Another Spats Question (sorry!)

[Theshandman]

Looking at a number of spats installation pics; all good stuff and frankly, rather variable. Is there any quantitative (tribal knowledge) 'data' that suggests how far up the rear fender the occurrence of road junk strikes that fender? This leads to how I fab my VViViD film for installation. Just curious if anyone can offer suggestions from experience.
Thanks, Art

[RJD]

I went 20 inches up from the ground. No dings so far after 3 years and 3000 miles.

194460

[Alan_C]

I can't say exactly how high up the spat should go. I started with the template that Nice Guy Eddie had posted many years ago. I cut out a paper copy of the template and taped it on the car for reference. In my case I extended the lower end of the spat. I found that most of the fender damage is down low, not up high. In my case I used the 3M vinyl in a carbon fiber look dark gray color.
The most difficult part is the application of the vinyl. My first attempt was an outright disaster. The vinyl is very sticky just like the adhesive backed sound deadeners. On my second attempt at installation, I cut the backing for the vinyl such that there was a 1/4 inch wide stripe I could remove from the center of the spat. With the center 1/4 inch of adhesive exposed, I could position the spat where I wanted it. I then rolled back the backing one side at a time worked from the center out. I would then work the air bubbles out as I worked toward the edge. This method was more controlled and worked well for me.
My spats held up fairly well, but in fairness they could be replaced every few years as the surface takes damage just like the paint would.

[JohnK]

I had mine done professionally by a local shop that does a lot of XPEL wraps, PPF, window tint and ceramic coating. Here's how they did the spats. It's a little hard to see, but they ran up nearly to the top of the door. They're almost invisible in person. They also did the area behind the rear wheels (shown below) as well as the entire doors and the front end back to the front edge of the hood (not shown). To do the front end, I had to remove the headlights, turn signals and quick jacks/grommets, but it turned out really nice with just a couple small seams between the headlights and turn signals.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=194462&d=1705172940

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=194461&d=1705172940

[John4337]

After 25,000 miles, my fenders were scarred up pretty high. I went old school with felt backed vinyl.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173161&d=1664413876

[Dave M]

I picked up a roll of static cling vinyl from a sign supply company. Also used the temples that Eddie had available. Worked ok but made a second set slightly larger for better coverage.