OEM mud flaps on '04 Highander wore paint off!!

[shortlid]

Finaly got around to taking the stock molded flaps off my '04 HL 4WD and was VERY disapointed that not only was there a 1/4 inch of caked dirt behind them. But where the molded flap meets the body the mud OEM mud flaps rubbed the paint down the bare metal!!! Now have to touch up the truck to keep it from rusting out along the mud flap. Anyone have a tip to keep this from happening again??

[Zembonez]

That sucks... but anything that traps dirt like that can and will wear off the paint. I'd touch it up and reinstall them with a small bead of silicone on about 50% of the area that touches the body. It should keep the flap from moving against the paint and yet still allow moisture to escape if you just place the bead in the center.

[shortlid]

Thanks, also the factory flap has a air by pass that let all the road tar attach it self to the finish under the molded part of the flap. Guess just bug and tar and then clay bar is best to remove that!

What type of clear silicone can I use to make sure it does not lift the paint if I ever have to remove the mud flaps again?