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Rusted Toyota Camry Gets License Plate Fender Flares
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 8:53 GMT by Carscoops- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A Rust‑Covered Camry Gets a License‑Plate Flair: A Deep Dive into Carscoops’ 2020 Feature
When you think of a “fender flare” you might picture a sleek, aftermarket body kit piece that slides onto a vehicle’s wheel well to give it a more aggressive stance. Carscoops, however, takes a more unconventional route in its September 2020 story, “This Rusted Toyota Camry Has Fender Flares Made From License Plates.” What follows is not just an eye‑catching photograph, but a fascinating case study in creative upcycling, a testament to the resilience of the average commuter, and a reminder that the automotive community can be as inventive as it is resource‑conscious.
The Vehicle: A “Living” History of Rust and Road‑Wear
The focal point of the article is a 2007 Toyota Camry XLE, a car that has spent more than a decade on the road—at least—before the article’s author stumbled upon it in a neglected lot in Bakersfield, California. The Camry is a textbook example of “old‑car‑romance” for enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile feel of rust. Its silver‑gray body is a collage of patches, each with a distinct story: a dent near the front bumper from an awkward merge, a rust hole in the rear quarter panel that had been left untouched for years, and, perhaps most dramatically, the now‑renamed “fender flares” that sit proudly on either side of the wheel wells.
Carscoops’ coverage is not a one‑liner photo‑blog; it dives into the vehicle’s history. The owner—an auto‑restoration hobbyist known online as “DIYJax”—had a modest budget but an expansive vision. Jax had bought the Camry from a salvage yard for $300 and, after a week of scouring for a spare part, realized that the car’s most glaring aesthetic flaw—the exposed wheel wells—could be turned into a statement piece.
The Unorthodox Fender Flares: From License Plate to Leather‑Trim
What makes the story compelling is the resourceful origin of the fender flares: they are fashioned from discarded state license plates. The process is a three‑step “craft‑and‑weld” routine that Carscoops showcases in a set of step‑by‑step photos:
Sourcing and Cutting – Jax collects old license plates from the yard’s metal salvage bin. Each plate, stamped with a faded state logo, is cut into long strips that match the profile of the Camry’s wheel well. The author explains that the metal’s mild steel composition offers the right balance of malleability and durability for this application.
Welding and Shaping – Using a portable MIG welder, the strips are attached to the exterior of the car, with a particular focus on the “bump” area that protrudes just enough to catch the eye but not so much that it impedes the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The welding points are masked and sanded to smooth the seams, ensuring they do not rust prematurely.
Finishing Touches – The plates are painted in a deep matte gray that matches the rest of the Camry’s body. Jax adds a layer of clear coat to protect the finish and gives the flares a subtle sheen. A final photo in the article captures the fender flares at sunset, the plates reflecting a faint light—almost like a signature of the car’s past.
The article also touches on why license plates are an ideal material. The mild steel used for plates is inexpensive, readily available, and, thanks to its mild nature, is forgiving when it comes to welding and shaping. In a broader sense, the use of license plates underscores a growing trend of upcycling automotive parts that would otherwise end up in landfills.
The Aesthetic and Functional Upside
Beyond the novelty, the fender flares serve a functional purpose. “The Camry is a mid‑size sedan, and the wheel wells are relatively shallow,” Jax tells Carscoops. “By adding flares, I increased the side profile, giving the car a bit more presence on the road.” The article points out that the flares also help to protect the wheel wells from further rust, a benefit that is often overlooked when people choose “styling” modifications.
Moreover, Carscoops comments on the aesthetic payoff. The fender flares make the Camry stand out in a sea of bland 2000s sedans, providing a “storybook” element that draws attention. For enthusiasts who frequent car meets, the Camry’s unique look earned a standing ovation from a local gathering, as documented in the article’s comment section.
Broader Context: Creativity in the Restored‑Car Community
The story sits within a larger narrative that Carscoops has been building around automotive creativity. Earlier in 2020, the site featured “Rusty Subaru with Hand‑Brazed Wheels” and “DIY Ford F-150 with Solar Panel Roof,” both of which highlighted the ingenuity of hobbyists. The license‑plate flares are a continuation of this trend, showing that you don’t need a full garage or a thousand dollars to add personality to a vehicle.
The article’s writer, James, is quoted as saying, “You can’t ignore how the DIY community is redefining what it means to be a car owner. These modifications aren’t just about looks; they’re about telling a story.” Carscoops provides context by linking to the “DIY Auto Restoration” subreddit and the “Home Garage DIY” YouTube channel, where similar projects have gained traction.
The Story’s Endgame
The Camry’s owner, Jax, has a clear goal: to sell the vehicle for a modest profit, or perhaps to keep it as a statement piece in his backyard. According to the article, the next step is a full body work to address the remaining rust and paint. Jax hopes to finish the project in the spring and is already scouting for a new “up‑cycle” material for the rear bumper.
Carscoops ends the feature with a call to action: “If you have a rusted car and a knack for repurposing, we’d love to see your projects.” Readers can submit their own before‑and‑after photos via the site’s comment section, and the author promises a follow‑up feature on the most creative entries.
Takeaway
Carscoops’ September 2020 article about a rusted Toyota Camry with license‑plate fender flares does more than showcase an eye‑catching modification. It offers a lens into a subculture that values sustainability, creativity, and a touch of irony. By turning discarded state plates into a functional, aesthetic upgrade, the owner and the author highlight how a vehicle can be reborn, not just mechanically but also stylistically. For anyone who has ever stared at a rusted sedan and imagined a different destiny, this feature provides both inspiration and a blueprint: start small, think outside the box, and let your creativity turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Read the Full Carscoops Article at:
[ https://www.carscoops.com/2020/09/this-rusted-toyota-camry-has-fender-flares-made-from-license-plates/ ]
