I'm thinking about purchasing the splash guards from an internet OEM vendor. Has anyone installed splash guards themselves? What's the installation procedure - do you need to do any drilling?

 

No drilling. Definitely need a 90 deg angle and/or stubby screwdriver.

 

Very easy job! Like mentioned, no drilling required - just a stubby screwdriver. You don't even have to pull the tires.

 

Can someone who's had these on for several months (preferably, someone who took delivery of their car in October-November) peek under the splash guard to see if the paint is thinner? Specifically, look at the place where the guard meets the car (you should be able to push it aside slightly).

If it looks good, I'll finally consider getting them as they do have some utility. However, on my 2G TL their presence caused cuts in the paint, so I've been reluctant to use them this time around.

 

Can't you just the wheel off instead? That's what I did on my previous Maxima.

 

Wouldn't it be much easier to get a 90 deg or a stubby screwdriver instead of pulling the wheel off?

 

Thanks, guys! Seems simple enough...

 

Yeah, but I'm cheap. I don't have one of those screwdrivers, so I took the wheels off when I did my Maxima.

On the TL, the dealer threw the splash guards in as a freebie.

 

Here are the instructions to install Splash Guards.

https://hond**********.hostasaurus.c...lashguards.pdf

and this if for lots of other accessories installation link;

https://hond**********.hostasaurus.c...structions/tl/

 

If you're worried about the paint under where the guards attach, all you'd have to do is custom cut and apply some of the 3M "clear bra" material to the body. Or, improvise and use something similar, even a long-lasting tape. Basically, install the guard, mark its edge, remove the guard, create a template and cut the material.

 

Hi - links aren't working for me. Are you sure there are supposed to be all those ****'s?

 

Replace *** with " a c u r a w o r l d". (without spaces.)

 

Thanks! Works like a charm. I really appreciate everyone's help!

 

I'm worried about this paint issue now, anybody have any feedback? I have a silver TL so I guess it wouldn't fade much anyway?

 

You can eliminate the paint issue 100%! See my post a few posts up. I've already done it.

Also, even if there was a paint issue, it would only matter if you removed the guards. Just make them a permanent part of the car, and if one is damaged, replace it.

 

bdowell,
I've only had my splash guards on about 1.5 months but absolutely no "paint" deformation that I can see and/or imagine would/has taken place. They fit nicely against the body but not tight with a sharp edge etc that would leave a mark.... I did not own a previous gen TL so I don't know of that mudflap/paint issue, but can't imagine the 04 design would cause damage. Just for clarification, I washed my car tonight and checked each guard,,, nothing...

Smitty

 

Great idea Hybrid!! Here is a link for the film for anyone that needs some.

 

For those that installed the splash guards and removed them to take a look at the paint, are the holes noticeable when normally looking at the car? Basically what I am asking is if the dealer installed them and I wanted them taken off, would you be able to tell that the car had them installed in the first place? Thanks in advance.

 

Installing the splash guards creates no new holes. For the fronts, you remove existing screws in the wheel well liner and reinstall them through the splash guards. For the rears, you remove two screws in the wheel well, reinstall them through a new bracket that the splash guards attach to. There's also a screw that attaches the rear splash guards to the underside of the rear bumper, but this goes through a pre-existing hole on the bumper under-side.

Installation/removal is simple. You do need a right angle screwdriver for the rear guards, though...