Technical Flush Mount vs. Flared

Can someone please explain to me the difference between flush mount and flared mount fender skirts? I thought I understood the difference, but after reading a couple of threads on how to mount them, I'm confused.

Thanks in advance

 

Think flared refers to the lip on the bottom of the skirt. Flush mount are the skirts that fit in the wheel opening, not clamped on the fender/quarter over the existing wheel opening. Flush mount can be flared on the bottom.

 

So the only real difference is that 'flared' have a lip at the bottom that flares out beyond the wheel well opening, correct? So those skirts that have a ridge or a bump at the base extending out further than the 'flush' of the opening are considered flared?

 

You are comparing apples with oranges. Fender skirts can be both flared and flush at the same time. The ones that are not flush overlap the wheel opening . Flush means that it does not overlap. Sort of like a Model A sedan door for 1930-31. It is flush at the front edge and overlaps at the rear edge.

 

Thanks. That pretty much explains it.

 

These three shots should show the difference between a flush mount skirt on a 51 Merc built by Paul Harper and the stock skirts on a stock 51 that lay on top of the side of the fender.
On MsMerc I think Paul said he cut the fender out and recessed the metal that is normally behind the skirt to flush mount it. It just makes the car that much smoother down the side.
Sorry about the dark photos as I took those two on an overcast day at Vantage at the East/West flathead run a few years ago and snagged the photo of the red stock one off the net.

 

Thank you, Mr48, that does help immensely. I kind of figured that was the case. I think what confused me was reading a thread regarding cutting some skirts to fit "flush with a flare" on another thread here. I wasn't sure how they could be both.

One other question if you don't mind. is there a way to tell from the hardware or backside if a skirt is flush or not?

I'm sorry if these are dumb questions, we've been in the business for about 20 years, but I limited myself in knowledge when it comes to fender skirts. Rarely came across anything other than ones that were marked and generally 1948-54 Chevy & Pontiac. I never really applied myself to learning more about them.

We bought out Big Jim's fender skirts last fall and now I have over 3,000 pairs. So I suppose it's time to get to know them a little better.

I appreciate your patience.

Karen