Mud Guards

[upnover@shaw.ca]

I used the heatgun to straighten the flaps because the sill plate made them deflect a bit. I'm kind of picky about those things. When I get a chance with the digital I upload the pics.

Later

 

[bbrich57]

Good job upnover. Can't wait to see some pics!

 

[upnover@shaw.ca]

Mud flaps

Good job upnover. Can't wait to see some pics!

The pics arent the greatest as the car is parked next to my truck in the garage. A sunny day would be best so hope this works. I think there is one on the front and the back flaps

 

[upnover@shaw.ca]

Heres a couple more pics

Heres more. This one has a shot of the rear flap

 

[WetsuitxNinja]

I had mine like that, checked them after a few days and there was scratches on my paint... might wanna keep an eye on that

 

[BKK Jack]

So, I got back to the U.S. Thursday night. Friday morning I went to Autozone and picked up the flaps. Friday afternoon, I went and picked up the car and proceeded to test fit and trim, and fit and trim some more, until I had basically nothing but trimmings left. I have decided to postpone the install until I get my own garage and tools, so I can get it just right. My brother's garage and tools are a nightmare.

 

[bbrich57]

I had mine like that, checked them after a few days and there was scratches on my paint... might wanna keep an eye on that

+1 It looks like quite a bit of grit has built up in there already.
I haven't done this yet, but what do you guys that have think of the idea of using some clear silicone between the flap and painted surfaces to help keep them from rubbing? Would that work, IYO?

 

[WetsuitxNinja]

+1 It looks like quite a bit of grit has built up in there already.
I haven't done this yet, but what do you guys that have think of the idea of using some clear silicone between the flap and painted surfaces to help keep them from rubbing? Would that work, IYO?

I was thinking about some of that protective film... I think that silicone would probably rub away after the dirt and rubber rubs on it for awhile. With that lil flap of rubber the flaps stand out more

 

[bbrich57]

I was thinking about some of that protective film... I think that silicone would probably rub away after the dirt and rubber rubs on it for awhile. With that lil flap of rubber the flaps stand out more

You mean the Rockblocker/3M film for paint and headlight protection?
That stuff is pretty heavy duty. 16mil, iirc? That just might work!

 

[WetsuitxNinja]

You mean the Rockblocker/3M film for paint and headlight protection?
That stuff is pretty heavy duty. 16mil, iirc? That just might work!

Yeah exactly the stuff I was thinkin. I had even thought about fiberglassing something onto my side sill to have a more integrated look, but the flaps are doing the job for me now, and look decent. *for now* (glare)

 

[MM3Canuck]

Yeah exactly the stuff I was thinkin. I had even thought about fiberglassing something onto my side sill to have a more integrated look, but the flaps are doing the job for me now, and look decent. *for now* (glare)

Fiberglassing would be the best, let us know if u ever do.

I just started my installation this weekend. Matched up the mudguards, pre-drilled holes and cut them down a bit. I also used 3M (rockblocker film) to protect the side sill from scratches etc.

I tried using the same small plastic screws that are in the side sill, but the are too short. So, I plan on hitting the hardware store tonight to get some longer ones. I don't really want to just force some screws in there. If I dont get some plastic screws at the hardware store, i was thinking of using some SS rough threaded longer bolts instead of the plastic. And even if the plastic thing breaks, I am sure they wont be too much at the Mazda dealer.

I will post pictures ones they are installed.

 

[WetsuitxNinja]

Hey MM3, I used some random bolts I found in the garage, it threaded into the stock plastic nuts if you will perfectly. Didnt feel like it was going to break or anything either when screwin them in.

 

[MM3Canuck]

I might just end up using some stainless steel bolts.

Couldnt find what I was looking for at the hardware store.

Im going to check the dealer, maybe they will have some longer plastic bolts.

 

[MM3Canuck]

First of all, SORRY about the dirty car. It was -15C and I could only clean the area for the mud guards.

Just installed my mud guards.
It is not a 100% fit, but close enough. It is almost not noticeable.

Before the installation, I used a piece of 3M rock blocker tape to prevent any damage to the paint. Then I trimmed the rubber mud flaps to fit properly. Drilled the holes into the flaps.

I used the existing plastic "nuts" ( if you want to call them that) and instead of the plastic bolt, I used the same size bolt; but longer and in stainless steel.

We'll see if it stays on in heavy rain/snow.

 

[obaa996]

I added the front and rear mudflaps from Autozone to my MS3 over the weekend. The rears required no trimming; I just lined up the top edge of where the flap wraps around the bumper to the break line in bumper. I just trimmed a little off the top on the fronts, to match up with the same break line. I applied some Scotch-gard film to the fenders as a backing for the flaps; they follow the profile of the flap, but extend past it ~1/2". The left and right sides are identical, so I just had to make mirror copies.
It came out quite nicely; the dealer asked where I got them when I brought the car back to pick up my license plates.
I kept the backing paper from the film in case anyone wants to make copies for their car

 

[Peter5]

mud flaps are ugly IMO but it preserve the paint on the rocker tho ...
sometime in life u have to give or take ..
no mudflaps all the way

 

[bbrich57]

OFF-TOPIC​

Semperit tires? WOW!! I haven't seen them in years. Didn't even know they were still around!
Semperit 501's(?) were my first set of new tires. My first set of radials !! (This was the mid-'70's afterall and radials were fairly new to this country.)
A blast from the/my past to be sure.

OK, you can kill me now if you want to, and I DO applaud the effort, but if I were you I might've done something a little more like this:

This, of course, assumes that you had cut off that much from the top. But I think your concerns are correct. There may not be enough support there to stand up to higher speeds, or heavy slush and snow.
I'd at least try to add some support (see the extra screw) @ the bottom.
Other than these concerns, which mirror yours, I think they look good... for mudflaps.
While I too am thinking of doing this mod, I have to agree that mf's are kind of old school and I generally equate them w/an old man/old woman's car.

On the other hand, what else will protect to sill and extensions from the front wheel drive efffect of throwing dirt, stones and mud onto your cars paint, dinging it repeatedly? (shocked)

 

[MM3Canuck]

Hey bbrich!

First of all, I had to look twice when I saw my photoshoped pic. I was like, I didnt put 4 in there.

What you have drawn up in there is the ideal, unfutunately I couldnt find any "rubber" mud guards that long, or at least not what I was looking for. For the third bolt on the bottom, I was thinking the same, but I dont want to drill holes into the car. I did that on my old car, and after 4 years of salt/sand and snow, the holes were rusted out and the screws wouldnt hold up anymore.

I am just gonna keep an eye on them and my fingers crossed.

Today was the first real test, snow/slush and lots of salt. They held up great, and I should have taken a picture, because I had just a little bit of slush along the sill (but only because I like to rip through snow) and the mud flap caught it all.

As for the tires, they are made by Continental (german manufacturer), and the perform AMAZING on dry and real good in the snow. I am super happy with them, and would recommend them to anyone.
I just haven't had them long enough to talk about wear.

 

[MM3Canuck]

mud flaps are ugly IMO but it preserve the paint on the rocker tho ...
sometime in life u have to give or take ..
no mudflaps all the way

Thats what I always said, and I am only 23. But after seeing the damage done to my sills and doors, I changed my mind.

My plan is to have them only on in the winter/spring season.

I added the front and rear mudflaps from Autozone to my MS3 over the weekend. The rears required no trimming; I just lined up the top edge of where the flap wraps around the bumper to the break line in bumper. I just trimmed a little off the top on the fronts, to match up with the same break line. I applied some Scotch-gard film to the fenders as a backing for the flaps; they follow the profile of the flap, but extend past it ~1/2". The left and right sides are identical, so I just had to make mirror copies.
It came out quite nicely; the dealer asked where I got them when I brought the car back to pick up my license plates.
I kept the backing paper from the film in case anyone wants to make copies for their car

Do you have any pics?

 

[bbrich57]

Hey bbrich!
First of all, I had to look twice when I saw my photoshoped pic. I was like, I didnt put 4 in there?

Ah. 'Caught you off guard w/that one, huh? Yeah, for a quicky it didn't turn out too bad, IMHO.
I couldn't tell how much you had trimmed off, so I had to assume.... (Ass-U-Me. (lol) )

What you have drawn up in there is the ideal, unfortunately I couldnt find any "rubber" mud guards that long, or at least not what I was looking for. For the third bolt on the bottom, I was thinking the same, but I dont want to drill holes into the car. I did that on my old car, and after 4 years of salt/sand and snow, the holes were rusted out and the screws wouldnt hold up anymore.

Yes, but now you are using the factory mounting points and nearly everything else there is made of plastic. Plus you are using SS hardware, a VERY smart move, IMO.
I haven't done this myself so you would know better than I if this would work, but what I was thinking is to put a hole in the end of the "plastic" sill then use one of your SS bolts, a washer on the back side (fender washer if it would fit,) and a SS nut. You'd have to detach the flap from the body after drilling the new hole, then attach the flap to the sill first, then reattach the sill and the other two bolts.
Food for thought if you start having problems w/the current set up.