Running Boards / Flares Need To Go!

[Robb]

Hey Guys,
I took some pics of my X today since I finally got around to washing it. After looking at them, I have noticed two things that I really don't like. 1) Running boards make it look like it is sitting on the ground. Looks like a car. 2) Fender flares make it look like I have bike tires on it. They are much wider than tires.

OK, now the multiple questions. Who has removed these items? Will it look even more silly with them off? Is there paint under the flares or will I have to have it painted? If I take all this off, will it look stupid where the side moldings met with these pieces? Is there paint under side mouldings to maybe take them off? If there isn't paint under flares, are there smaller flares out there that won't stick out so far?

Yes, I know that is a bunch of ?s at one time! But it all falls under one "look". I appreciate any and all suggestions!

My EB

Robb

 

[Rscotts1]

running boards

I think It looks just great the way it is! Leave it that way. I myself like the running board look on Explorer's, but mine does not go off road either. We all have different taste's though and you might get varied opinions.

 

[Rscotts1]

bigger tires?

.......forgot to add.....thought about putting on bigger tires? I changed out the 235/70 16's on mine 4 months after buying it (they really looked whimpy) and put on 255/70 16's....made a real noticable difference in the appearance....definately looks better and wider.

 

[Jason_25]

Your truck looks great as is!

But....it appears you have finally caught *the bug* (cue the serious music)

Personally, I think you should remove the running boards and put some slighter larger tires under it which will make the flares not appear so big, because it just isn't an eddie without the flares!

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Robb, I agree with what you're saying but taking the stuff off is a PITA. And since yours is an Eddie Bauer, I personally like them to stay because that's what makes it special. Only Eddie Bauers have fender flares and two tone paint.

Oh, if you take the fender flares off, there'll be a lot of holes because they are clipped on.

 

[Robb]

I agree I need wider tires, but the ones on it are about 8 months old. And everyone here knows LT tires are cheap. About the bug, it's a constant wrestling match. I'm just looking at smaller, cheaper mods. More taking stuff off then adding stuff. Did you like my 8' ladder mod? It matches the 6' I keep inside it. I think of it as my keel (sp?) I figured since it's on there 95% of the time, might as well take pics with it on there.

Robb

 

[Robb]

Are the flare holes on the outside of the wheelwell? Or on the inside lip?

I have never seen flares mounted on the outside.

Robb

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

No, there are clips that clipped into the fender itself. So when you take it out, it's gonna have holes on your fender.

 

[Robb]

That sucks!

Hey '96explorereddiebauer, post to this with whatever, it will be 1000 for you and you will remember the moment.

Thanks for the info!

Robb

 

[rwest!]

Running Boards

Morrisey,

Leave the running boards/fender flares! I have a '92 White/tan with the fender flares and I have running boards on order and I can't wait to get them put on!
I'm getting my boards custom painted to match the tan portion of my truck - the fender flares are already tan.

I think Explorers look nicer and sporter with the running boards and fender flares. If youremove the flares, I don't think there's paint under the flares either - just get the 255 size tires, that's my personal opinion.

 

[MONMIX]

When I was shopping for a " new " truck I looked at several different trucks , including several other explorers. One in particular a 2001 with out flares. I like the appreance a lot cause I have seen some flares not fit too well , trap moisture , bla , bla , bla.
What was my point ? I dunno.

Any way I have a 2000 with flares and I love the way it looks , Morrisey , your x looks sweet like that. Some bigger meats won't hurt , but I think getting rid of your boards and flares will. One man's opinion.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Originally posted by morrisey0
Hey '96explorereddiebauer, post to this with whatever, it will be 1000 for you and you will remember the moment.

Holy crap!! I just noticed it. WOOHOO!!!!!!!

To tell ya the truth, keep the flares on. That's what makes it an Eddie Bauer. Once you take them off, it's just another XLT. People might think that you're trying to be a poser or something.

 

[Doug]

Actually i think it might be a good idea to take off the fender flares and the body molding along the bottom. Ive noticed while im washing it mud gets pushed in there. I worry about mud getting in there and rusting. If you get your truck dirty alot (like me) it might be a good idea to take that stuff off.

 

[coolchris]

personally, i dont like the fender flares/running boards. thats the main reason i didnt want to get an eddie bauer. at first i really wanted one and thought i would just remove the flares and running boards, but when i found out that they actually leave holes in the fender, then i decided it was XLT or limited. if i were u i would try to take them off and then just have the holes filled. i think it would look a lot better.

 

[james t]

if you take the running boards off, then you have to get the rocker covers off of an XLT. also, im fairly certain that you will have to do flares and boards both because they are all molded to fit each other and wouldnt look right? not real sure. i want to take my boards off (no eddie, just an XLT with factory grey boards) and the hole issue is correct. the non-board models have a rocker cover (looks like a little ground effect) and i/you will need these to cover up the holes. they also look much better than the boards IMHO.

 

[Robb]

You'll were right guys. I started taking the rear flare off from the wheelwell lip and pryed it back far enough to reveal those nasty looking clips. No thanks! By the time I welded the holes up, prep and painted, I would be in the hole for big bucks. Cheaper to do tires probably. But after being on this sight, I probably would do bigger wheels also. But first I would lift. Damn Bug!

Thanks for the help guys,

Robb

 

[rwest!]

That's right!

See Robb,

You should have listened to us in the first place......keep the boards and flares - that's what make a Eddie Bauer so nice - just go with the 255 tires.....lol

Renee

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Robb...I told you and you didn't listen.

Renee, his Explorer comes with 255 stock. Look at some 275's.

 

[Robb]

rwest and '96explorereddiebauer

I did listen to you guys, but I'm a guy, I have to see for myself. I fully expected to see what everyone described and I did. So now, if anyone asks me, I can say I have seen it with my own eyes.

And now I know where to hide my "stuff" if I happen to get into the trafficing business. J/K (really J/K)

Thanks again fellas,

Robb

 

[Paul Gagnon]

If you remove the Eddie Bauer flares and running boards you can replace them with the XLS flares and rocker panel extensions which don't stick out very much. Also you can replace the running boards with the rocker panel extensions and end caps for the flares that came on Eddie Bauer Explorers that had tubular running boards.