Wheel arch extensions, also called fender flares, are body accessories that allow wider wheels to be installed on a stock vehicle. Thanks to these parts, larger rims and tires do not protrude from the bodywork and remain contained in the wheel arches. It should also be remembered that it is forbidden to drive on the road with a vehicle whose wheels protrude from the sides. Unprotected by the bodywork, the tires run the risk of throwing stones and other dirt once the car is launched at high speed.
Summary:
- Drift fender flares
- Universal fender flares
- Custom fender flares
- FRP fender flares
- Riveted, bolted or glued fender flares
Used on sports cars in the 1960s and 1970s for the purposes of racing, fender flares were a necessary accessory to enlarge the wheel arches so that they could host larger tires for an improved handling. The Austin Mini Cooper S, BMW 2002 Turbo and Nissan 240Z-G are among the many cars to have benefited from this type of part.
Today, if this solution remains popular in racing, whether on the track, in rally or drift, it is also very popular in the 4×4, SUV and pickup world. On sports cars, many customization enthusiasts choose to mount arch extensions primarily for the aggressive and racing style they bring to the vehicle.
Many body kit manufacturers offer fender flares, such as TRA Kyoto and its Rocket Bunny and Pandem lines, or Liberty Walk, Origin Labo, VIS Racing, StolarWorks and many more. To obtain an even more assertive look, these inexpensive parts can be installed in addition to other accessories, such as a lip spoiler, a vented bonnet or a rear wing.
There are fender flares of various sizes, shapes and materials with also several choices of attachments.
Deciding which types of fender flares are relevant to you will generally depend on 3 criteria:
- your vehicule
- its use
- the style you want to adopt
Drift fender flares
While they were not very common at the beginning of the professionalization of drifting, fender flares are now part of the essentials in competition. Alongside the wide body kits, and sometimes even in addition, they are ideal for giving the machine a nervous and stocky look, but above all for allowing the installation of very wide rims and tires. They also adapt very well to steering lock kits requiring modified wheel arches to provide increased clearance.
If the standard models of circular shape remain a safe bet, the massive extensions covering almost entirely the fenders are also very popular in many international competitions. Integrated into body kits, these overfenders can be made in several parts and join other pieces such as side skirts or bumpers. Origin Labo and StolarWorks offer a range of drift fender flares that are very popular with enthusiasts.
Universal fender flares
These are the most common models on the market. Universal fender flares are designed to fit the widest range of vehicles, but usually require some modification for a satisfactory fit and finish. They typically add 30-120mm of width per fender and come in a variety of shapes ranging from classic old-school to trendy concave to hyperbolic designs very appropriate for sports cars of the 60’s and 70’s.
The wide style choices available on the market make them compatible with both classic and modern vehicles, fully stock or already modified. Today, Origin Labo and DriftShop are among the essential manufacturers of fender flares. Note that for easier installation without cutting, it may be preferable to choose custom fender flares, directly designed for the vehicle.
Custom fender flares
There are fender flares specifically designed for a particular vehicle model. Thus, the fitting is simplified, faster, and the finish is of high quality in most cases. Very often, these custom fender flares take the design of the OEM parts (Peugeot 205 GTI, Golf GTI…) but can also have different shapes and are mainly intended for racing (Kit Car, Group 2, F2000…).
Some of these products stand out because of their very aerodynamic shape and are designed to be associated with a particular body kit. These overfenders cannot be installed directly on a strictly stock vehicle. If you are looking for custom fender flares, some examples are GReddy, Origin Labo, StolarWorks or DriftShop.
FRP fender flares
Fender flares can be made of various materials. The most common parts use ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic which is strong, flexible and inexpensive. Manufactured in particular by Jumdoo, they offer the advantage of being thermoformed (heated and reworked) for superior fitting.
Another material widely used in the design of arch extensions, fiberglass or FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) has interesting properties in terms of rigidity, lightness and impact resistance. Origin Labo is one of the favorite manufacturers of fiber fender flares enthusiasts, alongside GReddy and DriftShop.
Other manufacturing processes exist, among which the use of carbon fiber providing a unique high-end style in return for a significantly higher production cost. Some products feature an anti-UV gel coat finish for better durability.
Riveted, bolted or glued fender flares
Depending on the type of fender flare, it is possible to fix the part to the bodywork using rivets, bolts or glue. The first solution is generally the most popular, this one bringing a retro and raw look to the car. These aluminum rivets or pop rivets require the use of riveting pliers and have the disadvantage of being less easy to dismantle than the use of bolts.
Bolts are usually used with washers or crimping inserts in order to provide a clean and safe assembly. The possibility of quickly unscrewing the parts for maintenance can be considered an advantage.
Finally, it is possible to glue the fender flares using epoxy glue or special waterproof glue for body kits. However, it must be taken into consideration that with this method, the parts cannot be removed afterwards.
Some manufacturers like DriftShop also offer installation kits for fender flares that include all the necessary hardware and rubber trim gaskets to ensure an excellent finish.
Photo credits: Autoworks Magazine / Speedhunters / BMW