Mazda OEM mud guards

[MANICompression]

Regarding the Mazda OEM guards for the 2, I'm basically just wondering if the front guards require drilling fresh holes into any metal. Plastic I'm totally fine with, I just don't want to create a future rust issue if I am going to be tapping into any metal. I know the back mounting area is all plastic, it's just the front guards, as there are metal body panels close by. Anyone actually install the Mazda ones and can comment? Thanks for your help.

 

[fam]

Good question...curious as well. Front mud guards would probably do wonders for wear and tear on the sides of the car and maybe the bottom too...while the rears probably not so much since the car ends at the wheels end..minus that little plastic bumper if you can even call it that ;P

 

[MANICompression]

Right? We've had the 2 since May and I'm already getting some nasty tar splatters right behind the front wheels. I'm just pissed that Canada and everywhere else gets the side sill extensions on the higher trim model. The side sills on my 3 really help to keep down the stuff kicked up by the front wheels, but the U.S. version of the 2 doesn't come with them from the factory.

I would like to install all 4 guards just for visual symmetry, I know that having them on the back is pretty much pointless other than for looks, but I like the look. As long as no fresh holes are drilled into any metal for the fronts I'm going to spring for a complete set.

 

[Joker2]

If you call Tommy from Rosenthal Mazda aka Finishline aka Arlington Mazda he will give you a list of the required hardware. No drilling required, however the hardware comes with plastic nut-clips that slip over sheet-metal. If y0u are weary, just buy some primer and apply a light coat of primer on the mating surfaces to prevent rust.

 

[MANICompression]

Thanks Joker, so I take it you have put these on your 2? I'm only weary of exposing bare metal by drilling, so if there is no drilling for the fronts than I won't be concerned with rust as a result of putting on the mud guards.

 

[Joker2]

No, I did not use the Mazda OEM Mud Flaps

I went for the Rally Armor stuff. It may look goofy but it is a personal choice. I did use the Mazda OEM hardware and I did drill a few holes through the fender-liners to install the RallyArmor UR flaps.

 

[DrWebster]

I fabbed up some custom front flaps from some sheet plastic. I just used plastic drywall anchors and stainless screws through the two existing fender well liner fastener holes, along with the metal screw that was already there. I like the look of the front OEM flaps, but they don't stick out far enough to protect the doors IMHO.