flares, bolt-on vs molded Options

[ninefourteener]

Ok.... I've spent so much time/effort/money on the RSX lately, I've almost ignored the teener all summer.

What can I say? I've owed the car 1.5 years, and the only repair I've made was a battery. The only upgrades I've done have been stereo related, my side decals, or my front spoiler. I still drive it regularly (2 or 3 times a week), wash/clean it obsessively, and love it to death... but I've got an "itch" for a major change.

The 914 sits in the garage all winter.... and winter is coming. Perfect opportunity to do major changes. I'm actually contemplating flaring the car.

Call me crazy, but I kinda like the look of the bolt-on fenders better than the typical "molded-in" fenders. Plus, there's all kinds of advantages..... like the lack of a need for paint... among many others.

So.......... can we post some pictures of bolt-on flared cars? Procedures for doing it right? Will bolt-on flares interfere with my marker lights? Do the come in different sizes? Where can I buy them? How much do they cost?

As always.. this site rocks! Thanks!!

Matt

[Scott S]

Hi Matt -
Just stumbled across the thread. It's not that big of a project. A good body shop can match that green. Most of the time I spent was getting the flare flanges straight and the same from side to side. It took me probably a week after work to get everything lined up and correctly fit. I then had to do some repair work on one flare as it had some this spots - no big deal. I painted mine myself - but the car is white and hides lots. Still, they came out just fine. The body gaskets are cheap, and the hardware is a no brainer.
Wheels however are an issue and where the investment is. I wnet with a local guy who built me 4 bolt Fikse/Kinesis knock offs. I think I paid 125 each for them and I allready had the long lugs (as do you). They were heavy however. A buddy of mine had his wheels done by compomotive - they were beautiful! Both Panasport and Revolution can also make them for you. I think they are 200 to 250 per wheel. I would not hesitate to do what you are thinking. My only objection is having different color flairs. They come white or grey, so you will have to paint them any way. Here is a teaser - panasports and all.....