D-Max D1 Spec Kouki Fender Install/ Detailed Write-Up (56k need not waste time)

[speedfiend]

I recently purchased a set of the D1 Spec 30mm fenders for my kouki from RavSpec (thanx a lot man). Since D-max Usa has been established and so many people are now carrying the products I figured I would do a write-up on my install. Not only will this document the actual install but it can be a basis for everyone to see the fitment of the D-Max products.

Overview: I previously had the ATI/B-Magic 30mm overfenders so that will be my basis for comparison. I think the the quality of the D-max fenders is much better then my B-magic fenders. The D-max fenders are a bit heavier but this is due to the extra construction used in the important areas such as the headlight brackets in the front. The D-max fenders actually have two sections of fiberglass overlapped forming the bracket where as the b-magic fenders was one small piece of fiberglass just formed to fit. As we all know this is a problem area and although still kinda weak the d-max fenders have a better chance of holding up.

I also feel that fitment was much better with the d-max fenders then the b-magic fenders. Although not perfect, I was actually able to get all the body lines even for the most part without any addition of material. These are aftermarket therefore it can never be expected to fit perfect without hours at a body shop.

Now for the pictures as well as short descriptions under each one.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/067.jpg
Here are the tools that are required for the install. I used a 3/4 drill bit to start the holes then used the file to shape the holes accordingly in order to make the lines match. Dremel and misc. attachments for shaving edges that are in the way.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/045.jpg
Here is a comparison of the d-max fenders (top) and the b-magic fenders (bottom).

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/046.jpg
Underside of both fenders (same order as above).

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/047.jpg
Close up of the difference in the headlight mounting bracket. You can tell that the D-max fender is beefier.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/050.jpg
Rear shot of both fenders. Here you can see where the D-max fenders vent and most other fenders just sit flush with the door.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/052.jpg
First problem that I ran into was with a tab at the top of the fender near the door and A-pillar. As you can see the tab in the red square prevents the fender from sitting flush by about 1/4". This tab should actually be 90* so that the oem fender bolt hole right there can be utilized.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/054.jpg
Here the tab can be seen that must be shaved down flush with the rest of the fender in order for it to sit flush.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/060.jpg
Now that the tab was out of the way I began determining where my holes needed to be. I taped the fender in place with the lines matching for the most part as seen above and marked where I need my holes. I started with the center hole on the frame rail. From there I went to the front then back to the rear. Just remember that all these holes will need to be filed out slightly to get the lines to match.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/062.jpg
The second and really last problem I ran into with the actual build of the fenders was this. The mounting tabs are actually folded up pretty bad. To remedy this I put my bolts in and slowly tightened them while heating the fiberglass lightly with a heat gun just so nothing would crack. And this worked well as I didnt crack any mounts.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/066.jpg
Driverside body line and door seam once everything was bolted in place.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/068.jpg
Both fenders mounted and ready for headlight install. Disregard the hood, I will be purchasing a d-max hood shortly.

Unfortunately I didnt take any pics of the actual holes and install of the headlights as it started to near 6hrs of work time and I just wanted to finish up. I will for worn everyone now that getting the headlights aligned properly was by far the most difficult aspect of this install for me. My only suggestion is just keep measuring and triple check before you drill your holes, otherwise you will be filing all night long. There is also tabs on the outsides of both fenders where the corner lights go. These have to be shaved down pretty much even with the fender, but be sure to leave about 1/8" or so for the corners to seat on.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/069.jpg
Here you can see the headlights and corner lights installed. Fitment was not dead on but was far better then the b-magic fenders I had.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab42/yashios14/D%20Max%20D1%20Spec%20Fender%20Install/070.jpg
And final fitment down the side.

All in all I am very satisfied with d-max product. I hope everyone can find some use out of this write up and if anyone has any questions feel free to ask. Also know that you can buy with confidence from Ravspec ( who I personally went through), C2Autospl, as well as the other vendors on the forum.
Thanx, Cameron

[Ineedparts]

nice writeup

[jbuckley]

cool cant wait to see your car finished up!

[brian m]

Nice work and attention to details.

[speedfiend]

Thanx for the positive comments guys. I just figured since d-max was relatively new in the states and so easily obtainable now, that I should post up my experience with them. Seeing as everyone always asks the same question, "How is the fitment?" Now instead of having to trust in the vendor you can see for yourself, as well as get a feel for what you are getting into when installing them.

Cameron

[DMaxUSA]

Cameron,

Thanks for the awesome write up!!! I am glad you are satisfied with our products!!!

[speedfiend]

Not a problem. I know nothing aftermarket is going to fit like oem but I would have to say that these fenders really didnt require much in order to fit. Unlike prior personal experience with other brands as well as friends experience with other brands.

BUY D-MAX WITH CONFIDENCE!!!!!!!
(And no Im not a spokes person just very satisfied with their product and would assume everyone else here would be as well)

[Ravspec]

hey, thanks for the write up :) ... give us a call if you need anything else from DMAX ! We will throw in some extra discounts for your contribution on this write up !

[tougefactory]

Good job!

Contact me for any D-max products. I'll hook it up! :)

Thanks

[speedfiend]

Thanx a lot guys and happy to help out. Hopefully soon I will be able to give you guys some more business.
Cameron

[s13 @ fullboost]

very well done Very clear write up =]

[GabeS14]

if possible later downt he line show pics of the holes drilled for the headlights, i had an issue with this when i did mine, its still sorta junky rigged, i would liek to kow how yours is in there.
thx

[speedfiend]

Ill get some pix up for ya man. To be honest that was probably the hardest part for me. On the pass. side I was able to just line the headlights up with the hood line and marked where I need the holes. On the driver side I had more trouble for some reason. I ended up having to use a a washer on the bottom nut cause I wollowed out the hole so much and on the top I actually just filed a little groove into the fender bracket.

I know that probably sounds confusing so Ill get the pix up shortly so you can see what im talking about.
Cameron

[speedfiend]

Alright as requested I went and took some pix of how I have my headlights mounted.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-6/1311544/001md.jpg
This is the pass. side. As you can see I drilled my holes a little to low the first time so I ended up drilling two more a little higher and that worked out for that side.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-6/1311544/002md.jpg
The driver side as can be seen was a different story. The first hole I drilled for the top was so close to the front of the bracket that it ended up breaking out of the hole so that is why there is new fiberglass right there. This is not at all the fault of dmax just my impatience from working for 5 hrs straight. Anyways instead of actually drilling a hole for the top I just filed a notch there for the bolt to lay in and then bolted it down lightly. For the bottom I just wollowed out the hole until I like where the light was sitting. I did end up getting the hole to big so that is why there is a washer on the bottom.

Hope this helps out and like I said just be patient with this part and make sure your headlights line up nicely with the hood and all before drilling your holes. It would actually be better to have an extra set of hands when doing this so one person can line it up and the other can make the marks. I did it by myself and it was a bit difficult.
Cameron

[808_s13]

this write up lead to my purchase of D-MAX d1 spec kouki fenders.
havent put them on yet, but soon hopefully.

hands down helpfull in every way

-makua[ace]

[speedfiend]

Thank you very much for the compliments on the write-up and I can assure you, you will be very happy with your purchase. When you get them mounted post up some pix so others can see how they look. Happy to see I have helped someone in the community.
Thanx, Cameron

[dongoesby]

thank you for making the pics alive again. This is awesome writeup!!
thank you!!

[speedfiend]

thank you for making the pics alive again. This is awesome writeup!!
thank you!!

No problem at all. Just glad I could helpout. If anyone has any questions feel free to pm me anytime and I will be more then happy to try and help out.
Cameron