anyone have info on cutting fenders on an suv????

[sniderexciderr]

When I lived in VT, vehicles had to pass a yearly safety inspection. I had a FWD VW Rabbit pickup truck that I had built out as a micro camper with an elevated bed in back and a flush mount shell with rear window removed for crawl through (this was possible due to cab/bed unibody construction). I had used extra heavy chains on the front tires and centrifugal force had thrown them outward enough to rip the edges of the fenders into shrapnel. Approximately every 2 inches there was a ragged tear in the sheet metal extending upwards about 2 inches.

The inspectors told me I would have to replace the fenders and return for re-inspection. I went very slowly with a hacksaw and cut a new edge just above the highest tear in each fender, filed, sanded, painted with touch-up paint, went for the re-inspection, and passed. You couldn't tell the job had been done unless you looked at it up close and very carefully with an idea of what you were looking for. The inspector had no clue there ever had been more fender there.

This was single wall construction so I did not have the issue of sealing a seam.

the more i research fender cutting the more promising it sounds, and i'm starting to feel better and better about it.

[TreeTopFlyer]

How big of tires are you wanting to put under it? The rear fenders can take a good amount before needing surgery. The fronts can take around a 33 with just some v-codes. 35s I think with a 3inch lift. The glass fenders are only $400. But I like doing stuff on the cheap too Hence my slider and bumper project.

[sniderexciderr]

well i have a set of 37s on hand, and i was thinking about putting 33s on it for now but since the ultimate goal is 37s then i figured it would be cheaper in the long run to use them and get new ring and pinnion sets with the cash i wouldn't be spending on the 33s. i under stand i'll have rub when i turn and under flex but if i go with the 37s then i can just work on the suspension as i need to. more lift if i need etc...

[rusty_tlc]

I used contrasting color tape to get an idea of what mine would look like


Then with an angle grinder equipped with a cutting wheel I slowly scored the metal several times along the cut line. Eventually the scrap just fell away. A little work with a file and some sand paper rounded the edges over.

[sniderexciderr]

well i have a set of 37s on hand, and i was thinking about putting 33s on it for now but since the ultimate goal is 37s then i figured it would be cheaper in the long run to use them and get new ring and pinnion sets with the cash i wouldn't be spending on the 33s. i under stand i'll have rub when i turn and under flex but if i go with the 37s then i can just work on the suspension as i need to. more lift if i need etc...

with that being said has anyone experimented with a tire that size on a expedition or f150 with 2"-3" of lift before?

[TreeTopFlyer]

I'm an idiot, my wife will confirm. I quickly read the expedition and in my mind read excursion. Sorry.

Is the front fender of the expedition the same as the F-150? Glassworks makes flares for those trucks as well http://www.glassworksunlimited.com/fseandfubr.html

Course, after shipping, painted etc cutting the fenders is probably the way to go to stay on the cheap.

with that being said has anyone experimented with a tire that size on a expedition or f150 with 2"-3" of lift before?