Wrestled with taking the spats off, but ended up putting them back on. Looks a little odd up close from the side, but I prefer keeping the protection from the spats. Have to look for it to see it. Only did the rears, have the molded OEM "flaps" on the front. May or may not switch those in the spring. Had to drill a different top hole to align them the way I wanted. They naturally wanted to cant inward at the bottom. I'm impressed by how sturdy they feel.