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Installing Wheel Flares On WBH AV?

CrashTheDOG

Full Member
Joined
May 30, 2003
Messages
50
OK here goes the first post! I stumbled across this website over a week ago when I started doing research on the AV?s and have since been lurking around sucking up info, and planning my first dozen or so mods.

Anyway, I?ve got a deposit on a ?03 AV Z71 WBH and without the ?Wheel Flare and Molding Package?. While I could do without the molding on the sides I think it looks odd without the wheel flares. Has anyone installed these? Is it something that the average Joe could handle? My dealer has located the exact same vehicle with the flares and molding but want $500 to go get it. Should I just go ahead and get the on he?s got in stock or should I pony up spend the extra $500?
 
the flare package adds about 250 to the price. does the $500 include that. If it does the extra 500 is not bad. Aftermarket flars cost about $250. they are very easy to install. I have a WBH and am looking to do the flares now. If I could have purchased the factory package I would have. There were fery few wbh with the packages I wanted in CA. Flares are easy to add if the $500 is in addition to the price take a pass.
 
The $500 doesn't include the additional cost of the "Wheel Flare and Molding Package". The other option that this gives me is to install the pre-painted flares, in this case light pewter, instead of the black textured flares.
 
Yo Crash!

I think Id go to another dealer and say, this is the deal Im getting, If you want my business, you'll get the Av with the flares I want and I wont pay a penny more than $250. Or at least tell your dealer that you are going to do that before you turn around and start to walk out. Ill bet you they stop you before you get to the door. Ive never heard of a dealer charging that much for a vehicle transfer unless its across the country. They must have seen your eyes widen when they told you theres one out there.
Good Luck!
 
They should go on the same as the truck flares, there is two sided tape around the outside edge & there is either screws or push-in plastic retainers in the wheel opening.
 
I just installed the factory "paint match" wheel flares on my 03 pewter (wbh) AV. It looks AWESOME!!! What a difference in the appearance. The body-side "paint match" molding is on order.
 
If you have a WBH and want OEM fender flares to color match you can get them from the following: Diehl Auto Parts, ph. 1-800-482-1087. Ask for Steve. I got a set from them for $150 delivered. You need the SUBURBAN flares and they will have to be painted as they have been removed from another GM truck and the colors will vary. These are GM parts with GM part numbers molded into them on the inside. You will need the "pinecone" fasteners and new tape also. I got mine painted for another $150 and the tape and fasteners will run about $35 extra. That'a $335 for what the dealer quoted me almost $1000 for. Not a bad deal ;D!
 
Z71_Rob said:
I just installed the factory "paint match" wheel flares on my 03 pewter (wbh) AV. It looks AWESOME!!! What a difference in the appearance. The body-side "paint match" molding is on order.
Hey, can you post pics of your Av? I have black flares/molding as you can see, and considering having them painted to match.... though the contrast is starting to grow on me. Saw a Suburban with body-colored flares/molding, but it's just not the same as looking at an Av ;D
 
I'd really like to see a picture myself. I have only seen black ones so far. My plain, Summit White WBH is in need of flares and molding.
SnowTrojan, let me know if you go to a painted version, and want to sell your black flares. I am in Sunny S.D.
 
:eek:Man, don't paint those moldings on the LPM WBH! That's the best looking truck in the lineup. The white definately needs the molding package. The only one I like without the molding and flares is the black. IMO the yellow should only be purchased in the clad. I bought the red...would have gone with the blue or pewter if they had been around. It was a toss up between the three and red was available. I love it and like the contrast with the flares/moldings.
 
Why order aftermarket flares that have to be painted, when you can order the factory ones already painted from GM?? Also, the GM flares require NO drilling. I will post a photo of my AV..
 
Here are some photos of my 03 AV with "paint match" wheel flares. Body-side molding is on order.


AV1.jpg

AV3.jpg
 
Z71 Rob,
That looks sharp. Did you install them yourself? Simple pinstripe/s down the side might really look good on your AV.
I look forward to seeing a pic after you get the body side molding on.
What brand step bars are you running on your AV, and are you happy with them?
Thanks
 
Thanks! I installed the flares myself. There are alreadly holes in your wheel housing for the flares to attach to using the plugs that they come with. They also come with a thin strip of two sided tape.

The step bars came installed from the factory. Will post more photos when body-side molding is installed.
 
Rob,
Be sure to post some pics when you get your moldings installied. The painted flares look great and are definitely the direction that I am headed. I am still up in the air about the side moldings however.
 
Z71_Rob said:
Here are some photos of my 03 AV with "paint match" wheel flares. Body-side molding is on order.
With those colored flares, you should paint the black plastic fascia on the front bumper to match too! That would look sharp.
 
I FAR prefer the contrast that the black textured wheel well flares gives over body painted. But then I like my Arrival Blue WITH cladding too so to each their own. I'm just not sure what the flares do for you if they're the same color as the vehicle. Doesn't seem to alter the appearance very much, unless perhaps they stop mud/dirt thrown from the tires from running up the side of your truck.

 
Z71_Rob said:
Here are some photos of my 03 AV with "paint match" wheel flares. Body-side molding is on order.

NICE. So you actually ordered the Flares in Pewter and that's the way they came? And same with the moldings you have on order? I thought they all came in black and had to be painted. Cool! (y)
 
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