possible snag after rolling fenders

[Canada Kev]

I recently had to roll my front fenders after installing larger tires (225/45-17). What I am concerned about is that the joint where the fender meets the metal panel to the rear of the accordion doesn't allow the lip to be folded very much at all. It actually sticks out a bit like a point. I can see that if my tire comes in contact while it's spinning, it would cause some damage.

What would people suggest? Grind or dremel it off? Beat it back with a hammer. Leave it alone, the tire will never come close?

[Canada Kev]

Perhaps a pic or two to illustrate what I am talking about are in order...

[tevake]

I think you are very unlikely to have any contact at that part of the wheel well. The problem area is 10 o clock to 2 o clock.
How did you go about doing the rolling?
Cheers Richard

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by tevake

I think you are very unlikely to have any contact at that part of the wheel well. The problem area is 10 o clock to 2 o clock.
How did you go about doing the rolling?
Cheers Richard

Au contrare, that joint can be a major issue. There was a factory TSB issued about it, cut it at ~ 45* angle

[skinnerd]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

Au contrare, that joint can be a major issue. There was a factory TSB issued about it, cut it at ~ 45* angle

I absolutely agree with Bill.
That is the exact place that I had the most clearance issues when stuffing bigger wheels/tires up front.
I did a 45 deg cut with a hacksaw.
Certainly there are more elegant ways to clearance that area....dremel, grinding wheel, etc.

[stlrj]

I'm still having problems there too. Looks like I'll be dusting off my hack saw.

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by tevake

I think you are very unlikely to have any contact at that part of the wheel well. The problem area is 10 o clock to 2 o clock.
How did you go about doing the rolling?
Cheers Richard

I went out and bought a small wooden baseball bat used for kid's T-ball. It's a bit smaller in diameter than a regular adult bat, plus it was super cheap. This is a consideration as I knew it would get all chewed up from the fender. It also fit well, as my car is fairly low.

Anyway, I just rolled the bat in from the rear of the fender opening and around to the front. Gradually apply pressure downwards on the bat, levering it over the tire and pushing up the fender lip. Back and forth a few times and that's it, bending a little more each time. No swearing or anything was even required. It was all done in a few minutes. However, I did not heat up the paint. It's original, and three out of the four voices in my head said it would be OK and not chip without. And they were right!

[tevake]

Thanks Bill, for the correction. You and others here are the stregnth of this forum.
I have yet to solve the 10 to 2 part of the problem, so as of yet to notice any issue at the joint. But now will know how to deal with it.
Thanks Richard