03 Silverado molded mud flaps...help??

Bruce03Silverado · September 1, 2003

Well, I ordered a set of the molded mud flaps for my 03 Silverado and I have a problem with the front two. The problem is the bolt underneath the mud flpas that you unbolt, add the spacer and bolt back up. My problem is that when adding the spacer the bolt will NOT screw back in because it isn't long enough for the threads to reach and grab. That being said I removed the spacer and the bolt was still too short for the threads to grab through the mud flap into the body. I was eventually able to get the screw to grab a bit but not much. I only did it to give me some time until I could get to the auto store to get a longer bolt. Well, today while driving my truck the bolt came out and the mud flap started hitting the side of the truck. I took both molded flaps off and I am going to the auto store tomorrow to get longer bolts. Myabe I missed something, but has anyone else had the same problem with the bolt under the frame not being long enough? Thanks for the help!!

BigBlueV8 · September 2, 2003

I had this same problem when I added my factory gm molded mud flaps on my '03 Silverado. I ended up going to the auto parts store for longer bolts to make them work. You think GM would of supplied longer bolts with the set of front mud flaps

Firetiger(MN) · September 2, 2003

I didn't have any trouble at all installing the molded GM flaps (the ones with the Bowtie) on my '03. I don't remember the spacer. Be sure you are reading the directions for the Silverado and not the Tahoe/Suburban as they are also included on the direction pages. I'd have to run to the garage and look at them, maybe tomorrow if you can wait.

Elwood 2000 · September 2, 2003

I have had these mudflaps on my truck since it was new in '00. You WILL have this problem. Where the mudflap is molded to fit the crease in the body, over time the mudflap will flutter a bit and rub the paint off your truck. I have had mine re-painted and the clear plastic tape put under the mudflap area and the mudflaps re-installed. While the plastic is doing it's job, so far, I am having small pebbles and grains of sand get behind the mudflap and wear on the plastic.

I am going to remove mine. They are great mudflaps, look nice and perform well, but they will reuin your paint.

rervf23 · September 2, 2003

I had the same short bolt problem when installing my GMC molded mud flaps. Had to go to the store to get longer bolts. Everyone I know who put the OEM flaps on their trucks seemed to have the same problem. I wonder why? Don't the people who make/design these things try them out first?

ShortCrew · September 2, 2003

This must vary from truck to truck. I just installed my fronts about a month ago and the bolt was more than long enough to go through the spacer and screw into place. I think the flaps actually came with longer bolts as part of the kit.

Firetiger(MN) · September 2, 2003

I think it does come with longer bolts if I remember right. I threw my instructions away after installing. I checked my truck today and there is no spacer that I can see, and feeling underneath the bolt is through the fender with about 1" of thread exposed....more than plenty. Check the parts bag for some longer bolts.

Bruce03Silverado · September 2, 2003

Nope, there were no longer bolts that came with the mudflaps. I am sure of it. I went to Pep Boys and bought longer bolts and they worked fine, but what I did figure out to help reduce the contact of the mudflpa with my paint is I went to Home Depot and bought a roll of foam weather stripping that you would use around windows and such. It's very very soft foam and is very sticky on one side. I ran the weather stripping along the rim of the mudflap, not the paint, where the flap makes contact with the body. Once I tightened the bolt and put in the push screws it compressed the foam against the body of the truck and nothing can get in there between the two and it also is keeping the flpa from rubbing the body!! It looks great and you can't even tell it's there and if it ever does wear a bit I'll take the flpas off and replace the strip again!! It only cost $1.50 at Home Depot and worth it!! We'll see how it holds up, but I honestly like it better than the tape because it also won't allow anything to get between the flap and the body of the truck!!

Markeaux · September 7, 2003

I also used high density black one-sided-sticky foam tape between my Husky mud flaps and the paint. After about 2 years one flap came loose so I temporarily took it off and the paint was good as new where the foam had been in contact.

Grizman · September 8, 2003

Does anyone offer molded flaps other than the ones f/ chevy. I got the short ones & am looking for some more protection. (my baby is getting rocked)

Also they need to fit w/ 285's

Any help apprec....jtk

Bruce03Silverado · September 8, 2003

Does anyone offer molded flaps other than the ones f/ chevy. I got the short ones & am looking for some more protection. (my baby is getting rocked)

Also they need to fit w/ 285's

Any help apprec....jtk

you could try www.stylinconcepts.com or maybe even www.4wheelparts.com

i know both sell products for our trucks