standard flares and had them painted. The body shop had a hard time getting the paint to stick and they are starting to peel already.

 

[bobthetj03]

Can we get a better, closer pic of your flares. They look lighter than the body color, so I'm wondering if they are the textered khaki flares vs. body color/clearcoat painted ones.

 

[PackFan]

Thanks for the picture. I think I like the contrast of the black fenders. I am planning on doing away with the extensions and going with a rocker guard of some type.

The existing fenders look like clear coat and paint to me. Someone told me the color was bonded in, but I don't think so. Here is a picture showing some of the scuffs and scrapes.

 

[glwood]

I posted this in your other thread:

Another option would be to paint them the color of the hard top. I've seen LJ Rubiharas with that color scheme, and it looks great.

Hardtop paint code: Dark Khaki = ZJ8

It's darker than what you have, but not as dark as black. It looks killer IMO. Your TJ would certainly stand out.

 

[bobthetj03]

The wider flares are sought after by those who get aftermarket wider BS'd wheels that stick out further, so you should have no problem selling them to re-coop some cost for new ones. Personally, I'd scuff em and squirt em SEM trim black and wheel on.

 

[PackFan]

Got it. Great idea that I will put some thought to. Thanks.

 

[PackFan]

With proper prep I am assuming the SEM would bond with the khaki? My concern is khaki coming through every time I "kiss" the sage brush.

 

[bobthetj03]

With proper prep I am assuming the SEM would bond with the khaki? My concern is khaki coming through every time I "kiss" the sage brush.

Since they are painted/cleared you'd just treat them like you would if you were painting anything else on the body. Wet sand them with #1000 paper, clean, wax/grease remove, then trim black. You could add a primer step if you like. How do you think new black ones will look after dragging them thru the deer brush? Like shit. Besides, if you scratch them up that badly, it's not that difficult to scuff them and re-apply more trim black.

 

[PackFan]

Makes sense. Thanks.

 

[pagrey]

31" tires on stock rims fit no problem with the stock narrow flares. The wide ones are for looks only. Full flex no rub on the basic stock flares.