Question about flares...

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 2, 2006 | 12:37 PM

rentalcop79

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 36

Likes: 0

From: Chicago IL

Question about flares...

for all of you guys running wide (>10" wide) wheel/tire combos - do you have flares installed? If so, is the plan that when the car hits a bump, the tire will tuck up inside the flare?

I have 11" wide wheels with 315-wide tires on back and 275-wide tires on front and I don't have flares - I just used fiberglass-reinforced body filler to build the fender lips outwards so now they cover the tires, but the vertical clearance is the same as stock.

Do you see any problems with this? i've driven it on some pretty bumpy roads and it seems that the tire doesn't hit the inside of the fender lip.

i guess my question is whether you get the flares for more vertical clearance or just to cover the tires?

Thanks!

Jun 2, 2006 | 01:10 PM

jbierschwale

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 228

Likes: 0

From: Colorado Springs CO

...Pics...?

Jun 3, 2006 | 01:15 AM

SHOWME

Pro

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 719

Likes: 2

From: Lawson Missouri

Flairs are meant to cover the tires and still provide clearance.I have 12 inchers in the rear and flairs but I need bigger ones.(Later project)The old style ZL-1or L-88 flairs should cover it!They are available still at a few places.

The C-4 suspension makes it a little wider too,but no rubbing problems.

Last edited by SHOWME; Jun 3, 2006 at 01:19 AM.

Jun 3, 2006 | 01:13 PM

BLACKHORSEVET

Racer

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 263

Likes: 0

From: Creswell OR

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHOWME

The C-4 suspension makes it a little wider too,but no rubbing problems.

What are the ZL-1 flares?Corvette Image sells an EL-1 flare.Could this just be a typo error?Are they the same as the L-88?If they are different,could someone post a picture of what they look like.I think everything that I've seen on the forum is the L-88 type flare.I do like them alot.Thanks much....

Jun 3, 2006 | 04:07 PM

SHOWME

Pro

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 719

Likes: 2

From: Lawson Missouri

I have always thought that they were the same.(I could be wrong but I think that they are the same.)I know of a company that sells all different kinds of flairs and body kits.(Even old greenwood and mako kits)

http://www.showcars-bodyparts.com/corvette.html

They have more Glass parts and kits than I've seen anywhere else!(Cheaper than most too!)

Last edited by SHOWME; Jun 3, 2006 at 04:12 PM.

Jun 3, 2006 | 04:31 PM

SHOWME

Pro

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 719

Likes: 2

From: Lawson Missouri

I did some research and found the differance.

Here's the Ecklers called ZL-1 flare
Now Ecklers says they are only 2" over stock, I think 3"
But I dig their look better than the so called L-88 racing flare that doesn't kick out at all on that back bottom edge...

Attachments

http://www.makoshark2.com/dcforum/Us...445606cfcd.jpg

Last edited by SHOWME; Jun 3, 2006 at 04:36 PM.

Jun 3, 2006 | 05:20 PM

84rzv500r

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,486

Likes: 10

From: Big Pine Key FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by rentalcop79

Flares should also give clearance for the tires at the maximum compression of the suspension...

Just take the springs out to check.

I have 325/50's on 11 inch rims with 4" backspace on the back and 275/50's on 8 inch rims with 3" backspace on the front and I have no rubbing problems but I'm not using L88 style flares

Jun 3, 2006 | 06:03 PM

Twin_Turbo

Race Director

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 16,945

Likes: 9

zl-1 flare = mudflap design (usually a partial quarter panel), L88 = usually only the fender arch (sold by ACI) and it a copy of the original GM flares.