Reflector Replacement

[BitSlayer]

I have to replace the mud guard on the left front fender. The new one did not come with a reflector attached so I will have to try to remove the old one and move it to the new guard. I was planning on using the heat gun trick for the removal process; however, what is the best way to reattach the reflector. I assume the adhesive will not be good enough to re-attach, so what would you recommend to use?

 

[Bob Denman]

If you get some of those adhesive strips that they use to attach the mouldings that go on car doors... :2thumbs:

 

[Yfactor]

Be sure to apply the heat from the heat gun to the back of the old mudflap
and not to the reflector. Then you can get some 3M adhesive to reapply to the new mudflap.

 

[NancysToy]

Best of luck! The OEM reflectors are flimsy, flexible things, and tear easily. They are not installed with 3M tape, as a hard reflector might be, but have a thin film of sticky adhesive on the back. If you do succeed in getting one off, it may actually be able to be stuck back on. If not, I'd clean the adhesive off the back, and use 3M tape, available in most auto parts stores and some big big auto departments. As an alternative, I'd consider purchasing a replacement OEM P/N 704901160 reflector (MSRP $5.99), or upgrading to the ESI/Custom Dynamics Mudflap Lights.

 

[Heliplt]

FYI - I removed all of mine with a heat gun. The adhesivestayed on all reflectors. I had parts painted, and then reapply with heat gunand original adhesive. 9,000 miles later still no problem.

 

[BitSlayer]

Thanks all.

I did use a heat gun to remove the reflector. I then used some new adhesive, LockTite adhesive to glue it on the new guard. Guess I will see how that holds up over time. It appears to be sealed pretty well to the guard now.