66-77 Bronco Fender Flares Installation & Care Tips

Installing & Caring for Your Early Bronco Fender Flares

At a Glance: How you install and care for your 66-77 Ford Bronco fender flares has a direct impact on how they look and hold up over time. Following the guidelines below will help ensure proper fitment, long-term durability, and consistent appearance.

Painting Your Early Bronco Fender Flares

Painting fender flares can be a good option if long-term appearance is a priority. However, for heavy off-road use, painting is not recommended. Trail debris, brush contact, and body flex can quickly damage painted surfaces.

Painting Gorilla Warflares & Silverback Fender Flares

For show rigs or restoration builds, these urethane flares can be painted with proper prep.

• Always use an adhesion promoter before paint

• Urethane flexes, so proper adhesion is critical

• Unpainted urethane will fade over time if not maintained

If left unpainted, routine cleaning and UV protection are required to slow fading.

Painting WILD HORSES Fiberglass Fender Flares

If appearance outweighs trail abuse, fiberglass flares are a solid choice.

• Prep and paint just like sheet metal

• Sand, prime, and paint using standard automotive procedures

• Excellent paint adhesion when done correctly

With proper care, painted fiberglass flares can maintain their finish for years.

Installing Fender Flares on a 66-77 Ford Bronco

Installing fender flares on an Early Bronco requires cutting the body. This includes the quarter panels and often the front fenders. If cutting the body is not something you’re comfortable with, fender flares are not the right modification.

Now that that’s clear, here’s how to do it correctly.

Cutting Into a Classic Ford Bronco

Cutting into a classic Bronco can be intimidating, but careful planning makes all the difference.

Measure twice. Cut once.

Establishing Your Cut Line

• Use the fender flare as your template

• Position the flare exactly where you want it to sit

• Ensure the flare is centered over the wheel for maximum tire clearance

With Gorilla Warflares or Silverbacks, you have the option to mount them slightly higher on the body for increased clearance due to their flexibility. Just make sure all four flares are aligned evenly.

Marking & Cutting

1. Trace the outline of the flare using a grease pen or similar

2. Do NOT cut on this line

3. Measure 1.5 inches inside that outline and mark a new cut line

4. Remove any braces behind the cut area

5. Verify clearance behind the panel

6. Cut carefully using a jigsaw

Placing padding between the saw and body can help protect painted surfaces during cutting.

Using Welting for Fender Flare Installation

Each set of flares includes rubber welting designed to isolate vibration and prevent body contact.

• Welting installs between the flare lip and body

• Only the beaded edge should be visible once installed

• Follow the flare contour closely for a clean finished look

Mounting Fender Flares: Screws vs Rivets

Mounting hardware depends on flare material:

Urethane Flares (Gorilla Warflares & Silverbacks)

• Installed using screws

• Allows for removal and reinstallation

• Durable enough to handle repeated installs

Fiberglass Flares

• Installed using rivets

• More permanent installation

• Removal and reinstallation is likely to cause cracking or chipping

Preventing Fading on Black Urethane Fender Flares

Black urethane flares take constant abuse from sun, heat, and road grime. Most premature fading is caused by UV exposure, harsh cleaners, and mineral spotting from air drying. Like any black plastic material that sits out in the sun, preventing fading is an ongoing battle. But with proper maintenance and care, you can limit the effects of the suns harsh rays on your flares.

Proper Cleaning

• Use mild car soap and water only

• Avoid degreasers, wheel cleaners, and petroleum-based products

• Clean with a soft brush or microfiber towel

• Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately

Water spots from hard minerals are one of the biggest causes of blotchy discoloration.

Use a UV Protectant Made for Plastics & Urethane

Regular wax does nothing for urethane. Use products designed for flexible plastics.

Look for protectants that:

• Contain UV inhibitors

• Dry to a satin or natural finish

• Are non-greasy

Apply evenly with a foam applicator and wipe off excess. Over-application can cause streaking.

• Reapply every few weeks if stored outside

• Every couple of months if garage kept

Avoid Silicone-Based “Shine” Products

Spray-on tire shines and cheap plastic dressings:

• Attract dust

• Bake into the surface

• Cause uneven dark and light patches

If it looks wet or glossy, it’s usually the wrong product.

Reduce Sun Exposure When Possible

• Park in shade or indoors

• Use a car cover for long-term outdoor storage

• Clean mud and trail debris promptly

Dirt traps moisture and minerals, accelerating discoloration.

Address Fading Early

If you notice light gray haze or spotting:

• Clean thoroughly

• Apply a plastic restorer or conditioner

• Buff evenly

Early treatment helps prevent permanent chalking.

Long-Term Protection Option

Ceramic or plastic-specific coatings can be applied to urethane flares to:

• Block UV exposure

• Reduce water spotting

• Cut down on routine maintenance

Higher upfront cost, but far less upkeep over time.

Bottom Line

Black urethane flares fade fastest when they are:

• Exposed to constant sun

• Cleaned with harsh chemicals

• Left wet to air dry

Mild cleaning, regular UV protection, and avoiding greasy dressings will keep urethane flares darker and more consistent for years instead of months.

WILD HORSES Fiberglass Fender Flares Installation Guide

WILD HORSES Urethane Fender Flares Installation Guide | Gorilla Warflares & Silverbacks