I know this is an old thread but is there any chance someone could tell me how much the flares actually stick out pass the sheet metal. Is it an inch, inch and a half?So after MONTHS of checking with absolutely zero luck, on a whim I checked back on Amazon a few weeks ago and finally found the fabled fender flares from Mabett in stock. I got them ordered, and now have them on the truck. Very happy with the look and wasn't too stressed over the install - just take your time. Below are just a few thoughts and tips for anyone looking to get them or install them (and they're actually still in stock on Amazon at the moment!)
1. - Rough edges: I'd read reviews that many were concerned about the sharp edges rubbing on the paint. Understandable, so I took some fine-grit sandpaper and smoothed all edges prior to installation. There were definitely some sharp edges, but nothing drastic. Figured better safe than sorry. Hindsight it was definitely worth it, and I feel provided less potential interference for anything that might have kept the 3m tape from properly adhering to the fender.
2. - Fit to body: Some had mentioned that there were gaps when it didn't closely hug the fender. So I got a heat gun and gently warmed up all the mounting tabs and slightly bent them inward. Definitely an incredibly tight fit and nothings getting in there between the fender & flare now. Perfect fit front to back on each flare, with zero gaps visible anywhere along the edge. Worth doing if you're afraid it's going to be a concern of gaps or debris getting in there. And better to do it prior to installation when you've already got 3m tape showing, realize there's going to be gaps, and you're already committed.
3. - Gaps where you can see color: I also saw instances where the flare didn't fit FULLY down to the black plastic trim in the front & back, and there was color visible. Probably wouldn't be an issue on a black truck, but on my gray truck it showed. There was at least SOME paint showing either in the front or the back on every flare. Not significant, no more than 1/8th inch. But enough to test my OCD haha. So I got a can of flat black plasti-dip, masked off all the areas that I could see color showing, and then shot several coats of it to make sure it would hold up. It looks just fine - can't see any color, can't tell it's there, haven't hurt the paint in any way, and after at least 4-5 times through the car wash nothing is coming off and it's holding up great. If it ever peels off I can just respray in a few minutes and be good as new.
4. - Installation: All of my personal prep work aside (as mentioned above), it was honestly super straight forward. A couple times the holes weren't quite lined up enough to get a clip back in, but using a punch I was able to get it right where it needed to be. Installation of all 4 took less than 40 minutes, and my sanding/heat gun prep took another 15 or so. All said and done everything was under an hour.
**Final thoughts** - for the price these absolutely can't be beat. I think it's the best looking fender out there (low profile), offers great protection to the fender lip, doesn't require drilling or additional body mod, and is a FAR cry from the $700 Ford is asking for the Air Design flares which look nearly identical. Are they perfect? No ... but with some well thought out prep, and patience during the install, nearly every criticism brought up in these forums was easily addressed. And the end product is one that will hold up for a long time and looks really great on the truck. Kudos to Mabett for getting something out there in the market at a fraction of the price of others. If you're handy and don't mind a little prep work you'll be completely happy - snag em up before they're gone.
Amazon.com: Mabett Fender Flares fit Ford Maverick 2022 2023 2024, Front and Rear Wheel Eyebrow Maverick Accessories 4PCS Fender Trim : Automotive
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