Abstract: Fender flares are disclosed for attachment to a vehicle having a mud flap and a wheel well that generally defines a volume. Vehicles that include fender flares are also disclosed. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes a body having a first surface and a second surface that together define a mud-flap channel that is adapted to receive the mud flap of a corresponding vehicle. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes a body that is configured to support more than one side of the mud flap of a corresponding vehicle. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes an inner portion extending from an outer portion, with the inner portion having a first surface adapted to support a front side of a mud flap, and with the outer portion having a second surface adapted to support a rear side of a mud flap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing a vehicle-body accessory on a corresponding vehicle body include a vehicle-body accessory and an intermediate structural member configured to be positioned between the vehicle-body accessory and the corresponding vehicle body. The intermediate structural member includes one or more of a plurality of discrete projections and/or a plurality of discrete depressions for securing the structural member to the body and body accessory, such as with adhesive, spanning the projections and/or depressions. In some embodiments the structural member at least generally conforms to an internal recess, or channel, in the vehicle-body accessory. In some embodiments, the structural member includes at least one, optionally removable, alignment tab to facilitate proper installation of the intermediate structural member on a vehicle body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing a vehicle-body accessory on a corresponding vehicle body include a vehicle-body accessory and an intermediate structural member configured to be positioned between the vehicle-body accessory and the corresponding vehicle body. The intermediate structural member includes one or more of a plurality of discrete projections and/or a plurality of discrete depressions for securing the structural member to the body and body accessory, such as with adhesive, spanning the projections and/or depressions. In some embodiments the structural member at least generally conforms to an internal recess, or channel, in the vehicle-body accessory. In some embodiments, the structural member includes at least one, optionally removable, alignment tab to facilitate proper installation of the intermediate structural member on a vehicle body.

Abstract: Fender flares are disclosed for attachment to a vehicle having a mud flap and a wheel well that generally defines a volume. Vehicles that include fender flares are also disclosed. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes a body having a first surface and a second surface that together define a mud-flap channel that is adapted to receive the mud flap of a corresponding vehicle. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes a body that is configured to support more than one side of the mud flap of a corresponding vehicle. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes an inner portion extending from an outer portion, with the inner portion having a first surface adapted to support a front side of a mud flap, and with the outer portion having a second surface adapted to support a rear side of a mud flap.

Abstract: A fender flare having a body flare piece configured to be secured to a body portion of a vehicle, and a door flare piece configured to be secured to the door of the vehicle. Both pieces are secured near a wheel well of the vehicle, and collectively form an at least substantially continuous trim structure when the door of the vehicle is closed. The door flare piece includes inner and outer vehicle attachment members, which are configured to receive the door of the vehicle at least partially therebetween to secure the door flare piece to the vehicle door. The vehicle attachment members are configured to secure the door flare piece to the door of the vehicle without introducing holes into or otherwise structurally modifying the door of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body extension system is provided for mounting on the fenders and rocker panels of a vehicle. The extensions include fender flare extension units designed to fit each fender. The perimeter of each fender flare unit includes an inner edge which conforms to the shape of the wheel opening and an outer edge which is generally squared-off, with horizontal vertical portions that generally match the shape of the vehicle fender itself. When installed on the vehicle, the fender flare extension units blend with the vehicle's shape and contours to closely resemble custom body work rather than add-on fender flares. Each extension unit has a contoured cross section which includes a protruding region near the wheel opening, a shoulder region, a reverse-turned region and a nonprotuberant border flange region, immediately adjacent the outer edge. Matching molding strips are provided for installation over the rocker panels. A method of installation using adhesives is also described.

Abstract: A wheel-opening extension molding is disclosed for use on vehicle fenders which have a door or other removable or movable body part in close proximity to the wheel opening. Vehicle extension moldings, such as wide fender flares or the like, cannot be installed on some vehicles because they will interfere with the opening and closing of vehicle doors. The present invention provides a multiple-piece vehicular body extension for attachment to both the fender and door, and to other vehicle body parts, to present the appearance of a single-piece wide flare or fender extension. A first part of the extension molding is shaped to fit against the fender along the margin of the wheel opening. A notch or cut-out is formed in the extension molding to accommodate the opening and closing of the vehicle door. A second extension molding, having an outer face contoured to appear as an extension on the door of the first molding, is attached to the door.