Source: AMX-list as posted on the AMX Files at www.amxfiles.com

Subject: Spirit / AMX flare attachment

Date: Friday, January 28, 2000

From: Fromm David <dfromm@columbia-center.org>

Folks,

A recent question came up on the list regarding the method of fastening fender flares on the Spirit series AMXs. I saw a couple answers that although sounded okay, they would not reproduce what the factory did.

This series of cars had a rubbery welting strip that followed the top of the fender flares.

On the back quarter it was full length, top to bottom. On the front quarter it was from the joint of the air dam to the back of the flare. There was none installed on the air dam itself, only the flares. At the sharp curve to the air dam on the front flare there were pie shaped notches to allow the welting to conform to the curve. Most owners of these cars will probably find the original welting has long since crumbled, isn't there, or is hangs in strips.

From the factory, AMC STAPLED (yup, stapled) the welting to the fender flare and the welting had a clear double stick adhesive tape used to attach the top of the flare to the steel fenders. This was done after the car went through the paint booth which is why the flares were color-coded to the car originally. No pop-rivets, screws, etc. were used to attach the flares at the top, just very sticky tape on the welting.

Welting replacements are no longer available from Daimler, so what to do?

Look at the old Toyota Supras with flares, the Land Cruiser and some GM trucks. The welting on these vehicles resembles very closely that of the AMC welting. The stuff should be available at your local GM or Toyota dealer. For staples you can fabricate your own out of fine stiff wire or if you are brave, use the old office Bostich stapler. The adhesive tape is what is known as "high strength bond tape" or "aircraft tape", 3M is one of many manufacturers, but be sure to get the 1/2" wide clear. Tape the welting's aircraft tape along the top of the flare. Do this on a warm day. The flare should mould to the fender, and when you are satisfied, lift the welting slightly, just peel the backing off the adhesive tape and slowly work your way along the flare, pressing down to attach it to the fender.

The welting was also color-coded to the car so you may want to paint it to match the body. All of the new welting I have seen is available only in black.

AMC also had a technical service bulletin on upgrading the screws and front air dam attachment points. I have that info if anyone needs it.

Dave Fromm