Model 3 mud guards

[jebinc]

Cool, I swear I looked on July 22 on Amazon and nothing. Those look like the same ones. I'm sure they are all made by the same Chinese company. They are popping up all over now.

Amazon Prime link.

https://www.amazon.com/Tesla-Model-Flaps-Splash-Guards/dp/B07V36S77Y

Did you install yours yet?

If I put 3M tape between the "cup" that contacts the body, I'm not sure if I need the PPF. I'll order some any way to keep my options open.

I noticed in one of my photo's I posted that there is a little pocket near the top that could trap sand. I need to think about how to address that.

You want things tight, but not so tight that trapped water doesn't drain. Or even a path for sand to come out.

I used to flush whole area with garden hose on some cars to get any trapped sand out. I've never had car rot due to mud flaps. But you do have to keep an eye on things.

Mine arrive on Friday. 3M tape and PPF tape arrive tomorrow (Thursday), so I will be ready to install Saturday morning. I first have to "de-implement" the flat ones I currently have installed. Once installed, I will have to decide which of the two designs I like best. Yes, I too have OEM molded flaps o other cars and never had an issue - as long as you pay attention to what's going on in those areas when washing.

 

[mswlogo]

@jebinc

Forum would not let me edit my prior post, like I could on the "other" forum, hint hint.

So some of this is a repeat but it's complete, with install.

I noticed TapTES had the same MudFlaps as the ones seen on Ebay for like $10 more ($36 shipped), but I could get them from TapTES in a week and return them if I didn't like them.

Mud Flaps for Tesla Model 3

They look great, I hope to install them tonight. Done, see photos.

When I went to go look for the link above, I noticed TapTES DOUBLE the price !! I guess they realized these are gonna be hot

FYI, someone found the same mudflaps/mudguards now on Amazon (Prime Reseller, $39)

Not sure why embedded link doesn't work.

www.amazon.com/Tesla-Model-Flaps-Splash-Guards/dp/B07V36S77Y or search for Model 3 Tesla Mud Flaps

I installed them completely as designed.

Probably took all of 30 minutes.

Only drilled 2 pilot holes for self tapping screws that go into the PLASTIC front wheel well. Every thing else used existing Rivet and bolts.

I abandoned using 3M tape. The part that touched the body only touches on the visible edge. It tapers away from the body.

Note, everything in the rear is plastic. There is no risk for rot from collected sand (which is possible).

Using 3M tape to the wheel well just won't hold long term. The two holes were so modest and safe, I just went ahead and drilled it.

If for some reason I remove I could plug the tiny hole with silicon or the screw.

Only big question is impact on efficiency. They look like the perfect size. Large enough to protect but not to large impact efficiency (much, I hope).

They are mostly behind the tires.

They are on very solid. Removed 6 OEM Rivets and used 6 supplied ones. The OEM ones are just to short. Removed two OEM bolts and replaced with same both in the rear.

Drilled two pilot holes at the top for fronts.

Back of Front Flap

Front of Front Flap

Front of Rear Flap

Back of Back flap

Front view of Front flap installed

Rear View Front Flap installed

Rear view of Rear flap installed

Front view of rear flap installed

Rear View of Rear Flap installed (that is not a gap, just a reflection).

Rear flap from bottom installed using existing bolt

Front flap while installing showing the one pilot hole (into plastic wheel well). You could use 3M tape to wheel well, I chose not to.

Rear view installed both.

Don't blink you might not notice them on Midnight Silver

Front View both installed

View to show how much they stick out.

Another view showing how much they stick out

In my opinion they make the car look beefier/wider looking stance from the rear.

This picture shows precise they fit, incredible.

 

[jebinc]

@mswlogo - Nice on MSM! Are they level?

 

[mswlogo]

@mswlogo - Nice on MSM! Are they level?

Didn't even check. They only go in one spot. There is no wiggle room. Some flaps allow wiggle room. These do not.

 

[Dan203]

They go in existing holes? Not drilling required?

 

[mswlogo]

They go in existing holes? Not drilling required?

Read my post. I gave every single detail and photo.

 

[jebinc]

Read my post. I gave every single detail and photo.

Yes you did! Greatly appreciated too!

 

[jkoya]

Read my post. I gave every single detail and photo.

Thanks for the detailed installation pics and comments - nice job !! I ordered the same ones, but off of ebay instead for $20 total and they shipped this morning. I was part of the group buy flat ones in another thread, but returned them this morning. I couldn't get the rear flaps to install level and it bothered me to look at them....

 

[jebinc]

@jebinc

Forum would not let me edit my prior post, like I could on the "other" forum, hint hint.

So some of this is a repeat but it's complete, with install.

I noticed TapTES had the same MudFlaps as the ones seen on Ebay for like $10 more ($36 shipped), but I could get them from TapTES in a week and return them if I didn't like them.

Mud Flaps for Tesla Model 3

They look great, I hope to install them tonight. Done, see photos.

When I went to go look for the link above, I noticed TapTES DOUBLE the price !! I guess they realized these are gonna be hot View attachment 436307

FYI, someone found the same mudflaps/mudguards now on Amazon (Prime Reseller, $39)

Not sure why embedded link doesn't work.

www.amazon.com/Tesla-Model-Flaps-Splash-Guards/dp/B07V36S77Y or search for Model 3 Tesla Mud Flaps

I installed them completely as designed.

Probably took all of 30 minutes.

Only drilled 2 pilot holes for self tapping screws that go into the PLASTIC front wheel well. Every thing else used existing Rivet and bolts.

I abandoned using 3M tape. The part that touched the body only touches on the visible edge. It tapers away from the body.

Note, everything in the rear is plastic. There is no risk for rot from collected sand (which is possible).

Using 3M tape to the wheel well just won't hold long term. The two holes were so modest and safe, I just went ahead and drilled it.

If for some reason I remove I could plug the tiny hole with silicon or the screw.

Only big question is impact on efficiency. They look like the perfect size. Large enough to protect but not to large impact efficiency (much, I hope).

They are mostly behind the tires.

They are on very solid. Removed 6 OEM Rivets and used 6 supplied ones. The OEM ones are just to short. Removed two OEM bolts and replaced with same both in the rear.

Drilled two pilot holes at the top for fronts.

Back of Front Flap

Front of Front Flap

Front of Rear Flap

Back of Back flap

Front view of Front flap installed

Rear View Front Flap installed

Rear view of Rear flap installed

Front view of rear flap installed

Rear View of Rear Flap installed (that is not a gap, just a reflection).

Rear flap from bottom installed using existing bolt

Front flap while installing showing the one pilot hole (into plastic wheel well). You could use 3M tape to wheel well, I chose not to.

Rear view installed both.

Don't blink you might not notice them on Midnight Silver

Front View both installed

View to show how much they stick out.

Another view showing how much they stick out

In my opinion they make the car look beefier/wider looking stance from the rear.

This picture shows precise they fit, incredible.

When I install mine on Saturday, I just might use a plastic OEM-like insert instead of a screw for the upper front flap position. This way, I can use that same insert to plug the hole should I decide to remove these to reinstall the group buy ones. Will look stock also!

 

[jkoya]

When I install mine on Saturday, I just might use a plastic OEM-like insert instead of a screw for the upper front flap position. This way, I can use that same insert to plug the hole should I decide to remove these to reinstall the group buy ones. Will look stock also!

Nice idea on the OEM style plastic clips. Bought a set of different sizes from Amazon and I hope one will fit.

Has any of the 3M tape from the Tsol ones separated from the fender lip yet ?

 

[jebinc]

Nice idea on the OEM style plastic clips. Bought a set of different sizes from Amazon and I hope one will fit.

Has any of the 3M tape from the Tsol ones separated from the fender lip yet ?

I haven’t noticed, but will check and report tomorrow morning!

 

[mswlogo]

I just tested efficiency. Essentially no change (@65 mph).

I do a 30 mile test loop with HVAC off.
Pure highway. Same test I used comparing tires and got the same result.

Might see bigger differences at higher speeds.

 

[MrHopsing]

Thanks for posting. I think those are the same flaps I just got in. Nice install job. I have the same wheels too.

Any comments on the impact to efficiency?

It's pretty common for this style mud flap to hit. Especially on speed bumps.
My VW CC and even my Jeep hit. But I have never damaged them. It sounds 10x worse than it is when they hit something.

The material has just enough flex to bend and spring back. Assuming they are installed firmly

Did you drill holes? Looks like you did. What did you use?

Wow, yours looks good! Definitely picking up the taptes ones. But can't be the same as mine, I had universal ones and had no pre drilled holes on the flaps as well.
But haven't noticed any significant efficiency hit, so that's good.
I drilled holes yes, but bought some extra plugs instead of the included screws, because it looks more OEM with plugs than with screws.

 

[WarpedOne]

I have a white M3 on order and a set of these from AliEx ...
I'm planning on using just the fronts, not much point in the rears ...

 

[mswlogo]

When I install mine on Saturday, I just might use a plastic OEM-like insert instead of a screw for the upper front flap position. This way, I can use that same insert to plug the hole should I decide to remove these to reinstall the group buy ones. Will look stock also!

I understand but the “plugs” (plastic rivet) requires a much bigger hole. Can always switch to plug/rivet later.

 

[zannman]

I understand but the “plugs” (plastic rivet) requires a much bigger hole. Can always switch to plug/rivet later.

Yes, the plastic plug/rivet is larger in diameter than the screw so you'd need to drill the wheelwell plastic and the mudflap plastic. The screw is much smaller in diameter and really doesn't require pre-drilling unless that's your choice. You can drill out the holes made by the screws for the plugs.

 

[mswlogo]

Yes, the plastic plug/rivet is larger in diameter than the screw so you'd need to drill the wheelwell plastic and the mudflap plastic. The screw is much smaller in diameter and really doesn't require pre-drilling unless that's your choice. You can drill out the holes made by the screws for the plugs.

Right, it does not need predrill, but the wheel well plastic is a little loosey goosey (it will push away) and I was worried the screw would drift while getting it to self tap. So I drilled a tiny starter hole. I think it was the right call and safer to drill a starter hole. The screws look fairly sharp and might have "bitten" immediately with no hole. But why chance it.

 

[jkoya]

Right, it does not need predrill, but the wheel well plastic is a little loosey goosey (it will push away) and I was worried the screw would drift while getting it to self tap. So I drilled a tiny starter hole. I think it was the right call and safer to drill a starter hole. The screws look fairly sharp and might have "bitten" immediately with no hole. But why chance it.

For the location of the pre drill, is there just a hollow gap behind the fender well liner ?

 

[mswlogo]

For the location of the pre drill, is there just a hollow gap behind the fender well liner ?

Yes.

 

[jebinc]

Installation of Amazon-sourced molded mud flaps made in China

I received my flaps on Friday, 8/2/19. I selected an Amazon supplier that had them in stock and who got them to me two days after ordering. The first thing I noticed when opening the box was a strong toxic odor from the flaps - so strong that I put them outside over-night to degas. The installation was very straight forward and didn't take more than 1/2 hour to do all four, and that includes the time it took me to remove a set of flat plastic flaps. Overall, the fit and finish is fairly good. I will say that the thickness of these molded flaps is less than OEM molded flaps you can find on Honda or Subaru vehicles. Not sure how that may affect the long-term viability at this point. Attached are some picture of these flaps installed on my MSM LR AWD M3.