Wheel arch / mudflaps question

[kvc]

In my experience, many of the OEM parts used to 'clip' things together are under-engineered for the job. I have replaced these with 'better' fittings in the past on a number of vehicles. The grommet (female) and pin (male) that holds the front mud flap to the side step for example, are both plastic (one pushes into the other) and have failed on both sides of my X. I've yet to deal with this, but will come up with a better solution than the OEM set-up for sure. All the others you have identified can be cured easily by going to see a motor-trimmer and ask for advice. They are specialists in getting things to piece together and often have parts that are better suited than the originals. My two-bobs worth...