Truck Hardware Gatorback Black Plate Mud Flaps - Set of 4 - Fits 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500

Bold Black Protection for Your GMC Sierra

The Truck Hardware Gatorback Black Plate Mud Flaps are the ultimate blend of bold style and dependable protection, crafted specifically for 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500 models (excluding AT4X & AT4X AEV Edition). Featuring sleek anodized aluminum plates with a matte finish, these mud flaps add a sophisticated yet rugged touch to your truck. Measuring 12.5" wide with a 5/8" offset, these mud flaps offer superior tire clearance and a high-quality, custom look. Please note that FC001K finishing caps are required for installation and are sold separately.

Material Quality

Heavy-Duty Virgin Rubber: The mud flaps are made from heavy-duty virgin rubber, which provides exceptional durability and flexibility. Virgin rubber is resistant to cracking and damage, ensuring these flaps offer lasting protection in all types of weather conditions.

Anodized Aluminum Plate with Matte Finish: The anodized aluminum plate features a matte finish, giving your truck a unique, understated look. The anodization adds a protective layer to the plate, enhancing its resistance to corrosion and wear.

Nylon Brackets: The custom-fit nylon upper brackets are reinforced with fiberglass for extra strength and durability. These brackets are designed to resist fading, chipping, and cracking, ensuring that your mud flaps maintain a secure fit and a sleek appearance throughout your travels.

Installation Details

Installing the Gatorback Black Plate Mud Flaps is simple and hassle-free. These mud flaps align perfectly with your truck's factory mounting points and utilize existing screws, eliminating the need for drilling. The FC001K finishing caps (sold separately) provide a polished, OEM-quality finish by covering any exposed gaps left after removing the factory splash guards. These mud flaps feature a convenient track system that allows for easy removal and reinstallation, ideal for maintenance or when additional ground clearance is needed. All necessary mounting hardware is included for a secure installation.

Key Features

• Anodized aluminum plate with a matte finish for a sleek, rugged look
• Heavy-duty virgin rubber construction for maximum durability
• Nylon upper brackets with 5/8" offset for enhanced tire clearance
• Removable design with a track system for easy maintenance
• Requires FC001K finishing caps for a clean, OEM-quality finish (sold separately)

Finishing Caps (FC001K)

The FC001K finishing caps are essential for a polished, professional installation of your Gatorback mud flaps. These caps seamlessly integrate with the GMC Sierra’s body lines, covering any exposed areas left after removing the factory splash guards. The finishing caps help maintain the factory-finished look of your truck, ensuring no exposed or unfinished areas remain. These caps require no drilling, making installation quick and easy.

Tire Coverage

• Front mud flaps extend 8.75" below the fender
• Rear mud flaps also extend 8.75" below the fender, providing comprehensive protection for your truck's paint and bodywork

What's Included

• (4) 12.5" wide mud flaps (2 front driver, 2 rear passenger)
• Custom-fit mounting brackets
• All necessary hardware
• Note: FC001K finishing caps are required for installation and are sold separately

Warranty Information

Truck Hardware Gatorback Mud Flaps are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, covering rubber replacement (such as tears or damage) for the lifetime of the product to the original owner. The nylon brackets come with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Please note that damage caused by abuse, misuse, or regular wear and tear on brackets, plates, or mounting hardware is not covered.

Terms

• Virgin Rubber: Virgin rubber is known for its excellent durability, flexibility, and resistance to cracking, even under extreme conditions, ensuring the mud flaps provide long-lasting protection.
• Anodized Aluminum: Anodized aluminum features a protective layer that enhances its resistance to corrosion and wear, making it an ideal choice for automotive accessories.
• Offset: The 5/8" offset moves the mud flap slightly outward, providing additional clearance for larger tires or side steps.

Care & Maintenance: To keep your mud flaps looking their best, regular cleaning is recommended. The track system allows for easy removal, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.

• Virgin Rubber: Use mild soap and water to clean the rubber portion, avoiding harsh chemicals that may degrade the material. Proper care will help maintain its flexibility and extend its lifespan.
• Nylon Brackets: Wipe down the nylon brackets with a damp cloth and mild pH-balanced soap to keep them looking their best.
• Anodized Aluminum Plate: 

  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.

Elevate the protection and style of your GMC Sierra 1500 with the Truck Hardware Gatorback Black Plate Mud Flaps. Combining rugged durability, premium materials, and a sleek aesthetic, these mud flaps are designed to withstand the elements while enhancing your truck's look. With easy installation, a convenient track system, and a clean, OEM-quality finish using the FC001K caps (sold separately), these mud flaps are the ideal upgrade for truck owners who demand both performance and style. Order yours today and protect your Sierra with confidence.