[StreetDancer]

Well, we had such a nice day last Sunday after some pretty terrible weather, I decided the Nitro needed a bath. I already purchased my nitro with the plastic molded fender flares that don't match the body paint scheme because I knew they would end up looking like my wife's equinox (which the dealer had to repaint once already under warranty).

I was shocked to see how much rock damage my fender flares had already sustained. I added the premium molded mud flaps last night to see if this will help prevent this damage that I am already seeing.

Anybody else noticing the same thing?

 

[NitroBilly]

Glad you mentioned this! This is mainly why I didn't want the painted flares to begin with. The Nitro's flares are HUGE and wide! I think the rock damage you're getting, is coming from other cars though. If driving too close behind large trucks or cars, you will become a victim of rock damage. I have one barely noticeable rock dent in my plastic fender flares. It's almost unavoidable really, and the only to combat this for those with painted fenders, is to purchase the "3M" paint protection kit. Which is a sheet of material that is laser cut by computer to exact size and dimensions of the Nitro. This has been discussed in another thread. Google 3M paint protection.

 

[warriorbob]

Have an R/T and like the SLT the fender flairs are painted

I have no chips or damage on the front flairs, grill or hood

But with only 350 miles i have noticed some small stone chips on the front leading edge of the rear flairs. These stone chips are definately caused by stones and rocks kicked up by the front tires. What i just did to take care of this problem is to install 3M paint protective film to the area. This is a clear almost invisible protectant that is installed on the painted areas that need protected. I purchased mine in bulk since their is no kit made for the Nitro yet. check out www.rockblocker.com they carry the stuff

I covered the front leading edge of the rear wheel flairs and the front edge of the hood. Looks great and definately works, just ask anyone who has used it

I would post pics of it, but every pic i have taken you cant even see the 3M protectant on the truck

 

[NitroBilly]

Have an R/T and like the SLT the fender flairs are painted

I have no chips or damage on the front flairs, grill or hood

But with only 350 miles i have noticed some small stone chips on the front leading edge of the rear flairs. These stone chips are definately caused by stones and rocks kicked up by the front tires. What i just did to take care of this problem is to install 3M paint protective film to the area. This is a clear almost invisible protectant that is installed on the painted areas that need protected. I purchased mine in bulk since their is no kit made for the Nitro yet. check out www.rockblocker.com they carry the stuff

I covered the front leading edge of the rear wheel flairs and the front edge of the hood. Looks great and definately works, just ask anyone who has used it

I would post pics of it, but every pic i have taken you cant even see the 3M protectant on the truck

There is a kit available where I got my Caliber kit from, click here
, this is the kit for the SLT (they also have one for the RT. They don't have the fender kit for the SXT because it doesn't come with painted flares, but you can use the kit for the SLT & RT.

 

[warriorbob]

There is a kit available where I got my Caliber kit from, click here
, this is the kit for the SLT (they also have one for the RT. They don't have the fender kit for the SXT because it doesn't come with painted flares, but you can use the kit for the SLT & RT.

good find......i have always got my protectant from rockblocker, good to see others out there.

wow $76 for the rear flair protector precut

i purchased bulk cut it my self and even did the hood and it was only $21 just took me alittle time to cut it total cut and install time about 1 hour, but like anything just took my time and it came out great

 

[jimbo1102]

My mud flaps will be here Monday. I'm in upstate NY and it snowed today. The ground is warm enough that with the combination of slush, salt and sand sprayback off the tires is crazy. GET MUD FLAPS is this paint job is to stand a chance where it snows.

 

[StreetDancer]

Okay I posted some pics of the mudflap completion in my gallery for all those who wish to see how simple it was to do. I found it simpler to just remove the rear tires and rims than to work around them.

 

[warriorbob]

Okay I posted some pics of the mudflap completion in my gallery for all those who wish to see how simple it was to do. I found it simpler to just remove the rear tires and rims than to work around them.

thanks for the pics

i broke down and ordered a set of the front mud flaps (i dont really like any mud flaps, but dont have much choice)
i installed the 3m clear paint protectant on the front edge of the rear wheel flair but i want the extra protection of the mud flap

i should have realized we would have chipping on the rear wheel flairs as i had a 96 dodge dually and to keep the dually fenders from taking a beating i had to do the same thing

 

[StreetDancer]

warrier....it was kinda the same boat for me. I already had the premonition on the painted fender flares because my wife's equinox is the same way. I purposely ordered the gray plastic fenders just for that reasion, however I was still seeing damage. that's why I got the mudflaps...they look good and aren't too obstrusive.

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

I highly recommend the mud flaps. I didn't order them when I picked up my Nitro and took it for a test drive before I signed the papers. I got back to the dealership and you could see how dirty the side of the car was already! That's when I decided it would be a good idea to have them installed while I was signing my papers. They look great too with the 20" wheels. I will post some pics soon.