Introduction: Bike Mudflaps

I needed mudflaps and fenders for my commuter bike (I live in the GREAT North West!!) so I went looking for ideas to start the creative process. I realized there is an emptiness here when trying to find 'ables about mudflaps, no mudflap love.

So I took it upon myself to start the mudflap revolution. No more will I have to put up with muddy toes and shins while pedaling to school or the grocery store. Nor will you!!

I had a plethora of PBR cans around and decided to use them. Re-use!!

It actually only took one can though.

What you'll need:


One empty 16oz beer can (I already had this, you might have to drink to create an empty)

razor blade and or tinsnips

Gorilla glue, or JB weld (to attach to fenders, rivets protrude and can be a flat hazard)

Gloves (to protect your delicate fingers)

Pliers

about 30 minutes of spare time

Step 1: Decide What Statement Your Mudflap Is Going to Make

You will need to have an empty beer can, or soda can for the sub-21 crowd. You may use a can already in your possession or empty one just for this occasion.

!!!!!Warning!!!!!:

Consumption of too many beers prior to the following steps  may increase the possibility of injury.

I chose PBR, but any beer you feel represents who you are will do.


Step 2: Size, Shape and Cut

You need to decide how big your mudflap will be, and go bigger by a half inch or so on all dimensions as you will be folding over approximately 1/4" on every side.

I found it easiest to freehand this, but you may want to draw your shape with sharpie.

You can pierce the can very easily with the razor blade and use a rocking motion to cut a straight line (picture the razor blade as one half of a scissors. (or is it scissor?)

You want to get some of the tapered bit at the top (just below the rim) as it will help keep a nice curve in the finished product once folded over.


Step 3: Fold the Edges

Start folding the edges over:

I started at the top corners and moved down either side, keeping the sides even and symmetrical.

The idea is to work opposite sides to keep symmetry, do this however works best for you though.

Once folded over you want to make sure the folds are creased well, I used the rubber coated handle of the pliers for the long creases and pinched the corners with some folded paper in the pliers mouth to protect the paint/label.

Now repeat the process to get two total.

Step 4: Prepare for Attaching to the Fenders

I wanted to make sure I wasn't replacing these after a week or two, so I scuffed up the tops where they would be glued to the fenders.

I did one with sandpaper and the other with the tip of the razor blade.

If one falls off I will know which is the better method.

Step 5: Attach Them to Your Fenders

I used JB weld, in retrospect I should have used Gorilla Glue because of the contest, but JB is great for metal.

I used adhesive instead of rivets, because I wasn't sure about the rivets poking out near my tires. If you have a lot of room then I would suggest riveting for the sheer permanency of it.

If you use adhesive make sure you wait for the adhesive to dry fully before riding.

I got so excited I went for a ride after about 30 minutes and the front one came off, but I hadn't given the epoxy a full cure time. I reattached it and we are in great shape now.


I should do some more instructables on some of my other projects. I wish I had taken more pictures of some of them. You can find most of them at my crappy blog.