I just recently installed GM factory splash guards (#12497448) on front and rear of my truck. Front went fine without a problem, but the rear guards is somewhat in question. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif I have no problem drilling and installing screws in location A & B as per in diagram (upper and midway screws. It does hold the splash guards up but the third hole (on bottom, just on the corner edge of quarter panel). The instruction said to put spring clip on the bottom of metal fender, BUT do not drill through or scratch the fender. This mean that the hole on the spring clip must extend just outside of the fender, but there is absolutely no way you could do that. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif If you never done this before, it would be hard to explain, but for those who has run into this situation before, I'm sure you know what I meant by that, unless I am missing something. So in that case, with only two screws holding the splash guards only one of the half side with none on the other half, this would make it pretty easy for the guards to flex and perhaps, get ripped off. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif


Here is a picture that should help explain what I am going through.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/9F2_splashguard1.jpg


How do you solve this problem? I am thinking about taking something like 1/8" x 1/2" stock and twist it 90 degrees in the center. Then bolt one end to the bolt on the bottom of quarter fender which hold two supporting bars, and bolt the other end to the far right of mud flap. Would this work or could it potentially cause some problem later on? Thanks.

sorry i cant help ya, but i am curious as to what you paid for the guards from the dealer??Thanks-Adam

$15 for a pair at GM Part Direct plus pricy S&H.

I drilled a hole. Did the same on my '95 and never had a problem.

Anyone have any other suggestions outside of GM guards that may be easier/nicer?

If you want the best (in my humble opinion) go with Duraflaps. If you do a search on this site you'll find them. I live on gravel and have to say they protect the best out of any flap I've had. Also tow a boat frequently. Trailer and boat doesn't get chipped.





Norm

I just installed my rears last week, and I just drilled right through the flap into the fender. Looking at your picture, I felt that they were to high in that position and I lowered them down to just about the curviture of the fender. I have to get some more black screws and finish the one side. After all the holes are drilled I will remove the flap and paint the holes to prevent rust. tpitt

I drilled holes when installing my Husky Mudflaps, coated them with AMSOIL HD Metal Protector to prevent rust and used stainless steel hardware. I also made extensions for the Huskies (http://community.webshots.com/album/72366296bnboMY) from some SafePass Truck Mudflaps (http://www.mudflapsfortrucks.com/home.html).


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

I have the factory mudflaps that work with the factory fender flares. They sure don't look like the ones in the picture. Mine fit like a glove and go on in about 10 minutes per wheel. I'll try to dig up a picture if you need it...

I just installed my rears last week, and I just drilled right through the flap into the fender. Looking at your picture, I felt that they were to high in that position and I lowered them down to just about the curviture of the fender. I have to get some more black screws and finish the one side. After all the holes are drilled I will remove the flap and paint the holes to prevent rust. tpitt


Yeah I agree with you ... I also felt that it should be lower but I just got to use the existing holes on factory fenders so I could mount it the way instruction said. Also after giving it some thought, I decided to stick with the instruction for sure because I live in NY where we see deep snow. Having the mud flaps lower to the ground increase the chance of ripping the flaps off when backing up into deep snow (I do snowplowing). So I'd rather have it mounted that way.


After reading the responses received ... I think I will just drill a hole and install a screw at the bottom corner of fender. Thanks for your help. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif

I have the factory mudflaps that work with the factory fender flares. They sure don't look like the ones in the picture. Mine fit like a glove and go on in about 10 minutes per wheel. I'll try to dig up a picture if you need it...


I know what you're talking about ... it's the molded mud flaps designed to fit our trucks. IMO they don't look that bad to me either, but I like the flat mud flaps better than the molded "wrap-around". Just a personal preference I guess. Anyway the molded mud flaps that you have probably has molded hole on the bottom of flap where you put the factory bolt through, which is used for the rods holding the quarter panels structure together.