[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Some of you know after several encounters that had stuff filling up the storage and cab...and landing on the ol'lady I bought the EX fenders and put them on my Z8/53. I was a little concerned about the width and looks and did this video:

https://youtu.be/dpr980k_DOs

After a few rides it was clear there was a problem, but only with the little wings in the back sides of the fronts and front sides of the backs. They would catch on the sides of the truck bed and the trail restrictors we have around here and pull the push locks right out.. So I thought I would take them off for starters. After buying some plastic welding equipment and some other various supplies I did just that. Once it was complete it was clear I would have to paint them but as we know, painting plastic is a process and this application meant it would be scratched-up in no time going through all the brush. So I was reading on some of the truck bed coatings that several bonds to plastic very well and provided a strong non-skid, scratch resistant surface. Herculiner was one so I bought a quart and rolled it on all the outer surfaces of the fenders. Not a big fan of the rough and somewhat uneven texture look, but it's tough and should last. And I can always just use the fenders when I need them...like when the Mrs is with me.

Here's what it looks like. 

https://youtu.be/q_wrIsFWlLc


My final thoughts: If I had it to do over again, I would have made some fender extensions out of some sheet plastic and not done it this way.

If they do what you want leave them.  Who cares what people think.  If not, can they be cut down?  Do they make a 2 inch wheel spacer?  Just a few thoughts.

I think the fenders look great! I was out yesterday with grandson and got buried and covered in muck. It was fun...approached an innocent looking mudhole in two wheel drive. Big mistake! Anyway, wish I had your flares.
Did you cut them down or are the just the stock flaresfrom the ex? How much were they? By the way. ...you have a sweet, very clean looking, Z!

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

If they do what you want leave them.  Who cares what people think.  If not, can they be cut down?  Do they make a 2 inch wheel spacer?  Just a few thoughts.

You are right...If they do what I need..who cares what they look like. I cut them down as much as I could without remanufacturing them. And I can put my tires and wheel set from my Brute Force right on it which will increase the width 3.5" if necessary...or there is always the spacers. I just need it to fit in the back of my truck and as it just squeezes-by the wheel wells.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

I think the fenders look great! I was out yesterday with grandson and got buried and covered in muck. It was fun...approached an innocent looking mudhole in two wheel drive. Big mistake! Anyway, wish I had your flares.
Did you cut them down or are the just the stock flaresfrom the ex? How much were they? By the way. ...you have a sweet, very clean looking, Z!

They were the stock set of flares for the EX...paid about 300 for the set.. but most of the issues I was having was with the little wings on the lower edges catching on everything.. so I took them off.

I have an EX and me and the passenger still get splatted with mud.  The front flares do not come down enough.  I added a piece of plastic to the bottom but it was too rigid and would pop the rivets when I would hit a rock or log.  I will be installing a more supple plastic, more like a dump truck mud flap to prevent it. 

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

I have an EX and me and the passenger still get splatted with mud.  The front flares do not come down enough.  I added a piece of plastic to the bottom but it was too rigid and would pop the rivets when I would hit a rock or log.  I will be installing a more supple plastic, more like a dump truck mud flap to prevent it.

I've seen some of those guys in Russia use rubber extensions too. Also some thin plastic that bends when hit.