Trying to do some preventive stuff to my new to me 2001 Dakota sport.There is really no rust showing. A few paint chips on bottom of the doors that have some rust. Looks like maybe a little on the bottom inside of the passenger door. I plan to touch up with some of the rust inhibitive paint. Maybe do some fluid film underneath. Now the fender flares. Should I take them off and inspect under them. No rust showing now.How are the flares reinstalled? Is it a double stick tape that keeps them on around the fender?

 

Yes. And either that or rivets/ screws. You will have to look closely and see how they are attached.

 

Yes, definitely remove the flares. I've bought 2 Dakotas that looked fine at first. But they are notorious for rotting under the flares. Had three of my flares fall off on the road one day. The upper outward facing edge of the flares is attached with double sided adhesive tape you can get from any Auto parts store. The under side of the flares inside the wheel wells are usually attached with rivets or push pins.