Rolling fenders on 911

[LankIXXI]

How to roll fenders? Rent a rolling device?

[NYNick]

The 'search' function is your friend.
But everyone is using this…I did too.
Be careful and go slow.
RollYourFender.Com - Instructions - Fast, Easy, & Affordable Professional Fender Lip Roller Rental

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by LankIXXI

How to roll fenders? Rent a rolling device?

If it's to fit 275/45 and 245/45 Hoosier R6's under there at the track so you can be that yuppie in his new M3, than you just use the jack handle from your roll-away jack. Stick it between the tire and fender at the back, lean on it heavily, and have your other Porsche buddies push the car forward until it rolls through. Repeat. Ignore the cracked paint at the edge. The concours judges will understand when you tell them you beat the Yuppie in the BMW.

[kach22i]

After reading how rolling may create a pocket for dirt to collect, hold moisture and then cause rust, I elected to angle grind off my inner lip.

Then apply rust proofing primer & paint.

The taper is very gradual, and there is a tiniest of a lip still on there for strength.

[kidrock]

Whether you use a lip roller, a jack handle or a baseball bat, you will run the risk of cracking your paint a bit.

You can greatly minimize this risk by gently applying heat to the area you are working on. Do not attempt to fold more than 3-4 inches at a time. A shrink tube heating gun works well.

[wildthing]

I went to a shop recommended in another forum (for Bimmers) and he wouldn't touch it. I guess I will have to buy a heat gun.

[kidrock]

It's really easier than one might think. Do a search on YouTube, there's a bunch of good videos on this subject.

I'm very satisfied with my DIY, and it was fast and simple.

[HRHski]

Like someone said previously it's easier than you think. I used an axe handle, and turned the tire to the angles that gave me the right leverage. And you do roll the handle don't just pull straight up, it's all about turning the round instrument and it goes easy. Slow as you go and only one 1/4 inch at a time. I have 16 diameter, 8 inch Fuchs on the front, with a 205/55 on the front, after I rolled it no impact. With a little more negative camber and new Bilsteins, Carrera sway bars, I think I can run 215/50s on my SC.

[Tsunamiboy]

It's a great way to discover any body filler on the fender! Ask me how I know

[wildthing]

My question is: do I really need a heat gun? I was able to roll it in a bit with a tire iron after it was pulled out by a wayward cone... now it is more or less at a 90 degree angle with the fender edge. I understand the heat is to soften the paint...

[Craig_D]

I used a 2 inch PVC pipe, and had the car slightly jacked up so I could fit it under the lip. My paint cracked but I don't intend to win any concourse, and, what Craig T said!

[SiberianDVM]

If you are anywhere near Augusta, GA, you are welcome to borrow my modified to fit Porsches Eastwood fender roller. The paint will crack.

[theclaw]

If your are careful, go slow, warm it with a heat gun and go slow. Remember... go slow. You can DIY. I think even the most careful DIY'r will speed up a little and crack the paint in a spot or two. Did I say go slow?

I used a borrowed Eastwood tool with the Porsche adapter and it worked fine.

jeff

[Len 911]

I did mine with a PVC pipe 2".I was very afaid to tackel this also but it is not hard at all. Just do a NO PAINT CRACKING DANCE before you start. The only paint that came off under the fender lip that had the rough under coating on it. I just taped the fender off and spraid some paint on it.
I also did not roll the fender tight I left room to be able to clean out the roll. Take your time and good luck.

[kidrock]

Heat guns at Harbor Freight run from $12.99 to $39.00, cheap and a worthwhile investment.

I suffered no cracking. The trick is to hold the gun at a distance of 4-6 inches, wave back and forth over the area about to be worked, until the metal/paint is hot enough to make you pull your finger back from the touch.

Do this over a 3"-4" area. When warm enough, quickly but gently roll the same 3-4 inch area. I used a 'C' clamp to hold the gun over the area I was working, to keep a steady flow of warm air.

[Josh D]

I've never rolled a fender lip before, but I've always wondered if a baking rolling pin would be a good tool to use. It's wood, about the right diameter, has handles on both ends, etc. Anyone try one of these?

[gtc]

Originally Posted by Len 911

Just do a NO PAINT CRACKING DANCE before you start.

+1, works as advertised.

[theclaw]

Originally Posted by Josh D

I've never rolled a fender lip before, but I've always wondered if a baking rolling pin would be a good tool to use. It's wood, about the right diameter, has handles on both ends, etc. Anyone try one of these?

Worked when my mom chased my dad out of the house!

[Allan Kelsey]

I just did this on my 85 Carrera.

I needed a few extra mm's to clear the rear wheels.
On this pic you can see the slight rub on the outer wall of the tire.
My Dad is one of the best hand fabricators I know and had done some seriously impressive work through the years. He lives in South Africa, so I called and asked him his thoughts.

He said: "Put the car in sun to warm up, jack the car up a little to get appropriate clearance between tire and fender. insert Coke bottle and roll from left to right. If you need a little more clearance, lower the car a little more and roll again. 4-6 passes per wheel should get you the curl you need. Go slow, with consistent angle and pressure.



It worked like a charm.

It did crack the paint on the actual lip I was rolling a little, but Im in the prep stages for a repaint anyway and was not too concerned about the paint cracking along that lip. I dont think there is a way to do this and not affect the paint.
If I was not going to repaint the vehicle, I would rough up the lip area, mask the outside and spray it with some 3M/Norton under fender sound deadener/insulator.

[grizzfan]

Good information on the process for DIYers here.

I have a great body shop here who is "willing to give it a try", which doesn't fill me with confidence!

And I have the information from our Pelican brother who rents out these rolling kits as a service.

Winter is fast coming on here in Montana and I'm about to winterize my car. Should I wait until Spring?

Also do you recommend rolling both front and rear for appearance or only the one that needs it.

Thanks,

Tom