Patched My Fender Well Holes - DIY Instructions & Photos

[Nightmonkey]

It will be interesting to see if this is resolved for the 2025 model year.

That gap in the fender liner already exists with the S550, but was apparently widened for the S650 because it was never considered a problem for the S550...

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[timd38]

I did mine several months ago and instead of using the glue I drilled a hole and used a push pin to secure.

I wanted to do that as well, but they told me that it would not work because there wasn't enough overlap. Would you mind posting pictures? Thanks!

 

[timd38]

Great idea but $100 for some molded plastic is nuts lol

He 3D prints them, so mold tooling cost.

 

[Doug Watson]

I wanted to do that as well, but they told me that it would not work because there wasn't enough overlap. Would you mind posting pictures? Thanks!

I will put something together and post it ASAP.

 

[Doug Watson]

I drilled a hole in the cover as seen in the pic through the Ford material to the size of the bush pin. I used a push pin with a head for easy removal if need be. Then I cut a small piece of hard plastic and drilled it to the same size as the other hole. The plastic is used on the back of the Ford material to keep it sturdy so the Ford material won't be damaged if you have to remove the cover. I've had this on since April with no issues. I didn't want to use the glue for fear that sooner or later it would have to be removed for something.

 

[Grabber1]

I drilled a hole in the cover as seen in the pic through the Ford material to the size of the bush pin. I used a push pin with a head for easy removal if need be. Then I cut a small piece of hard plastic and drilled it to the same size as the other hole. The plastic is used on the back of the Ford material to keep it sturdy so the Ford material won't be damaged if you have to remove the cover. I've had this on since April with no issues. I didn't want to use the glue for fear that sooner or later it would have to be removed for something.

I'm curious how many push pins you used, one on each corner? Do you have a photo of the entire piece installed?

 

[timd38]

I was going to use plastic clips, but I found theee trifold black rivets Trifold is the important part!

 

[timd38]

I drilled a hole in the cover as seen in the pic through the Ford material to the size of the bush pin. I used a push pin with a head for easy removal if need be. Then I cut a small piece of hard plastic and drilled it to the same size as the other hole. The plastic is used on the back of the Ford material to keep it sturdy so the Ford material won't be damaged if you have to remove the cover. I've had this on since April with no issues. I didn't want to use the glue for fear that sooner or later it would have to be removed for something.

I am going try trifold black rivets.

 

[Doug Watson]

I'm curious how many push pins you used, one on each corner? Do you have a photo of the entire piece installed?

Just one push pin and I did not want to use pop rivets in case I wanted to remove the cover. Plenty of area to drill a hole for the push pin

 

[timd38]

Just one push pin and I did not want to use pop rivets in case I wanted to remove the cover. Plenty of area to drill a hole for the push pin

I agree with that, but I am going to give it shot. If it doesn't work, i can drill out the rivet. I have, no joking, thousands of plastic push pins.

 

[Grabber1]

If access to this area is ever needed the entire fender liner can be pulled off. That little hole in the fender liner is so small that there is no way to do any work thru it. The patch stays intact with the fender liner when you remove it. Plus the patch seals the area from water entering the back side of the pinch weld. I used a good amount of the JB plastic epoxy and then sealed the peremeter with Black RTV 2 coats. It's hard to see the entire patch with my rock guards on but it has a factory look.

 

[roadpilot]

Just one push pin and I did not want to use pop rivets in case I wanted to remove the cover. Plenty of area to drill a hole for the push pin

My SXSs have a million of these push pins. They work great for things like this.

 

[roadpilot]

He 3D prints them, so mold tooling cost.

Sadly, most people don't have a clue what it takes to bring a product to market.

 

[timd38]

Sadly, most people don't have a clue what it takes to bring a product to market.

Unbelievable what it costs to tool plastic parts.

 

[steveo1960]

Sadly, most people don't have a clue what it takes to bring a product to market.

The product offers a solution to what is IMHO a "miss" by Ford.
It works and is easy to install.
The price is fair IMHO.

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