Question for all owners of mud flaps.

I elected to install them myself. The instructions were found in another thread and downloaded from MossMini. The instructions were great.

The front mud flaps were very straightforward. While the instructions didn't say to, I found removing the front wheels made the install easier.

The rears were an easier install - from a step-by-step viewpoint. However, the adhesive didn't really stick in one section of the guard. The whole thing is secure, but there is a small and annoying gap as shown in the picture below.

My questions are the following:

-Do your rear flaps have the same problem as mine?
-Did you install it yourself or was it dealer installed?
-If you have the problem, have you found a solution?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I have the same problem on my Dealer Installed Rear Mud Flaps. Yes, it annoyed me too, but Hubby said "Don't worry about it...IT'S HERE!!"

 

I installed my set of 'flaps myself. They are a bit fidgety, as I found I had to pre-load them by pushing them against the car pretty firmly to have all edges sit flush and not have any gaps like the picture above. Nevertheless, the end result is they fit well and look proper, no gaps.

If the dealership installed them and they look crappy, bring it back and point out their installation error!

 

I had mine installed by my local repair shop. The fronts went on easily and perfectly. The rears didn't stick - the tape included with the flaps was inadequate. My mechanic got some better tape and reinstalled the rear flaps. I have a very small gap for less than an inch near the top, but it's hardly noticeable, and I'm fine with it. Happy to have the flaps on the car, and they look nice.

 

Same here but installed myself. Not quite as bad as your picture but like Ryephile I "pre-loaded" mine pretty good.

 

I had to use a better tape too. I tried the stock tape and it would not hold. I went to my local auto paint supply store and got a roll of 3M. Went on then with no problems.

 

These mud flaps seem to be more trouble than they're worth. I mean, tape?! After all the work to get them to seat properly, that doesn't sound like it is going to stay put for 5-10 years.

Would any of you not get them again? Or am I reading this completely wrong?

 

It is emblem tape and YES I would do it again. I like the function and looks of them. The tape if properly installed will last for years.

 

I agree. Get the 3M tape and put on an extra layer. They will stick! I love the look and functionality of the mud flaps.

 

The tape isn't there to hold them structurally, it only keeps the edges down. there are several screws on the inside of the wheel well that hold the actual mudflap on.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat, looks good and somewhat functional.

 

Good looks is nice, but I'm sold on "somewhat functional"

Seriously, I like the look of the flaps on the website, but I have a hard time swallowing the installation fees and such (my build is already >32k ). And, I'd rather not be taking the wheels off the car if I don't have to. I'm rather on the fence about them, and I think I'm looking for a good reason to turn away from the nice look they bring.

 

Do they keep the dirt and grime off your car? It rains here everyday now, and the car gets dirty very fast from puddles, leaves etc..

 

I definatley wouldn't pay to have them installed. I bought mine from Outmotoring and they came with pretty good instructions, that and the advice on NAM made it pretty simple. The only time I had trouble was on the rears. I needed an extra set of hands to hold and postition the flap so I could tighten them down properly. Taking the wheels off the car is not that big a deal, I've done it twice now. The tools you need are already there, jack and wrench in the boot, though an impact tool makes getting them off much quicker and easier.

As for functionality. Not so much in the rear but the fronts keep the sides from getting quite so grimy between washes and I haven't had any rocks hit either.

 

I did the install myself. Not difficult. Took the wheels off. I had the problem with the rear adhesive not sticking. I think a silicon detailing product may have been used on the black plastic. Should have cleaned it with toothpaste that contains silica. That usually removes silicon products.

Nothing can keep the back of a MINI clean, except leaving it in the garage. I think the mud flaps do help.

 

Thanks everyone for their comments.

So on the second attempt, I think I've got success. Thanks for the tip using the red 3M automotive foam tape. That's great stuff.

-jacked the rear up
-removed both rear wheels
-took off the mud flaps
-cleaned all surfaces using isopropyl alcohol
-removed the exiting tape - whew...this was really the hardest part
-trimmed red 3M tape to fit
-re-attached everything and pressed firmly
-voila!