How to Install Fender Skirt Seals & Fender Welt

What's the Difference?

Product	Purpose	Location
Fender Skirt Seal	Seals the gap between removable fender skirts and quarter panels	Around the perimeter where the skirt meets the body
Fender Welt	Cushions and seals where fixed fenders bolt to body panels	Between fender flanges and body sheetmetal
Gravel Shield	Protects inner fenders from road debris	Inside rear wheel wells, behind fender skirts

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Tools & Materials Needed

• 3M Black Weatherstrip Adhesive (GL-11)
• Complete Installation Kit (GLK-1) — contains adhesive, gloves, and applicators
• Isopropyl alcohol or wax/grease remover
• Clean lint-free rags
• Sharp scissors or utility knife
• Masking tape
• Measuring tape

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Part A: Installing Fender Skirt Seals

Fender skirt seals prevent water, dirt, and debris from entering behind decorative fender skirts while eliminating rattles and squeaks.

Step 1: Remove Fender Skirts

1. Locate and remove skirt retaining clips or springs
2. Gently pull skirt away from body—a trim tool helps release stubborn clips
3. Set skirts aside on a padded surface

Step 2: Clean Both Surfaces

1. Remove all old seal material from both the body and the skirt edge
2. Clean with isopropyl alcohol
3. Critical: The seal bonds to either the body OR the skirt—typically the body edge is preferred

Step 3: Measure & Cut

1. Measure the full perimeter where the seal will mount
2. Most applications require approximately 10 feet of seal per car (both sides)
3. Cut seal to length, leaving an extra 1" for final trimming

Step 4: Install the Seal

On wire-retained seals:

1. The seal has a channel designed to grip a retaining wire along the fender skirt edge
2. Starting at the top of the wheel opening, slip the seal channel over the skirt edge
3. Work around the perimeter, keeping seal seated firmly

On adhesive-mount seals:

1. Apply adhesive to the body mounting surface (not the skirt)
2. Wait until tacky (3–5 minutes)
3. Press seal into position, starting at the top and working down both sides
4. Use masking tape to secure while curing

Step 5: Reinstall Skirts

1. Allow adhesive to cure for 30+ minutes
2. Reinstall fender skirts—the seal should compress slightly, creating a tight fit
3. Check for even contact around entire perimeter

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Part B: Installing Fender Welt

Fender welt fills the gap between bolted fender flanges and body panels, preventing squeaks and moisture intrusion.

Step 1: Support the Fender

1. If possible, loosen fender bolts without fully removing the fender
2. Support with a helper or padded stand

Step 2: Prepare the Joint

1. Remove old welt material completely
2. Clean both mating surfaces with isopropyl alcohol
3. Inspect for rust or damage—address before proceeding

Step 3: Install New Welt

1. Starting near the windshield post, slip the welt between the fender flange and body
2. Work progressively forward, pressing welt fully into the joint
3. At bolt holes, either:
   • Push welt aside of bolt holes, OR
   • Use a sharp knife to cut small relief holes through the welt (after installation)

Pro Tip: Some installers apply contact cement to the body side for extra security. If using adhesive, apply to one surface only, let it get tacky, then sandwich the welt when tightening bolts.

Step 4: Final Assembly

1. Snug all fender bolts evenly
2. Check that welt is visible as a uniform black line at the seam
3. Trim any excess flush with the fender edge

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Part C: Installing Gravel Shields

Rubber gravel shields protect rear fender interiors from stone chips and road debris.

Step 1: Remove Fender Skirt or Inner Liner

Access the inner fender surface where the shield mounts.

Step 2: Template & Fit

1. Gravel shields are often sold as universal blanks
2. Hold shield against mounting surface and mark contours
3. Trim to shape using sharp scissors—these shields are designed to conform to curves

Step 3: Glue in Place

1. Apply 3M Black Weatherstrip Adhesive (GL-11) to the back of the shield
2. Let adhesive become tacky
3. Press firmly against inner fender, working from center outward
4. Use clamps, tape, or weights to hold during cure

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Troubleshooting

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Fender skirt rattles	Seal too thin or compressed	Replace with correct thickness seal
Water behind skirts	Seal not making contact at all points	Re-install, checking for gaps
Fender welt squeezes out	Using too thick a welt	Verify correct profile for your application
Gravel shield peeling	Poor surface prep	Remove, clean thoroughly, reinstall