Interested in OEM mud flaps?
#36
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Thread Starter
Sorry guys. My originals are still stuck on a truck on their way to me in the northwest. I've spoke to the moulder who seems confident. It will all depend on the quality of the originals. Looks like i won't have a test mould done until mid-january
#39
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Thread Starter
Happy New Year Guys! I got the mudflaps!
Here are some pics of them:
Each mudflap feels rubbery but is spongy. As you can see in this pic, each mudflap is attached with a bracket, some clamps that tighten with allan head screws, and lots of double sided tape..
A closer look at the clamp shows that the original design was that you didn't need to drill the fenders but instead 'sandwiched' the mudflap to the fender using that clamp.
I'm thinking of scrapping these clamps, and drilling through the mudflap and fender - then use stainless steel wide panhead screws and u-type speed nuts.
So, in a nutshell, I'm heading to the fabrication place on Wednesday morning to see if these originals can be replicated. If it is, I'm likely going to leave the bracket and double-sided tape to you guys, I can find stainless steel screws and speed nuts but may leave them out to keep costs down.
Let me know what you think.
Here are some pics of them:
Each mudflap feels rubbery but is spongy. As you can see in this pic, each mudflap is attached with a bracket, some clamps that tighten with allan head screws, and lots of double sided tape..
A closer look at the clamp shows that the original design was that you didn't need to drill the fenders but instead 'sandwiched' the mudflap to the fender using that clamp.
I'm thinking of scrapping these clamps, and drilling through the mudflap and fender - then use stainless steel wide panhead screws and u-type speed nuts.
So, in a nutshell, I'm heading to the fabrication place on Wednesday morning to see if these originals can be replicated. If it is, I'm likely going to leave the bracket and double-sided tape to you guys, I can find stainless steel screws and speed nuts but may leave them out to keep costs down.
Let me know what you think.
#40
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I wouldn't mind if it's the mudflaps only, but then we'd have to go get the brackets & stuff ourselves anyway, so I'd prefer to pay a little more for all materials included.
#41
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Finding standard stainless steel screws and speed clips is far easier than finding a replacement for these fancy allan head clamps.
How does everyone feel about drilling their fender lips?
How does everyone feel about drilling their fender lips?
#44
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I wasn't trying to be doubtful on you... it's just that you didn't post here in a while. I'm still game and I'm sure you have enough backing and lots of interest to make this worth your while. I know I'm down for a set and ready to pay once everything is said and finished if the quality is nice and all.
PLEASE keep us updated.
- Allen G.
PLEASE keep us updated.
- Allen G.
#45
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No worries. I hadn't posted in awhile because I was still waiting for the originals to arrive. I did a test fit on my s4 vert and they look good! I'm cleaning them up right now and am meeting with a moulder tomorrow morning. So far, I figure I'm going to scrap the OEM clamps in favour of drilling and using screws with speednuts. My last issue is the bracket that attaches to the inside of the wheel well. I'm not sure where I can find replacements for these with the size and holes being just right. The other problem is where they screw into the mudflap. It looks like there's metal embedded in the mudflap to give it strength. I was thinking of just using a harder rubber compund instead - but this will be a problem for the guys running lowered verts. Another thought I had was to leave the bracket on and have the mould made with it on. Then when the new one is cast in rubber - the bracket will be part of the mould. I think it should be strong enough - but if it was, then you'd think that Mazda would have made them that way.
I'll have more info tomorrow. As for jdm_emperor's question about S4 vs S5 flaps - I have an S4 and I know it bolts right in. Can anyone with a S5 speak up as to any differences that might impact fitment? Once I have a sample, I'll meet up with a local S5 owner here to see if everything checks out.
more info tomorrow...
I'll have more info tomorrow. As for jdm_emperor's question about S4 vs S5 flaps - I have an S4 and I know it bolts right in. Can anyone with a S5 speak up as to any differences that might impact fitment? Once I have a sample, I'll meet up with a local S5 owner here to see if everything checks out.
more info tomorrow...
#46
Visual Kei
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I would check out a Mazda Dealership on those brackets and getting replacements if you want to track down the originals. You can try Malloy Mazda in Woodbridge, Virginia. Ask for Ray Crowe and tell him what you need on what year model 7 and he'll look it up for you. That guy knows 7's inside and out and is a pleasure to deal with. Super nice guy and he's been my parts guy for years, and I'm in South Carolina!
#47
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Thread Starter
I had a really informative meeting with a Urethane moulder this morning. While it would be awesome to see these mud flaps in urethane - the cost would be just too high and the end product would be twice the weight. We're talking $80+ for each piece ... and that does not include setup costs. The added weight might also be a turnoff for you weight watchers out there.
However, I did learn that the mudflaps are made of self-skinning foam. I was given a lead that I'm going to followup on.
Using fibreglass was mantioned as a cheaper alternative...I'll look into that option as well.
Does anyone know what the OEM FD mud flaps are made of?
However, I did learn that the mudflaps are made of self-skinning foam. I was given a lead that I'm going to followup on.
Using fibreglass was mantioned as a cheaper alternative...I'll look into that option as well.
Does anyone know what the OEM FD mud flaps are made of?
#48
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Thread Starter
So I drove east for one hour only to learn that there's a place 10 minutes from my house that can do this sort of thing...
I'm working with a place to prototype one mudflap before deciding to proceed. Pictures will be up as I get them. I may not check back here for a few days...
I'm working with a place to prototype one mudflap before deciding to proceed. Pictures will be up as I get them. I may not check back here for a few days...
#50
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Thanks Howru. I'm pretty sure I've seen them on S5's. I'll test fitment once the sample is made. I suspect that from model to model and maybe between S4s and S5s there are variances between the distance from the fender edge to the third mount point inside the wheel well. I think that's why Mazda put in this adjustable bracket.