fender flare install question

[99_2door]

got my fender flares back from paint. i'm going to get them on asap using the screws and 3m tape but i'm unsure what to do with the black rubber padding they came with. i assume it lines the edge that contacts the body because its grooved and theres a huge roll of it! do i really need it though? seems like it will stick out and look weird on a white truck? thanks everyone

 

[h0tr0d]

If you don't use it, the flares will eventually rub through your paint to bare metal. I had to touch up a couple spots on mine since whoever installed them in the first place didn't use it. I saw the welting on my buddies 'burban and you could barely tell it was on there.

Here's a pic of what you'll end up with over time if you don't use it...

 

[99_2door]

thanks for the info. i think i may just have to go without it because i held the flare up to the body last night with it on and the black line between the white body and white flare looked like shit.