Author Topic: Cladded fenders (Read 4050 times)

MoAv · « **on:** May 03, 2008, 03:06:00 PM »

Need you all's opinion. I purchased these fenders a while back, and finally got around to putting them on today (one side anyway

) I'm not sure I like them. The looks, yes - but they seem to be a different color....what do you think? Should I finish them & leave them on, or take these two off?

Without fenders:

With fenders:

Closeup:

Maybe if I use that Refinish Restorer on these, it will darken them up like the cladding???

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 03, 2008, 03:42:49 PM »

Looks like they are for a 02 I say sand them, prime them paint them.

mEYEscndfvrtluv · « **Reply #2 on:** May 03, 2008, 03:56:24 PM »

Peg, I bought a set last year too,but I'm painting mine

You might try some eagle one tire shine or something like that ,I used that on my cladding before the paint job and it seemed to make the 02 gray cladding look darker,not sure though if it'll be dark enough for you.

Donnie1 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 2008, 04:44:56 PM »

Not sure if it will work or not but I used a spray paint called Krylon Fusion from Ace Hardware on teh bumpers of my PT Cruiser. They were textured very similar to the cladding and it worked perfect.

Richie_Rich · « **Reply #4 on:** May 03, 2008, 05:35:24 PM »

Kind of funny...I have those only on the front fenders of my Av.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 2008, 05:35:36 PM »

Keep them, I've been considering this myself. I like the looks of it.

boilers94 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2008, 07:51:39 PM »

In my personal opinion for what it is worth, I think it looks better without them!!

MoAv · « **Reply #7 on:** May 03, 2008, 08:13:33 PM »

Until I get the color to match, the jury is still out on this one. I read over on CAFCNA that Tartan Terror installed his and they were too light also. He Gatorbacked them, then used the Refinish Restorer over the top, and said it matches perfectly. Soooo, I've ordered a can of Gatorback - we'll see what happens

Once the colors right, I'll see how I like them then...I know I liked them on Tdybr's Av.

Appreciate all the opinions/advice. I'll post pics when it's done.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #8 on:** May 03, 2008, 08:16:42 PM »

MoAv, if you don't like them when your done with it. I be more than happy to buy them off ya.

MoAv · « **Reply #9 on:** May 03, 2008, 08:22:24 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on May 03, 2008, 08:16:42 PM

MoAv, if you don't like them when your done with it. I be more than happy to buy them off ya.

You got it OBB - I'll let you know

MoAv · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2008, 08:31:28 PM »

Quote from: Richie_Rich on May 03, 2008, 05:35:24 PM

Kind of funny...I have those only on the front fenders of my Av.

Hey Richie - sent you a pm...

boilers94 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 03, 2008, 08:51:09 PM »

Might look better, MoAv, after you darken them, but as they are now I have to give them

!! Good luck with trying to darken them up!!

MoAv · « **Reply #12 on:** May 03, 2008, 08:56:35 PM »

Quote from: boilers94 on May 03, 2008, 08:51:09 PM

Might look better, MoAv, after you darken them, but as they are now I have to give them !! Good luck with trying to darken them up!!

That's kind of how I feel about them right now too...especially since I only have one side done

Hey - does that still count as a mod?

Hope the gatorback works...

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 03, 2008, 09:12:05 PM »

Hey Richie_Rich all 2500 come with the fronts

boilers94 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 03, 2008, 09:13:42 PM »

Quote from: MoAv on May 03, 2008, 08:56:35 PM

That's kind of how I feel about them right now too...especially since I only have one side done Hey - does that still count as a mod?

Hope the gatorback works...

We'll give you credit for a 1/2 a mod!!!

Richie_Rich · « **Reply #15 on:** May 03, 2008, 09:48:24 PM »

Quote from: MS03 on May 03, 2008, 09:12:05 PM

Hey Richie_Rich all 2500 come with the fronts

I wonder why they only put them on the fronts?

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 03, 2008, 10:20:41 PM »

It's because the 2500 have a wider front track(the wheels stick out further) some state require that the wheel must be covered. If you notice on a 2500 the back wheels are in further than the front wheel most 2500 owner put 1 1/2 inch wheel spacer on the back to bring them out also. I guess a should start the 2500 performance mod thread.

tdybr27 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 04, 2008, 01:49:33 AM »

I say keep em. But then again I'm biased.

boilers94 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 04, 2008, 08:14:06 AM »

Quote from: tdybr27 on May 04, 2008, 01:49:33 AM

I say keep em. But then again I'm biased.

REALLY????

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 05, 2008, 06:57:53 AM »

I put a set on my '02 and then traded it for an '04 and bought a new set. The lighter '02 plastic was off color more than the ''03-'06 variety. Mine match up pretty good if I just wipe them with any product. I think they look good, makes the cladding look more uniform.

The plastic injection mold company came pretty close matching two different cladding colors four years after the AV first came out.

btw- Subject: cladded fender inserts

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #20 on:** May 05, 2008, 07:42:30 AM »

Quote from: MS03 on May 03, 2008, 10:20:41 PM

It's because the 2500 have a wider front track(the wheels stick out further) some state require that the wheel must be covered. If you notice on a 2500 the back wheels are in further than the front wheel most 2500 owner put 1 1/2 inch wheel spacer on the back to bring them out also. I guess a should start the 2500 performance mod thread.

I'm pretty sure all 4-wheel drive vehicles (trucks) have a wider front track?

MyBigToy · « **Reply #21 on:** May 05, 2008, 07:49:59 AM »

Peggy - just buy a spray can of 03-up Gatorback and paint them to match. I've had them on mine for a long time but they were faded badly. I recently Gatorbacked mine and they now match very closely; they still don't match perfectly - I think it's because of the angle on the parts - they reflect the light differently. I'll try to get the Av cleaned up and get some pictures. It got pretty dirty at the farm this weekend; man, was it WET.

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 05, 2008, 12:21:09 PM »

Quote from: Fowlhunter on May 05, 2008, 07:42:30 AM

I'm pretty sure all 4-wheel drive vehicles (trucks) have a wider front track?

Must have been a reason GM put the fender cladding inserts on front of 2500HD,
the stock front ones on 2500s bow out more than the aftermarket ones do.

Mine look faded more on one side, some Turtle F21 vinyl cleaner and they'll match close. I've got a few different vinyl cleaners laying around, if I do all my cladding some parts soak up more protectant than others. Last year I scrubbed my cladding then used a free sample pack of Armor-Dillo wipes on the fender inserts, matched up good. I used up the free Armor-Dillo pads on the top cladding around the brake light, it gets sun dry too.

MoAv · « **Reply #23 on:** May 05, 2008, 06:11:40 PM »

Quote from: MyBigToy on May 05, 2008, 07:49:59 AM

Peggy - just buy a spray can of 03-up Gatorback and paint them to match. I've had them on mine for a long time but they were faded badly. I recently Gatorbacked mine and they now match very closely; they still don't match perfectly - I think it's because of the angle on the parts - they reflect the light differently. I'll try to get the Av cleaned up and get some pictures. It got pretty dirty at the farm this weekend; man, was it WET.

I've ordered a can yesterday. I would love to see the pics of yours MyBigToy - no rush - I understand the no pics of the dirty Av philosophy...

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 05, 2008, 10:48:30 PM »

GM started making the Avalanche early 2001 then changed the cladding color middle of 2002.
The aftemarket fender inserts weren't made until a few years later.

If you have to replace one piece of cladding on your truck odds are it won't match perfect either.

pondfly · « **Reply #25 on:** May 05, 2008, 10:54:33 PM »

To be honest with you, it kind of looks interesting with the differing shades, however the GB will work fine. But then again it could be the drugs working on me again

But since the topic of GB is up, I was detailing the Av yesterday at the firehouse and after a year and a half I need to reapply it as it is starting to flake off on the edges.

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 05, 2008, 11:12:20 PM »

That's one reason I never used Gatorback, it's like paint and only as good as the preparation before you use it.

I'd rather just wash my cladding, soak it with any old vinyl treatment on occasion. Looks good enough to me...

MyBigToy · « **Reply #27 on:** May 06, 2008, 06:43:57 AM »

Quote from: Flint 4X4 on May 05, 2008, 11:12:20 PM

That's one reason I never used Gatorback, it's like paint and only as good as the preparation before you use it.

I'd rather just wash my cladding, soak it with any old vinyl treatment on occasion. Looks good enough to me...

For the most part I agree with you on the vinyl protectants, Flint. However, my bed panels and the top of my sail panels were starting to look really bad and vinyl protectants were no longer getting the job done, even if I used a scrub brush and cleaned the cladding first. So far, so good on the Black Again treatment. I suspect it will be very similar to vinyl protectants with the exception of lasting longer.

I also have been hesitant to do Gatorback and if I did, I would remove the cladding prior to application. It's just like repainting a car and not removing the door locks and handles first - if you don't the edges in those areas will start peeling. I think I would do a bedliner material rather than Gatorback.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #28 on:** May 06, 2008, 07:49:49 AM »

The dealer paid to have mine Gatorbacked, it darkened it up a bit which I like. Your all correct, you can see when it starts to peel or flake off. I had to have the drivers side rear quarter redone once.

I wish I would have paid someone to remove all the panels, paint, and bake them.

MoAv · « **Reply #29 on:** May 06, 2008, 02:00:24 PM »

I'm a little worried about the Gatorback now - I sure don't want something that will start peeling!! Plus I didn't stop to think before I ordered, but I've already used the Refinish Restorer on them to see if it would darken them like the cladding, so now I don't know that I can even paint or gatorback them. Not sure what would be used to "clean" it off for a ready surface.

MyBigToy · « **Reply #30 on:** May 06, 2008, 08:08:20 PM »

Quote from: MoAv on May 06, 2008, 02:00:24 PM

I'm a little worried about the Gatorback now - I sure don't want something that will start peeling!! Plus I didn't stop to think before I ordered, but I've already used the Refinish Restorer on them to see if it would darken them like the cladding, so now I don't know that I can even paint or gatorback them. Not sure what would be used to "clean" it off for a ready surface.

You just need to strip the Resinish Restorer off with something like ammonia and a scrub brush. I had used several types of vinyl protectants on mine; I used rubbing alcohol, a scrub brush, and followed with a good dishwash soap/hot water scrub. The Gatorback appears to be nothing more than a paint to me that's got pretty strong solvents in it also. I'm not too concerned about it not staying on. One can is enough to do the "4-fenders" at least twice so if it doesn't hold up, I'll do it again.

Richie_Rich · « **Reply #31 on:** May 06, 2008, 09:29:52 PM »

If they were mine, I'd try Mineral Spirits or possibly Acetone.
With any solvent on plastic, put it on and then wipe it off.
Don't let it sit or scrub it much as it will eventually start eating into the plastic once it gets past the silicone or wax.

I used Mineral Spirits on my Durango to get the wax off the plastic trim.
I scrubbed it a bit with the cloth I was using with no problems.
I used Armor All on it afterwards.

There is a pretty decent auto detailers forum at Autopia
I don't think they would advise using Mineral Spirits or Acetone though.

Another thing you can try is Purple Power or Simple Green. They are more of a degreaser, but do take off wax with a bit of effort.

MyBigToy · « **Reply #32 on:** May 07, 2008, 06:44:33 AM »

I'd be afraid that Acetone would dissolve the plastic; if you decide to try that, put a little on a place that won't be noticeable if it does start dissolving the plastic. Mineral Spirits seem a little oily to me so that's why I didn't suggest that. The Simple Green or Purple Power is a good suggestion as what you are trying to do is strip all of the oils out of the part. I had forgotten that I followed up the soap wash with a spray-down and scrub with full strength pressure washer degreaser.

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 07, 2008, 07:01:42 AM »

I've been using Something Better vinyl protectant but almost out of it and it's no longer made. I found some on E-Bay but you have to buy it in bulk. I might go ahead and order it, I could give it away at GTGs. It's a foam that doesn't drip, I could sell it at work and turn a profit easy.

mLindvall · « **Reply #34 on:** March 06, 2009, 08:39:27 PM »

Hey MoAv, I remember seeing those in person last spring in St. Charles and I can't remember where you said you got yours from. If you could let me know that would be great!!! :)

MoAv · « **Reply #35 on:** March 07, 2009, 06:48:12 AM »

Quote from: mLindvall on March 06, 2009, 08:39:27 PM

Hey MoAv, I remember seeing those in person last spring in St. Charles and I can't remember where you said you got yours from. If you could let me know that would be great!!! :)

I got these from a member of another club - goes by Enkeiavalanche...I'll see if I can locate him again and let you know how to contact him...I think I have his email address somewhere....

MyBigToy · « **Reply #36 on:** March 07, 2009, 07:45:04 AM »

Quote from: MoAv on March 07, 2009, 06:48:12 AM

I got these from a member of another club - goes by Enkeiavalanche...I'll see if I can locate him again and let you know how to contact him...I think I have his email address somewhere....

He's over at Club Avalanche. I think he's about out of 02 color fenders but he has some chrome and a bunch of 03-up gray.

mLindvall · « **Reply #37 on:** March 19, 2009, 09:15:20 PM »

sweet i look forward to hearing more!! :)

Enkei · « **Reply #38 on:** November 15, 2009, 06:49:21 AM »

People have asked me about clips for the front fenders. When you get them they come with white plastic ones. They are in the package from over seas. But the problem is for the front fenders is that they leave a space between the plastic fender and the truck. The best thing to do is go to the dealership or a autobody supply place and get these metal clips. They are the same ones GM used for the 2500 Av..

For the rear you put the plastic clips on top of the holes. The problem here is that some times some dirt or rocks get up in there and can brake the plastic. Some people have lost just the rear ones. Always try to put atleast 1 Steel Bolt or screw and a Steel nut for the rear ones...

Thanks and enjoy the mod.....

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #39 on:** November 15, 2009, 07:13:18 AM »

Good info Enkei, I used stainless bolts and nuts on the rears. just waiting on the hardware from you to finish my fronts

Enkei · « **Reply #40 on:** November 15, 2009, 09:50:30 PM »

You should have them monday......

If you can post up a before and after Pic..

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #41 on:** November 16, 2009, 05:17:31 AM »

Quote from: Enkei on November 15, 2009, 09:50:30 PM

You should have them monday...... If you can post up a before and after Pic..

1st pix is with the back on and no front yet

2nd pix shows 3 of 4 clips installed, left one out so you can see where you're looking for the holes

3rd is complete with front installed

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #42 on:** November 16, 2009, 04:04:50 PM »

Thanks for the clips Enkei. Those work great and I don't have any fear of them breaking or falling out.

Enkei · « **Reply #43 on:** November 16, 2009, 05:18:42 PM »

No problem... Did you have a pic with the white nuts on? I didn't get the stickers yet...Maybe Tue...

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #44 on:** November 16, 2009, 05:23:51 PM »

Quote from: Enkei on November 16, 2009, 05:18:42 PM

No problem... Did you have a pic with the white nuts on? I didn't get the stickers yet...Maybe Tue...

what white nuts? I just used some zinc coated screws and ran them into them.

4x4dreamer · « **Reply #45 on:** December 28, 2009, 11:50:41 PM »

Mann. I need to get me a set of those.

Enkei · « **Reply #46 on:** May 11, 2010, 09:37:09 PM »

Do you still need the fenders? The 02's are running short and are no longer being made. The darker are still in stock..

MyBigToy · « **Reply #47 on:** May 23, 2010, 05:38:10 PM »

Quote from: Enkei on May 11, 2010, 09:37:09 PM

Do you still need the fenders? The 02's are running short and are no longer being made. The darker are still in stock..

Once you run out of the 02s you could always paint some of the darker ones with Gatorback as you get orders for the 02s.

Enkei · « **Reply #48 on:** May 23, 2010, 09:24:18 PM »

Their are still a few left so no worry yet.. The 02's have not been selling much....

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #49 on:** May 23, 2010, 09:37:05 PM »

Quote from: Enkei on May 23, 2010, 09:24:18 PM

Their are still a few left so no worry yet.. The 02's have not been selling much....

I think AvalancheAviator might be looking for a set of them.