Truck Hardware Gatorback Black Bowtie Mud Flaps - 14" Wide - Anodized Brackets

Protect your lifted truck with oversized tires with the Truck Hardware Gatorback Black Bowtie Mud Flaps - 14" Wide - Anodized Brackets. These premium mud flaps are meticulously engineered to offer superior protection while enhancing the rugged aesthetic of your truck. Designed with high-quality materials, these mud flaps will keep your vehicle safeguarded from road debris, mud, and rocks, all while giving it a customized and professional appearance.

The Gatorback Black Bowtie Mud Flaps are made from high-quality virgin rubber, built to endure the toughest road conditions without losing their premium look. The rubber flaps are 14" wide and can be cut from the standard 18" length down to 12", offering a customizable fit for your truck's needs. Paired with anodized aluminum brackets that feature a 1.5" kickback, these mud flaps are specifically crafted to provide maximum tire clearance and prevent rubbing, making them ideal for lifted trucks with oversized tires. The 304 polished stainless steel plate features a die-stamped, GM-licensed "Black Bowtie" logo, adding a sleek and bold statement to your truck.

These mud flaps are a universal fit for both front and rear wheels, designed specifically for lifted trucks with larger tires, making them versatile and suitable for different configurations. With anodized aluminum brackets that are corrosion-resistant and engineered for durability, these mud flaps offer an unbeatable combination of performance and style. Installation requires drilling into the lip of the wheel well, ensuring that these mud flaps stay securely attached, even under the toughest conditions.

Key Features

• High-Quality Virgin Rubber: Premium virgin rubber provides excellent durability, flexibility, and resilience, offering robust protection against road debris, mud, and rocks.
• 304 Polished Stainless Steel Plate with "Black Bowtie" Logo: The stainless steel plate features a die-stamped, GM-licensed logo, giving your truck a sleek, customized look.
• Anodized Aluminum Brackets with 1.5" Kickback: The anodized aluminum brackets include a 1.5" kickback for added tire clearance, perfect for lifted trucks with oversized tires.
• Customizable Length: The mud flaps are 14" wide by 18" long and can be cut to a length between 12" and 18" for the perfect fit.

Additional Features

• Universal Fit: These mud flaps are designed to be used on either the front or rear wheels, giving you the flexibility to set them up based on your truck's specific needs.
• Robust Installation: Anodized aluminum brackets are designed to be attached securely to the lip of the wheel well using self-tapping screws. The mud flaps and brackets are compatible with aftermarket flares, but it's crucial to ensure they are attached to the metal lip of the fender, not just to the flares.
• Flexible Bracket Design: The offset brackets come without pre-drilled holes, allowing for a flexible installation process that lets you align the mud flaps and brackets to best fit your truck.
• Heavy-Duty Protection: Designed for lifted trucks and trucks with oversized wheels, these mud flaps provide exceptional defense against mud, rocks, and other road debris.

Installation

Standard installation requires drilling into the lip of the wheel well to ensure a secure attachment. The offset brackets do not come with pre-drilled holes, allowing you to align the brackets and flaps for the best fit. Ensure that the brackets are fastened to the metal lip of the fender and not just to aftermarket flares. Self-tapping screws are included for easy installation. For those who prefer a custom setup, custom-fit brackets are available separately to provide a tailored mounting surface for the offset brackets and mud flaps.

What's Included

• Two 14" wide mud flaps (one driver side, one passenger side)
• Anodized aluminum brackets with 1.5" kickback (one driver side, one passenger side)
• Self-tapping mounting screws for secure installation

Care & Maintenance

Rubber: Regularly clean the rubber mud flaps using mild soap and water to maintain their flexibility and appearance. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the rubber.

Stainless Steel: Clean the stainless steel plates with a soft cloth and mild soap to maintain their polished and rust-resistant finish.

Anodized Aluminum:

Anodized aluminum is a durable, corrosion-resistant material featuring a specialized coating that enhances protection against rust while providing an attractive finish. To preserve its appearance and functionality, appropriate cleaning methods are essential. Incorrect cleaning practices may compromise the coating, resulting in fading or pitting. This guide provides detailed instructions on maintenance, including routine procedures, advanced cleaning techniques, precautions, and considerations regarding touch-free car washes.

Routine Cleaning and Preventive Maintenance

Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent the accumulation of contaminants that could impair the surface. Employ non-abrasive methods to safeguard the thin protective layer.

• Frequency: Perform cleaning every 3 months, or more frequently in environments with high pollution, proximity to coastal areas (where salt may accelerate corrosion), or high usage.
• Basic Method:
  • Begin by rinsing with plain water to remove loose debris. Utilize a soft sponge or cloth for gentle wiping.
  • For minor soiling, prepare a solution of mild, pH-neutral soap (such as dish detergent) with warm water. Apply using a soft cloth, employing circular motions without excessive force.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water to eliminate any residue.
  • Dry the surface promptly with a soft towel to avoid water spots.
• Tools: Select non-abrasive items such as soft-bristle brushes or cloths. Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads, as they may scratch and damage the coating.
• Preventive Measures:
  • Apply a suitable protective wax or sealant designed for anodized aluminum following cleaning (e.g., automotive-grade waxes for vehicle parts).
  • In urban or industrial settings, monitor for acidic precipitation or organic deposits, which may etch the surface if not addressed promptly.
  • Store items indoors when feasible to mitigate ultraviolet fading of colored finishes.

Deep Cleaning for Persistent Contaminants

For significant buildup, such as oxidation or embedded grime, employ more intensive yet cautious approaches. Always test methods on an inconspicuous area first.

• Mild Abrasive Methods: Form a paste with baking soda and water for gentle application with a soft cloth, followed by thorough rinsing. For oxidized sections, use fine-grit sandpaper (600-1000) lightly with water and polish afterward, though this should be infrequent to prevent thinning the coating.
• Commercial Products: Select cleaners formulated for anodized aluminum with a neutral pH. Citrus-based options are suitable; refrain from using unverified household cleaners.

Practices to Avoid

Anodized aluminum is susceptible to substances that may dissolve or abrade its protective oxide layer.

• Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric or phosphoric) or alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide), as they may cause etching, discoloration, or removal of the finish.
• Abrasive Tools: Avoid vigorous scrubbing implements or polishes that could dull the surface and expose the base metal.
• High-Pressure Washing: While suitable for initial rinsing, limit pressure to under 1,000 PSI to prevent intrusion into seams.
• Environmental Exposures: Minimize contact with chlorine, fluoride, or heavy metals, which may induce pitting.

Impact of Touch-Free Car Washes on Anodized Aluminum

Touch-free car washes offer convenience and minimize paint scratches by employing high-pressure jets and chemical applications without physical contact. However, they may adversely affect anodized aluminum elements, such as trim or wheels, owing to the intensity of the processes and chemicals.

• Potential Damage: These systems frequently utilize high-pH alkaline detergents and acidic pre-treatments that can interact with the coating, leading to discoloration, dulling, etching, or fading. Alkaline agents are particularly detrimental, potentially dissolving the layer and resulting in a chalky or pitted appearance. Repeated use may exacerbate issues, especially on colored anodizing, causing inconsistent hues or loss of gloss.
• Risk Factors: The absence of mechanical brushing necessitates more potent chemicals and elevated pressures (up to 1,500 PSI), which may infiltrate seals or aggravate minor imperfections. Although generally compatible with standard automotive paint, these washes can deplete protective sealants on anodized components more rapidly.
• Recommendations: Avoid touch-free car washes for items featuring anodized aluminum whenever possible, particularly those with high-alkaline formulations. Prefer manual washing with pH-neutral solutions. If utilization is necessary (e.g., for seasonal salt removal), rinse affected areas thoroughly afterward and apply a protective coating. Verify the chemical composition of the wash or conduct a test on a small section if gentler options are claimed.

Common Harsh Chemicals in Touch-Free Car Washes

Touch-free systems depend on robust chemical blends for effective cleaning without contact. These typically include:

• Alkaline Detergents: High-pH (9-14) compounds such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which emulsify oils and grime but may etch anodized aluminum by eroding the oxide layer.
• Acidic Pre-Treatments: Low-pH (2-5) solutions incorporating hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, or citric acid to dissolve mineral deposits and salts. These can induce pitting or discoloration if not adequately neutralized.
• Surfactants and Solvents: Components like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), glycol ethers, or petroleum distillates that facilitate cleaning but may include irritants capable of degrading seals and finishes over time.
• Additional Agents: Chelating compounds, foam enhancers, or corrosion inhibitors intended for protection, yet potentially abrasive in elevated concentrations. Multi-step processes alternating acidic and alkaline applications heighten risks for sensitive materials such as anodized aluminum.

These formulations prioritize efficiency and compatibility with paint, rendering them less ideal for specialized coatings like anodized aluminum.

Effective maintenance of anodized aluminum requires consistent application of gentle, neutral cleaning agents to prolong its durability and preserve its attributes. By eschewing aggressive chemicals and abrasive techniques, irreversible damage can be averted. Although touch-free car washes provide convenience, their dependence on potent alkaline and acidic substances presents notable risks to anodized surfaces, potentially causing discoloration or deterioration—manual methods are preferable where feasible. In the event of damage, seek professional assistance for restoration. Adhering to these recommendations will ensure the material retains its optimal condition for an extended period.

Terms

• Virgin Rubber: Rubber that has not been previously processed or recycled, providing maximum durability, flexibility, and resilience for long-term performance.
• Anodized Aluminum: Aluminum treated with an anodic oxide finish, enhancing corrosion resistance and giving it a sleek, polished appearance.
• Kickback Bracket: A bracket with a set-back design that provides additional clearance between the mud flap and the tire, preventing rubbing and allowing for better fitment on lifted trucks.
• Self-Tapping Screws: Screws designed to tap their own threads into the mounting surface, making installation easier without needing to pre-drill holes.

The Truck Hardware Gatorback Black Bowtie Mud Flaps - 14" Wide - Anodized Brackets deliver an exceptional blend of protection, durability, and style for your lifted truck. Featuring premium virgin rubber, anodized aluminum brackets, and a bold stainless steel plate with a GM-licensed logo, these mud flaps provide unmatched protection against road debris while adding a sleek, customized touch to your truck. Whether you're on the highway or tackling off-road trails, trust Gatorback to keep your truck looking its best and well-protected.