Fender overlays fit over your factory fender flares. They do not replace them. Each overlay is held on with pre-applied 3M automotive tape. This guide covers the 2024-2026 Toyota Tacoma set, which has four overlays (two front, two rear).
Before you peel anything: do a dry fit. Once the red backing is off the tape, the part is considered used, so make sure it fits and the color is right first. If you ordered a painted or color-matched version, check the color against your truck during the dry fit.
1. Before you start
- Check the four overlays against your order for the right finish and for damage.
- Pick a day and place where the surface can be 68 to 100 F (20 to 38 C), and never below 60 F (15 C). If it is cooler, warm the surface and the part gently with a hair dryer or heat gun, from a distance.
- Work on one fender at a time, starting with the two fronts.
2. What you will need
- In the box: four fender overlays with tape pre-applied and an adhesion promoter stick.
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth.
- Masking tape, a marker, a small blade and a small wrench (a 10 mm ratcheting wrench for the front flare bolts).
3. Front fenders
- Remove the three bolts along the bottom edge of the flare next to the front tire (10 mm ratcheting wrench).
- Dry fit the overlay without removing any backing. Press firmly on all sections so its bottom edges tuck in on the left and right sides of the fender.
- With the overlay in the correct position, put a piece of masking tape across the top middle of the overlay and onto the truck. Draw a straight line down the tape, then slice the tape in half along the line. When you do the final install, matching the two halves of the line lines the overlay up.
- Remove the overlay and prepare the tape. Remove the red backing completely from the inner section. Cut a straight line down the middle of the outer strip of tape, pull each half back about a quarter inch, and wrap the ends around to the front of the overlay, securing them with masking tape.
- Clean the fender thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol, then wipe the adhesion promoter on every area the tape will touch. (Read the instructions on the stick to see how to start the flow.)
- Install: match the center of the tape mark on the overlay with the mark on the truck.
- Remove the masking tape and pull the exposed red backing, pressing as you go. Press along the edges and the center so the tape sticks well.
- Remove any protective film from the overlay.
- Refit the bolts along the front edge of the overlay.
4. Rear fenders
- Follow the same steps as for the fronts. The only difference is that there are no bolts to remove or refit on the rears.
After installation
- Press all taped areas firmly again 24 hours later.
- Wait at least 48 hours before an automatic car wash or highway driving.
- The tape reaches full strength after 3 to 5 days at temperatures above 70 F, and longer if it is cooler. Once fully bonded, the part is very hard to remove without damaging it.
Care
- Treat the overlay like a fine paint finish and use good quality car care products.
- Gloss: light scratches can often be buffed out.
- Matte: abrasion leaves a permanent glossy sheen. Do not buff matte finishes, avoid friction, and use a brushless car wash.
- Textured black TPO cannot be polished or repainted.
Troubleshooting
The overlay will not tuck in at the bottom edges
Do not press the tape down. Press the bottom edges in firmly during the dry fit and check that nothing is caught. Warm the part slightly if it is cold.
The overlay is crooked
Lift it gently if the tape has only touched lightly and line up the center marks again. If it has bonded, stop and contact us before pulling harder.
Need help? Email info@partify.ca or call 888-719-8297, and tell us your vehicle and the part number from your order.