Fitting Front Mudflaps to a Vector Estate

[ashley750]

I picked up some Saab 9-5 front mudflaps for a good price, only to find the profile does not match that of the side sills fitted to the Vector model. Subsequently found out that Saab say they are not suitable for cars with a body kit - you live & learn!

Anyway, has anyone had a go at modifying them to fit a car with side sills? If so, is it straight forward to do - presumably some careful cutting with a sharp knife - and what is the best way to transfer the sill profile to the mudflap before cutting? Does anyone have any pictures of ones they have modified to fit?

Also would I have a similar issue with the rear mudflaps on the Vector?

I would appreciate any help on this.

Thanks,

David

[Max Headroom]

David I have absolutely no idea what the mudflaps or the cars profile looks like, but from your description of the problem, I would be inclined to do the following:

Copy the shape of the mudflaps onto cardboard. (Make cardboard mudflaps basically!).
Then, cut the cardboard ones to the correct profile/shape that will fit. Then, when you are happy with the shape and fit, transfer that shape onto the actual mudflap, which you would then cut and they would hopefully fit just as the cardboard mock-up did.
Just how that will be attached to the car is another matter if the fittings are not in the right place.

Also, I imagine they are pretty tough and won't be easy to cut! So be careful! 

[sgould]

Do you have a Vector or Vector Sport?  The Vector Sport has the Aero side skirts and the mudflaps don't fit.

If you want to cut rubber.  Do it under water.  Water is a great rubber lubricant.

[collywobble]

Having fitted the Saab mudflaps to my Linear estate I wouldn't bother trying to modify yours as they don't seem to make a scrap of difference to muck getting on the bodywork!

[ashley750]

Mine is a Vector - according to the treadplates. Not sure if there is another way to tell?

It has side sills and some type of extension to the front valance, but no idea if this is the Aero kit.

Regards

David

[sgould]

That's the Aero body kit.  It's why your flaps won't fit. 

I'm a bit confused - I blame old age - but I thought that only the Vector Sport had the Aero body kit.  But I may be wrong.

[Hamish McSporran]

Did the same with my Vector Saloon which came with the Aero side skirts.  I also looked at trimming them but reckoned I'd have to have cut the area which gives their shape and rigidity. Ended up trying and failing to sell them off on eBay. They ended up in the bin, and I suppose that's why they were such a bargain in the first place!