I have purchased quite a few items from Lucky 8 - plus UK side steps, etc. Installing whenever I get around to it - planning on keeping this car so I'm kind of in no hurry.

Which brings me to - the extended gloss wheel arches from Lucky8. Super straightforward install and as I have done many body kits in the past I figured this would be like a 1 hour install for all four corners. My only concern was the clips - which they provided but I ordered an addt'l 20 from Ebay just in case. So - unpacked everything, laid it out, sorted, and ready to go. Pull front passenger off - prob the easiset removal I've ever had. Prepped the paint, install the clips, put the 3M tape (as usual - the quality of 3M tapes leaves a lot to be desired these days - much of it is old and lacks the same "stick") and started the install.

And then I discovered an issue. Three days after I took delivery, I had my detailer come to the house and do a 5 yr ceramic. A REALLY good ceramic. Even with alcohol clean prep and heat gun - the tape would literally not stick. Luckily it took 7 min to reinstall the stock (TG i had extra clips).

So i'll wait a bit for the ceramic to wear down/degrade and do the install later on. But note to everyone - ceramic AFTER you are done! lol

Side steps look great - I had them installed.

GAP tool is great - did 5 or 6 mods all without issue. I have snap shades for the rear windows...but can't find one for the hatch door. I like to use them when I have the dogs in there.

Oh - and swapped out the Contis for Michelin Defender LTX MS2's in stock size. They are def a more compliant tire than the Contis, but also just feel a little different. Most likely as they are a true must and snow. While at Costco waiting for install, I saw 5 other Defenders in the 1.5 hours I was there. :/

 

How are you liking those Michelins? Any pics of them? I had the Premier LTX on my 22” wheels for a while, they rode better and were quieter than the continentals, got better mileage too, however I ended up finding a set of new take offs with factory continentals that I swapped back to, solely for looks. The continentals aren’t great in heavy FL rain, but the Michelins didn’t feel better in that area, hard for any all season tire really. I had the same factory size tires, but the Michelins were narrower and kind of curved in as you looked closer to the tread from the rim. The continentals are blockier and I missed that look. Wondering if Michelin changed the overall width at all when they changed to the defender ltx from premier ltx, mine were produced in 2022. Next set will be different all together, either more off road or back to 20” 5098.

 

The differences in the overall size specs of the tires are minimal - but the Conti does seem more square. When you look at the tread depth tho, Michelin wins. Here are some pics of the new and old next to each other.

Interesting differences between the two. M is .06 taller but does not seem it, and 4lbs heavier per tire.