A method of installing a mud flap onto a vehicle having a fender which has a contour, so that the mud flap is in a predetermined position. A mud flap installation kit is used. This kit has a mud flap that defines a set of at least three apertures positioned along a curve that parallels the fender contour and a set of flat clips equal in number to the apertures, each flat clip having a bolt and a leaf, defining a leaf aperture. Each flat clip bolt is threaded through a mud flap aperture and a leaf aperture. Then the mud flap is aligned so that each of the apertures is a predetermined distance from the fender, thereby placing the mud flap in the predetermined position. Finally, the flat clips are used to clamp the mud flap to the fender.