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2007-2013 fender flare plastic protectors - looking for name and part number

TXBlackDiamond

SM 2007
SM 2006
Full Member
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Jun 28, 2006
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Houston, TX (formerly NC)
Hi everyone,

I am adding Z-71 flares to a 2013 LTZ. As you can see from the example in the pic, the 2nd gen Av Z-71 has little grey plastic retainer  shields that attach to the bottom of the flares and hold them tight to the truck body. I believe that they attach with screws that help keep the flares from moving and also protect from road debris.

I have looked at multiple exploded diagrams but cannot seem to find these little parts listed anywhere. At this point, I am out of options. However, I think I will need these parts to complete my install.

Could someone please tell me what these little Z-71 parts are called and what the four GM part numbers are for them?

Thanks,

Tom
 

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  • avalanche z71 rear quarter pic_LI.jpg
    avalanche z71 rear quarter pic_LI.jpg
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@raleighblazer2 Might be too late to help... but those are built directly into the fender flares. It's all one piece.
 
@raleighblazer2 Might be too late to help... but those are built directly into the fender flares. It's all one piece.

Hi ca2kjet,

That explains it. I had someone in GM Parts trying to find them and they ran into a dead end.

Could you please take some close up pics inside, outside, and under the wheel-well so I can see them close up? Also, what material are the factory flares made of? They are a lot more expensive than Bushwackers (plastic) or Xenon (urethane), so I am wondering if they are worth it.

Thanks,

Tom
 
Could you please take some close up pics inside, outside, and under the wheel-well so I can see them close up?

They're form fitted and since they sit flush to the body and wheel-well all around you can't see anything from the back when installed. The only section you can peak at is on the rears because they hang down past the body. This is looking behind the area that looks like a separate piece of the fender but is actually all one piece.

backside.jpg

Also, what material are the factory flares made of?

I would guess the same material that the cladding is made from. They're extremely tough. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago I unfortunately had someone swipe into my front right fender and seriously bent in the metal fender all the while the fender flare is still on and could technically be repainted and reinstalled. It's actually hiding the majority of the real damage.

Just remember that these fender flares come prepped for painting so you'll need to have them painted before install.

One last thing... I'm actually waiting on new front fenders and new fender flares. Since the at-fault driver decided to pay me direct instead of dealing with an insurance claim I was able to put funds towards new fenders for both sides and I'll do the installation myself saving labor costs. Figure that's a great way to resolve the rust issues that have started with my front fenders and one side already has to be replaced regardless because of the damage. I can always take photos when that stuff is in my hands.
 
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Sorry to hear about your Av getting hit...I know that is not easy. But I am glad you are getting it worked out. Is the pic above showing where the rear goes into the mudflap? Can you please take a pic from the outside so I can see what I am looking at? Is it the same as the outside pic above.

How do the flares attach? GM lists a lot of different fasteners, u-nuts, etc. and I am not sure what I need. Is double sided tape involved? How do they keep from scratching the paint when they are installed?

One more question. The wheel liners for my ZR2 Blazer are solid plastic, but the Av LTZ has very soft ones. Are your liners hard or soft plastic?

GM lists separate part numbers for the front wheel liners for the Z71 Av and the Non-Z71. I am wondering what the difference is.

Here are the Z71 part numbers:

right front 22860088
left front 22860087

And here are the part numbers for non-Z71:

right front 22860084
left front 22860083

Do I also need to get the front Z71 liners to go with the flares? I don't want them to rub.

The rear liners seem to be the same for both. However, they say they are for 17 wheels...but the Z71 comes with 18 and the LTZ with 20...yes...I am confused

right rear 15938668
left rear 15938667

Thank you,

Tom
 
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Sorry for the delay on getting back to you on this. Yes, the picture from the backside would match the outside pic you posted.

The plastic is bendable but is relatively hard. You can push on it and it will slightly flex.

The fender flares have 3M tape on them and then the hardware used to secure the wheel well liner is then used. You shouldn't need anything beyond what's already in use on your wheel well liners but if you ever need additional hardware, here's what you'll need;
The wheel well liners for the rear are the same and I think the "17 wheels" is just weird listing data that's irrelevant. The fronts however are different depending on whether you have the Z71 front bumper or not. If you're not changing your bumper then you can keep the same wheel well liners.

I just realized I do have some pics that may be helpful for you from a couple of years ago. I had to remove my front fender flares to do some cleanup and bodywork.

Here's the original factory tape still stuck to the body. I think the later years have switched to the standard 3M black VHB tape. This tape is very different. The new parts come with the tape already on them from the factory, so you only need to peel and stick when you're ready.

20180524_141526.jpg

Here's the backside... excuse the mess of dirt that was stuck in there.

Future note, if you install mud flaps be sure to add a rubber/plastic spacer between the fender flare edge and the body of the truck. Otherwise when you lockdown the mud flap you'll tighten it too much and crap will get trapped in the fender flares with no way out.

20180524_141548.jpg
 
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Thank you for all the pics. This is definitely helpful.

Yes...My plan is to change the bumper, insert, fog lights, and front wheel liners. I also plan to install the GM trans cooler. Unfortunately, for now I am stuck with the anemic 3.08 gears.

Here is a youtube video with someone who installed some aftermarket flares (without kick panels) but left the LTZ front end.

2007 LTZ with flares

and here is one which shows something similar to what I want to do with z71 bumper and flares, except they lowered and added different wheels/tires.

avalanche with blacked out front and flares

The main LTZ feature I am keeping is the auto ride suspension instead of the bilsteins...my lady needs a smoother ride for health reasons, which is one reason I let the 2006 Z71 go. That one had skid plates, etc. with the Z71 package. What other unique things does the 2nd gen Z71 have in terms of skid plates, etc?

Thank you,

Tom
 
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For skid plates, there's the engine/oil pan, part number 20944322 and then there's one for the transfer case but I haven't had any luck with finding one. I'm wondering if they're no longer produced. May have to find something from a newer GM vehicle.

Here's a thread that goes through the installation procedure;
 
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