I just got the delivery from Trussville. The instructions from Mazda state: "Cut off the two indicated parts on Shield Splash with nipper. (See picture 2)". However, it doesn't show exactly what it supposed to be cut. Has anyone else installed these that can give me some pointers/pictures?

FYI: Get your touch-up paint from them while you can. Mazda is out for at least a month...

wheres pic 2

I think I only had to pull apart the small preferated tabs on the plastic inner fender liner where the screws mount up the fasteners you use to install the guards.

There is no major cutting like it is for the front guards.

the front guards require cutting?

On the front installation you have to cut a 2 inch piece off the rubber moulding on the bottom of the car under the front fender so the mud guard will fit flush. This molding runs from the front to the back wheel.

Here's the pic

I figured it out...
In this pic, you'll see an opening that looks like a horseshoe...

After you cut it out, it looks like...

And you end up with...

And finally...

sweet pics
I love that blue

Thanks. I just hope it helps someone...

The blue seems to catch everyone's eye. Even at the cruisin' nights, people seem to be attracted to the blue over the other colors.

SPDSPAPPY, I can not tell - did you have to take the rear wheels off to put on the splash guard? (in order to get to the screws)

Thanks in advance, Mike

Nope, you do not need to remove the rear wheels to install them.

Thanks for the info, I am getting them for my Velocity Red next pay day.

Planning on getting the front splash guards too. They require cutting as posted? Will my Dremmel be the choice of tools to cut with?

I've gotten pretty good at cutting with it such as mods to PC cases and other custom projects around the house. But on my RX-8, I'd hate to do anyhthing that would jeopardize it's appearance.

I think there is another thread on how to do the fronts... I don't have them, but I'm 99% positive you'll need to do some cutting (probably w/ snips & not a Dremmel).

bringing back the photos

thanks spdspappy for the nice illustrations! i have two questions: before installing the splash guards is it necessary to clean the area on the bumper where the splash guard will cover? did you just wipe it down or what? and once it's installed, is it possible for dirt/water to find its way inside that crevice between the splash guard and bumper, or is it a real tight snug fit? i'm probably just being paranoid and over cautious, but just wanted to ask before i install them tonight.

I made sure the area was clean, but didn't do anything special (wax remover, etc.) to the area. As far as dirt getting in there now... I haven't noticed any (not to say that there isn't any, but I don't drive my car much - 4.5k in about 27 months). Good luck!!!!

i don't really get any dirt in there. it's a pretty snug fit if you do it right.

i cleaned the area with meg's quick detailer (probably not the best idea, but it seemed to get clean). for the front mudflaps, i clayed the area.

i would suggest claying the area (w/ a claybar).

just installed them last night. i just ended up wiping the area with isopropyl alcohol as instructed. you're right, they are a snug fit. but i wonder why the rear splash guards don't have adhesives like the front ones do... hmm.

Thanks a lot to everyone on this thread! I've been wanting to get the rear splash guards but did not want to pay Mazda $100 to put on a $50 part. I just finished installing them and they look real good--low profile. Can't hardly notice them. In contrast to the rear Aero Flares which do not align with the curves of the rear quarter panel--the tops of the aero flares should be about 2" higher to blend in with the creases of the rear quarter panel. Anyways, thanks for the info. Without this post, I'd be stuck in my garage for days trying to figure out what a "nipper" even was/is?!

Does anyone know how to install the side aero flares? I think they'd look better with the splash guards, vs. the rear aero flares. Not to mention that the splash guards are about $110 cheaper!

i guess im the only one who had problems with the rear mud gaurds

story: when i was unbolting the bottom bolt the plastic retainer inside holding the nut came undone so i had cut out the screw and bolt. then j-b weld the nut back in the retainer to install the mud gaurd.

thank you J-B Weld