By rchacon on Saturday, June 30, 2001 - 08:31 am: Edit

Howdy.
Just found this site. Great job! I recently bought a '97 Disco w/5-speed manual, and so far so good. But I noticed the rear mud flaps are missing (they were there before but have worn down). Bought a pair from the dealer but there were no instructions in the box, and I can't figure out how to remove the caps from the bolts. I've searched for some ideas, but can't seem to find any answers? What's the secret?
Many thanks for any suggestions.

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Saturday, June 30, 2001 - 10:10 am: Edit

I used a sawzall to cut the rivets off and replaced them with standard bolts & nuts from the hardware store. I didn't replace the mudflaps but you need the bolts since one on each side of the Disco is used as a brace for the rear fender.
P.S. Congrats on the Disco - 5-speed manual, very nice! If you do any off-roading more serious than driving on a graded dirt road, those mudflaps will disappear again...all the rear mudflaps do is keep mud off of the underside of the rear bumper anyway...

By rich on Saturday, June 30, 2001 - 10:33 am: Edit

Thanks for the sawzall tip, Bluegill. But it sounds like maybe I should just keep the back flap-free if I plan on off-roading (I guess that's why they wore - or tore - off in the first place). Is that what you've done?

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Monday, July 02, 2001 - 06:41 am: Edit

Yeah, most people ride without the flaps since they tend to rip off or otherwise remove themselves over time. I got sick of looking at the rivets and ~1" of old rubber mudflap hanging down, so I cut the rivets, removed the left-over rubber, and put the mudflap "bracket" back on with nuts & bolts. I'd rather leave the bracket off, too, but it's needed to brace the fender. I suppose I could rig up my own brace, but I'm inherently lazy...

gotta post some pix of your recent purchase!

By rich on Monday, July 02, 2001 - 11:25 am: Edit

thanks again. will definitely post some pics soon. i've only had it a week, but am enjoying every minute behind the wheel. especially love the stick. reminds me of my dear old jeep wrangler.