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Model S Refresh Mud/Splash Guards
- Thread starter DJ-3
- Start date
M4H4X
Member
The Fastener I’m pointing to on the left replaces the factory fastener (center) on the corner of the mud flap:
You then reuse the factory fastener on the drilled hole on the left:
Then a very short M6x1.0 bolt Is used up top.
(Currently looking for the right length, brb)
You then reuse the factory fastener on the drilled hole on the left:
Then a very short M6x1.0 bolt Is used up top.
(Currently looking for the right length, brb)
WilliamG
Hinge Fanatic
Great job on this. Also, REALLY good info on that coolant line. I'm sure someone here is going to put a screw right through that without the right guidance such as yours!
WilliamG
Hinge Fanatic
No sir, I was first…Lol. In other words please make 20 sets as we all want them!Me first! Me first!
M4H4X
Member
The top bolt I had to custom make.. it’s a M6x1.0 5.5mm. It’s stainless; however, I’ll have to paint it.
At least until I can find a better fastener.
This bolt does not hold a load, it simply keeps the flap stabilized up top.
Now I’m going to make the final product.
I’m going to test both 0.06” and 0.12” ABS. No thermoforming needed. I’m guessing I may end up going for the thicker stuff since this is so small.
Worth noting the car has exactly 3.25” of clearance under the flap with the suspension at its lowest setting, and about 4.75” of clearance at its highest setting.
Low:
High:
The flaps could be trimmed on the bottom to allow probably 4” at low, and 6” at high.
I’m not sure exactly what the best solution would be for that. I want maximum rock deflection personally.
At least until I can find a better fastener.
This bolt does not hold a load, it simply keeps the flap stabilized up top.
Now I’m going to make the final product.
I’m going to test both 0.06” and 0.12” ABS. No thermoforming needed. I’m guessing I may end up going for the thicker stuff since this is so small.
Worth noting the car has exactly 3.25” of clearance under the flap with the suspension at its lowest setting, and about 4.75” of clearance at its highest setting.
Low:
High:
The flaps could be trimmed on the bottom to allow probably 4” at low, and 6” at high.
I’m not sure exactly what the best solution would be for that. I want maximum rock deflection personally.
I agree, thats the point of them. What are you doing for the rear as there needs to be something there as wellThe top bolt I had to custom make.. it’s a M6x1.0 5.5mm. It’s stainless; however, I’ll have to paint it.
At least until I can find a better fastener.
This bolt does not hold a load, it simply keeps the flap stabilized up top.
View attachment 736623
Now I’m going to make the final product.
I’m going to test both 0.06” and 0.12” ABS. No thermoforming needed. I’m guessing I may end up going for the thicker stuff since this is so small.
Worth noting the car has exactly 3.25” of clearance under the flap with the suspension at its lowest setting, and about 4.75” of clearance at its highest setting.
Low:
View attachment 736625
High:
View attachment 736626
The flaps could be trimmed on the bottom to allow probably 4” at low, and 6” at high.
I’m not sure exactly what the best solution would be for that. I want maximum rock deflection personally.
jebinc
Well-Known Member
Very nice work! I do think the flaps need to go deeper to match the width of the tire. I did a quick hack job back in August with $20 generic flaps.The top bolt I had to custom make.. it’s a M6x1.0 5.5mm. It’s stainless; however, I’ll have to paint it.
At least until I can find a better fastener.
This bolt does not hold a load, it simply keeps the flap stabilized up top.
View attachment 736623
Now I’m going to make the final product.
I’m going to test both 0.06” and 0.12” ABS. No thermoforming needed. I’m guessing I may end up going for the thicker stuff since this is so small.
Worth noting the car has exactly 3.25” of clearance under the flap with the suspension at its lowest setting, and about 4.75” of clearance at its highest setting.
Low:
View attachment 736625
High:
View attachment 736626
The flaps could be trimmed on the bottom to allow probably 4” at low, and 6” at high.
I’m not sure exactly what the best solution would be for that. I want maximum rock deflection personally.
M4H4X
Member
I agree, for the rear.
For the front you don’t need that, since the bottom of the car is a flat metal sheet. You just need them to extend in far enough to protect the rocker panels.
Once I get this all buttoned up I’ll tackle the back.
It will be easier since I won’t have to plan for the tire turning like the front.
jebinc
Well-Known Member
Understood. I was more concerned with the “look” in the front matching the rear. You are correct, protection wise.
Thanks again for posting your work to help members see potential solutions, just in time for winter madness!
M4H4X
Member
First flap installed. I put 20 mils of Llumar PPF underneath and one tiny smidgn of 3M to protect the finish.
For the final product I put just the slightest smidgin of curve in the material with a heat gun. But the stabilizing bolt mostly forces it to follow the contour of the fender.
For the final product I put just the slightest smidgin of curve in the material with a heat gun. But the stabilizing bolt mostly forces it to follow the contour of the fender.
jebinc
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the detailed information! Did you have to drill any holes in the aluminum fender edge?
M4H4X
Member
Nope. Only 1 hole in the liner as detailed above. The fender “bolt” is actually a c-clip that just stabilizes the flap. I put 20 mils of PPF under the clip so it does not contact the painted surface.
To be clear the “bolt” does not go “through” the fender, only through the raised portion of the c clip.
jebinc
Well-Known Member
Great idea! Please keep us updated on how well it performs throughout the winter (rain, snow, etc.).
M4H4X
Member
Test drive went well. No new creeks or noises that I can tell. I dove (unintentionally) through a few gravel and sand spots on the road that had fallen off of trucks and you can actually hear them protect the car. Sounds like someone is sand blasting a dinner plate.
Took the car on the (empty) highway and got it up to about 105mph and no new noise and I didn’t see my fenders fly off by the windows.
I probably would not suggest going much above 100mph with these on the car, definitely not 200mph (when we eventually can). Definitely take them off the car and put some track tape on if you’re going to do the standing mile or go to the drag strip.
I think in hind sight they stick out about a half inch too far beyond the tire, so I’m hoping that when vendors come out with their solution they make it more aesthetic (without sacrificing functionality).
Now… As for selling them.
I already have three jobs (small business owner) and honestly it would not be worth my time to pursue.
However! I might be convinced to cut a few extra sets out for some forum members and maybe you buy me a beer sometime.
As of this moment, I’m open sourcing the design and I will allow anyone to reproduce/use my template to design their own, this includes companies. I’d be happy to send the template to RokBlokz or any other vendor that wishes to produce them.
Send me a DM and we can go from there.
Took the car on the (empty) highway and got it up to about 105mph and no new noise and I didn’t see my fenders fly off by the windows.
I probably would not suggest going much above 100mph with these on the car, definitely not 200mph (when we eventually can). Definitely take them off the car and put some track tape on if you’re going to do the standing mile or go to the drag strip.
I think in hind sight they stick out about a half inch too far beyond the tire, so I’m hoping that when vendors come out with their solution they make it more aesthetic (without sacrificing functionality).
Now… As for selling them.
I already have three jobs (small business owner) and honestly it would not be worth my time to pursue.
However! I might be convinced to cut a few extra sets out for some forum members and maybe you buy me a beer sometime.
As of this moment, I’m open sourcing the design and I will allow anyone to reproduce/use my template to design their own, this includes companies. I’d be happy to send the template to RokBlokz or any other vendor that wishes to produce them.
Send me a DM and we can go from there.
So I took inspiration for M4H4X with the horseshoe clips and used the universal flaps that someone linked us to earlier in the thread which fit perfectly and look pretty much OEM (as good as it’s getting for now). I am very pleased with the overall look and will get the job done!
M4H4X
Member
looks great! Can you measure the clearance underneath the front flap along with the suspension setting when measured?
Edit: I’d also like to see a profile shot that shows how much of the tire profile they cover. Like this:
Last edited:
Sure can, 3” on the nose for the front and 4 6/8ths in the rear. I always run my car on the lowest ride height setting.
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