Mud flaps pros & cons

[Scaramanga]

Originally Posted by Teflon

If they're OEM ones and have been fitted correctly, there shouldn't be any additional holes in the bodywork Cliff

Do yours ever have crud behind them? and if so, what do you do/use to keep the bodywork tip top?

Tips gratefully recieved (if I keep them on)

[Teflon]

Originally Posted by Scaramanga

Do yours ever have crud behind them? and if so, what do you do/use to keep the bodywork tip top?

Tips gratefully recieved (if I keep them on)

Can't say that I've ever noticed much, but I always give the whole area a good blast with the pressure washer when cleaning, plus have the wheels off once a month for a proper clean.

I must admit, if I bought a 75 without mudflaps, I probably wouldn't bother fitting them, but as they're on, I'm happy enough to let them stay .

Cliff

[Scaramanga]

Originally Posted by Teflon

I must admit, if I bought a 75 without mudflaps, I probably wouldn't bother fitting them, but as they're on, I'm happy enough to let them stay . Cliff

Same here Cliff.

If I keep them a good blasting with my pressure washer it will be!

Thanks

[Jim Jamieson]

I fitted mudflaps on our diesel when new in 2002. Within a year I had to trim the bottom to prevent them scraping the ground and retrimmed them a couple of years later as the suspension had settled.
When the car was approaching the 10 year old mark the mudflaps had Now started to wear through the paint so much I had to replace both front wings.
I didn’t re fit the mudflaps as a result.

I have used a power washer for decades and pay particular attention to the wheel arches and the mudflaps areas.

When I purchased my Wedgewood I fitted mud flaps to the rear only.
With my Zircon Silver it already had mud flaps fitted to the front only and the paintwork was severely damaged so they were removed.
As I couldn’t access OE rear flaps I fitted a set of Mercedes ones I had purchased for my CLS but as they didn’t fit my particular model I found they fitted the 75 with a little modification.

[solarsailor]

It's subjective and down to individual preference really, but personally I don't think they do the look of our cars any favours whatsoever - and I wouldn't want to fit something that has even the remotest chance of trapping a build up of crud that's awkward to remove and may end up encouraging rust to develop.

[Scaramanga]

Originally Posted by solarsailor

It's subjective and down to individual preference really, but personally I don't think they do the look of our cars any favours whatsoever - and I wouldn't want to fit something that has even the remotest chance of trapping a build up of crud that's awkward to remove and may end up encouraging rust to develop.

Im undecided at the moment but this is my concern. I also am not overly enthralled with the look of them.

They also scape my sloping driveway which is quite steep.

However reading the opinions of others is helping toward making the decision and thats one of the things this forum is for.

Thanks for your input!

[BLMC]

Hi,
I prefer mudflaps to save paintwork from stones etc. and to keep car clean.
Front flaps are very easily scraping to ground if not careful.
To keep paintwork undamaged under front flaps i have been using transparent protective film,which car manufacturers normally fit to rear door corners etc. to protect from stones and hits.
Its almost invisible if cut carefully to same shape as mud flap and only couple mm bigger than flap.
My Saloon has been like this since 2011 and around 150000 km and paint is 100% undamaged.

[Heddy]

Had them on my Mk1. They ate through the wing despite fitting a shaped floor tile behind them as a sacrficial stop. The Mk2 doesn't really need them. If it's wet and the sides gets splashed then the car will be in need of a wash anyway

[Teflon]

Originally Posted by Scaramanga

........ I also am not overly enthralled with the look of them.

They also scape my sloping driveway which is quite steep. ............

To be honest, the look of them is their main plus point in my view, so if you're not in love with their appearance, I'd be inclined to remove them, especially if they scrape on your driveway.

Cliff

[bikerdude666]

Originally Posted by Steve2016

I fitted a pair of flat "UNIVERSAL Car BLANK Rubber Black MUDFLAPS Mud Flaps PAIR" from Ebay, about £8 a pair. I've used this type on many previous cars and they are flexible and durable enough to cope with occasional catching on road humps.
I removed two of the screws holding the sill end cap on (not easy with the corrosion - mole grips were required) and used a pair of longer screws I found in my miscellaneous screw collection to fit the mudflap over it. A bit of trial and error with drilling holes in the flaps to get them in just the right position and they don't look out of place. They certainly prevent mud and tar spots spraying onto the doors as well as preventing stone chips.
As they are flat, they don't come into contact with the bodywork, so no scratching.

Have you got any photos of these fitted? I've been tempted to fit mudflats but my wings already have damaged paint from where they've been previously fitted and removed.