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Which Early Bronco Fender Flares Should I Buy?

Ranked by popularity for 66-77 Ford Broncos

At a Glance: If you want one flare that works for most builds, Gorilla Warflares are the most popular all-around choice. Fiberglass fender flares are a solid option for restorations and budget builds, while Silverback flares are designed for Early Broncos running wide tires that need maximum coverage.

When it comes to Early Bronco fender flares, there isn’t a bad option here at Wild Horses 4x4 — but there is a best option for how you use your Bronco. Some flares excel at durability, others shine in restorations or wide-tire builds. To make the decision easier, we’ve ranked our fender flares from best overall to more specialized, based on versatility, durability, and real-world use.

Below is our ranking for 1966-77 Ford Broncos, along with clear reasons why you’d choose each one.

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#1 – WILD HORSES Gorilla Warflares

Best Overall Early Bronco Fender Flare

The Gorilla Warflares take the top spot because they work exceptionally well for the widest range of Early Bronco builds. Made from a custom urethane material, these flares are extremely flexible and highly resistant to damage. They can take trail hits, flex with the body, and keep their shape without cracking.

What makes Gorilla Warflares stand out is their balance. They offer enough coverage for larger tires without going overboard, and their clean profile looks right on everything from restored classics to hard-used trail rigs. If you want to install fender flares once and not think about them again, this is the safest choice.

Why choose Gorilla Warflares

• Excellent balance of durability, coverage, and appearance

• Flexible urethane resists cracking and trail damage

• Works equally well on street, trail, and mixed-use Broncos

Best fit for: Most Early Bronco owners.

Painting Note: If you plan to paint these flares (recommended for show vehicles and restoration builds), make sure to use adhesion promoter prior to painting. This will ensure the paint stays adhered to the flares as your Bronco flexes. Without painting, these flares will eventually start to fade, especially if not treated regularly. See below for tips on keeping your urethane flares looking good long term.

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#2 – WILD HORSES Classic Fiberglass Fender Flares

Best for Early Bronco Restorations and Budget Builds

The classic fiberglass fender flares earn the second spot thanks to their long history and proven design. These are the original Early Bronco flares many enthusiasts grew up seeing, and they still hold their place today. They’re affordable, easy to paint, and a natural fit for restorations or street-driven Broncos.

Fiberglass flares allow you to open up the fenders and quarter panels for larger tires while keeping costs down. The tradeoff is flexibility — fiberglass doesn’t like repeated trail abuse. For Broncos that spend most of their time on pavement or at shows, that’s usually not an issue.

Why choose fiberglass flares

• Classic look that fits vintage builds

• Easy to prep and paint

• Affordable way to gain tire clearance

Best fit for: Restorations, street builds, and weekend cruisers.

Painting Note: These flares are easier to paint than urethane flare options and the paint tends to hold better. If you are more concerned about the finished look than overall durability of the flares themselves, these could be the flares for you.

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#3 – WILD HORSES Silverback Ultra-Wide Fender Flares

Best for Early Broncos with Wide Tires and Aggressive Coverage

The Silverback Fender Flares round out the list as a purpose-built option for Broncos running wide tires. These flares are made from the same flexible urethane material as Gorilla Warflares but extend approximately 4.5 inches from the body, offering significantly more coverage.

That added width gives your Bronco a bold stance and keeps mud and debris under control, especially with wider axles or low-offset wheels. While not every Bronco needs this much flare, Silverbacks are an excellent choice when maximum coverage is the goal.

Why choose Silverback flares

• Maximum coverage for wide tire setups

• Flexible urethane construction

• Aggressive look with added protection

Best fit for: Broncos running wide tires or built with an aggressive stance in mind.

Painting Note: These flares are most commonly used in heavy off-road vehicles where painting them doesn't make much sense. But if you do choose to paint them, make sure to use adhesion promoter to ensure the paint stays adhered to the flares for the long haul.

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Early Bronco Fender Flare Installation: What to Expect

Installing any Early Bronco fender flare requires cutting the rear quarter panels, and in most cases trimming the front fender lip. This is a necessary step to properly clear larger tires on a classic Ford Bronco and should be planned for regardless of flare choice.

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Prevent Fading on Black Urethane Fender Flares: What Actually Works

Black urethane flares will always take more abuse from sun, heat, and road grime than painted panels, but you can slow fading and help to prevent blotchy spotting if you treat them correctly from day one. Most of the premature fading issues come from UV exposure, harsh cleaners, and water minerals drying on the surface.

Here’s how to keep black urethane flares looking good for the long haul.

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Start With the Right Cleaning Method

Avoid harsh degreasers, wheel cleaners, or anything petroleum-based. These strip the surface oils from urethane and accelerate fading.

• Wash flares with mild car soap and water

• Use a soft brush or microfiber towel

• Rinse thoroughly to prevent soap residue

After washing, always dry the flares instead of letting them air dry. Water spots from hard minerals are one of the biggest causes of uneven discoloration.

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Use a UV Protectant Designed for Plastics & Urethane

Regular wax does nothing for urethane. What you want is a UV protectant made specifically for exterior plastics and rubber.

Look for products that:

• Contain UV inhibitors

• Dry to a satin or natural finish (not greasy)

• Are safe for flexible plastics

Apply evenly using a foam applicator and wipe off excess. Over-application is what causes streaking and blotchy spots.

Reapply every few weeks if the Bronco lives outside, or every couple of months if it’s garage kept.

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Avoid Silicone-Heavy “Shine” Products

Spray-on tire shines and cheap plastic dressings are a fast way to ruin urethane flares. These products attract dust, bake in the sun, and eventually cause uneven dark and light patches.

If a product leaves the flares looking wet or glossy, it’s usually the wrong choice.

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Protect Against Sun Exposure When Possible

UV exposure is the biggest enemy of black urethane.

• Park in shade or indoors when you can

• Use a car cover if the Bronco sits outside long-term

• After long trail days, clean mud and dirt off as soon as possible

Dirt holds moisture and minerals against the surface, speeding up discoloration.

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Fix Light Fading Early

If you start to see light gray haze or spotting, don’t ignore it.

• Clean thoroughly

• Apply a plastic restorer or conditioner

• Buff evenly to restore color before it gets chalky

Catching it early makes a big difference and prevents permanent discoloration.

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Long-Term Option: Ceramic or Plastic Coatings

For owners who want the lowest maintenance setup, a ceramic coating or dedicated plastic coating can be applied to urethane flares. These create a barrier against UV, water spotting, and grime, significantly slowing fade.

They cost more up front but reduce ongoing upkeep.

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Bottom Line: Black urethane flares fade fastest when they’re:

• Exposed to constant sun

• Cleaned with harsh chemicals

• Left wet to air dry

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