Fender Cutting -- How much should I cut?

[mavrick]

I am going to cut my rear fenders instead of rolling. I have read a ton of posts regarding this issue, but have heard contradicting information.

How much should I cut (1/2")? I have read that you don't want to cut past the spot welds and others state to just cut them off completely.

I will be running: Ruff Racing Wheels: model -278 (19" x 8.5" Front 19" x 9.5" Rear w/ 235-35-19 Front & 265-30-19 Rear)

[Mikey340]

Until it doesn't rub or off completely like me.
Mike

[u-got-gto]

I'm running 19x9.5 Ruff Racing 279's with 265/30/19s also... I had a very slight rub when I first installed mine... I cut my fender well from about the 10 o'clock position to the 2 o'clock position.... I cut mine right through the weld, but did not cut the entire welds out.. I tapered the cut from both the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions... The most I cut out at any one weld was about 1/4 to 1/2 of the weld itself... After I made the cut, I used a Dremel grinder to smooth out the edges, then used touch-up paint on the cut edge to prevent any corrosion... This worked for me, but every car is different... The rub issue has a lot to do with how your rear tires are currently adjusted, the quality of your rear springs and even the brand of tire you install... I also, recently, lowered my ride 3/8" in the front and 1/2" in the rear (Pedders) and have encountered no rub issues... In the front I'm running 19x8.5 with 245/35/19s... I never had any rub issues with that combination...

[BlackPearl]

I'm running 19x9.5 Ruff Racing 279's with 265/30/19s also... I had a very slight rub when I first installed mine... I cut my fender well from about the 10 o'clock position to the 2 o'clock position.... I cut mine right through the weld, but did not cut the entire welds out.. I tapered the cut from both the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions... The most I cut out at any one weld was about 1/4 to 1/2 of the weld itself... After I made the cut, I used a Dremel grinder to smooth out the edges, then used touch-up paint on the cut edge to prevent any corrosion... This worked for me, but every car is different... The rub issue has a lot to do with how your rear tires are currently adjusted, the quality of your rear springs and even the brand of tire you install... I also, recently, lowered my ride 3/8" in the front and 1/2" in the rear (Pedders) and have encountered no rub issues... In the front I'm running 19x8.5 with 245/35/19s... I never had any rub issues with that combination...

You want to come to Tally fo a weekdend and do my fenders?? :)

[batboy]

What are folks using to make the cut? I have a high speed angle grinder that I was thinking of using. That way I can grind a little at a time and check tire/wheel fitment.

[Jim346]

Most use an angle grinder, some have done it with a jigsaw.

[Brent168]

i used a dye grinder with a composite type fabric wheel worked very well and didnt heat up that bad sell them at lowes or home depot for like 8 bucks but you might wanna buy 2 also i cut mine down almost all the way

[Jim346]

Until it doesn't rub or off completely like me.
Mike

Where's that dude that always posts how the fender is going to break off and the car will fold in half?

Mine are gone too...been a long time and no problems.

[z28coprice]

I cringe everytime i hear 'cutting fenders'.. but that's probably because i'd be afraid of doing it and it looking like azz.

[GT-OH]

Does anyone have pics of the finished product?

[mavrick]

Regarding how I plan on cutting: I have an die grinder with a cut-off wheel. I have used it before on thicker metal than this fender and it cuts straight and clean.

Regarding how much to cut, I figure to be safe I shouldn't cut past the spot welds which is about 1/2".

[Mikey340]

I cringe everytime i hear 'cutting fenders'.. but that's probably because i'd be afraid of doing it and it looking like azz.

Have no fear!
I thought about it for well over 4months before actually taking the angle grinder to my 1 of 76.
But wanting bigger wheels and tires and no rubbing won out.
Mike

[Mikey340]

Where's that dude that always posts how the fender is going to break off and the car will fold in half?

Mine are gone too...been a long time and no problems.

I'm sure he'll show up:wall:
Mike

[slammin86]

You are crazy. If you ever try to jack up the rear of your car it WILL bend in half without those lips.

OMG

[Jim346]

Maybe if you jack it up by the lips.

[BlackPearl]

You are crazy. If you ever try to jack up the rear of your car it WILL bend in half without those lips.

OMG

Maybe if you jack it up by the lips.

I think he was being sarcastic.

[housewolf]

Here's (http://63.90.120.229/forums/showthread.php?t=1192 39&highlight=grinder) a "how to".

[Jim346]

I think he was being sarcastic.

Are you sure?

[nygoat3]

I recently had a guy from Queens cut my fenders(who i located on this site)-it came out great-tapered and resprayed-On the rear i do have 285-35-18s and once in awhile in a high speed dip it will rub-next move after i smoke these is stiffer springs and downsize to 275s-toyo proxes. Then when all said and done my friend who roadraces his 69 camaro said he rolled his versus cutting because it takes away from some of the strength-so who knows if i made the right choice

[BRAZEN06GTO]

We when from about 9 o'clock to 2 o'clock with an angle grinder on mine, going down to the weld points with no problems.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j244/BRAZEN06GTO/ Sony%20Camera%20DCS-S650/SonyCameraDSC-S650073.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j244/BRAZEN06GTO/ Sony%20Camera%20DCS-S650/SonyCameraDSC-S650077.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j244/BRAZEN06GTO/ Sony%20Camera%20DCS-S650/SonyCameraDSC-S650071.jpg

Of course, repriming, painting & sealing afterwards.

[heath]

its really not bad,i used a grinder with a new disc.just take your time.i also taped off the fender area too.ive seen goats that have rolled thier fenders,and all of them have bent up sheet metal.there is a layer of adhesive between the 2 layers of sheet metal,as long as you paint the lips after grinding to keep rust out it will be fine