Installing front fender liner and wheel well flares

[priya]

I'm ready to install the plastic wheel flares and aluminum trim on my front fenders but its been so long since I took it apart I can't remember if the inner fender liner has to go on before the wheel flare or if the wheel flare can be installed first and then the fender liner.  I prefer to install the wheel flare first so I can get behind the fender while I'm installing it.  Can I do it this way or do I have to put the fender liner in first because the wheel flare covers up mounting holes for the fender liner?

[El Matador]

I would install the liner first.

For installation of the flare and trim, I don't really see a need to access the inside of the fender.

[priya]

When I installed the wheel flares on the rear of the car the barrel clips were really tight going in, I had to place them over the hole, put a plastic putty spreader on the clip and then use a hammer to tap it into place.  When I put the aluminum trim in place I had to hit it pretty hard with a rubber hammer to get the pointy piece in the barrel clips.  With the front fender not being supported very well like the rear quarter panel I'm worried that the force required to get the clips in place will bend in the front fender.  I wanted to have access to the rear of the fender during installation so I can put a body working dolly behind the fender to support it while I'm hammering the clips in place.

[vangremlin]

i have removed the fender liner with the wheel flare in place, so I assume the opposite is also true - that you can install the wheel flare and then the liner.  I have to re-install a liner and that is my plan!

[priya]

Thanks, Vangremlin

[Alcology]

Yes, what Van says works.  I took out the liner and put it back in.  It's awkward to handle, but it will work.  It should snap in and line up with the bolt holes spot on.

[vangremlin]

It's awkward to handle, but it will work.  It should snap in and line up with the bolt holes spot on.

If they had made the bumper ends out of the same material they used for the fender liners, every Eagle would still have all 4 ends plus a full set of spares.  I've pulled, tugged, and twisted on a number of those liners, and have yet to have one break!  They are tough as nails!!!

[priya]

I went to install the fender liners on Friday but they both had a crack in them so I waited until Hubby had time Saturday to melt together the cracks.  I installed the front passenger side wheel flare and aluminum trim Saturday, so I sure hope the fender liner can go in last, lol!