I have done some advanced searches, but have not found the detail that I seek. I bought some Bushwacker Flat Flares. Normally, I will tackle any mechanical and electrical issues without hesitation. I consider bodywork neither, and absolutely loathe it . My jeep has the body matching color fenders, and I would rather not jack them up in the process.

For those of you that have removed your fenders;

Are the clip pliers/tool worth buying, to make the job easier?

How long did it take, removing them?

Any advice before I get started?


Thanks,

 

Read up on this. I didn't break anything using this method

Project-JK.com - Jeep JK Wrangler Resource » Bushwacker JK Flat Fender Installation Write-Up

 

YES!! Buy the clip removal tool. Worth every penny. I tried removing one inner federal well without the tool and it was a pain in the a$$!! With the tool the clips came out in seconds.

Removing the fenders is fun... Once the clips are out just grab one corner and pull up. It won't spud pretty but the hole fender will pull right off.

 

God damn spell check lol

 

Where can you find the clip removal tool?

 

JK08MCS, thanks for the link. It's just what I was looking for.

Any local paint and body supply shop, auto store should be able to get them too.

Thanks for the advice, I will be watching this thread for more info.

 

When I used to run the OEM's I never had the luxury of having the clip removal tool but using a flat blade screw driver worked pretty well. You simply pop it off one side at a time. I never damaged the body or the fender.

 

It took me a little longer than they say it will.

Instead of a grease pencil (recommended), I used a paint pen. This made a bright distinct line to cut the fender wells. The LED marker lamp on the front fenders have a black and white wire. One would assume the black and white wire on the jeep would color coordinate. How ever, you have to reverse them on the 2012 for the LEDs to work (ie. white to black and black to white). So be sure to test the LED hookup before installing the fender. There is no easy way to remove the marker lamps once the fender is installed. I found the black clips and black fenders are hard to see when the holes were lined up. So after cussing the first fender while trying to line up the screw holes. That paint pen came in handy, by marking the clips with a white ring to see where the center of the clip was.

Anyhow, I am very pleased with the fender flares overall.

Thanks for the input and suggestions.