Fender trimming

89XJBEAST · 01-25-2009, 02:10 PM

What is the best way to trim fenders so that it actually looks neat?

**xjfever** · 01-25-2009, 02:23 PM

With a jigsaw, qnd a 24 tooth per inch metal cutting blade. just cut off the flat part where the bolt holes are in the front. and cut and fold the rear to match. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/write-up-cutting-folding-rear-fenders-632436/

Bobandbeans · 01-25-2009, 02:24 PM

i used an angle grinder.. turned out good. just take your time.

89XJBEAST · 01-25-2009, 02:44 PM

I saw a lot of the info on the rear fenders what about the fronts should i attempt to cut and fold or just trim them higher?

**xjfever** · 01-25-2009, 07:41 PM

You can just cut the fronts off. I would do the rear first then cut the front to match, but you can cut the front higher. There is a lip inside the fenderwell on the front, that you will see when you remove the inner fenders. If you are gonna stuff your tires any you should cut and fold this lip.

Bowhunter46563 · 01-26-2009, 06:53 PM

4" Angle and a Dremel, works pretty well.

**bmyohn** · 01-26-2009, 07:43 PM

3" air tool grinder. made quick work of it. trim both front fenders, and cut and folded the rear in less than an hour

4pointOH1998 · 01-26-2009, 08:14 PM

I will be doing mine with a Dremel. I'm planning on setting aside an entire day for it as I plan on making it look as clean as possible.

Pretty much any tool will work as long as you have patience and a steady hand.

**xjfever** · 01-26-2009, 08:17 PM

Just don't use a sawzall, it will bend the fender up as it hangs in the metal. Don't ask me how I know.

4pointOH1998 · 01-26-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xjfever

Just don't use a sawzall, it will bend the fender up as it hangs in the metal. Don't ask me how I know.

What must have seemed like a good idea spiraled wildly out of control.

**xjfever** · 01-26-2009, 09:16 PM

Yeah, once you remove the inner liner and top brace those front fenders are pretty flimsy. The sawzall will catch the metal, and rip it back and forth before you can get it off. It leaves little split places and nice wrinkles along your new fender edge.

lordChase · 01-26-2009, 09:32 PM

yes this is true my i used a frickin sawzall and have regreted it ever since, my fender was in bad shape before but you can see it got all bent out of shape when cutting it.

I'll clean it up someday.?

dcorn · 01-26-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4pointOH1998

I will be doing mine with a Dremel. I'm planning on setting aside an entire day for it as I plan on making it look as clean as possible.

Pretty much any tool will work as long as you have patience and a steady hand.

Let me save you a lot of trouble by telling you not to use a dremel. I tried that and got through about 1/3 of one fender after going through a full 5 pack of the reinforced cutting wheels.

I promptly went out and bought a 4.5" angle grinder and easily took care of the rest of the job. Got a flap sander wheel also and it smoothed everything out very nicely. The cutting wheel on the grinder went right through the metal while it took me 2 passes with the dremel to get through and disintegrated the cutting discs.

I clearanced my front fenders more in the front and back because of the 4" BS wheels made my tires come really close to the metal when turning.

**sean883** · 01-27-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcorn

Let me save you a lot of trouble by telling you not to use a dremel. I tried that and got through about 1/3 of one fender after going through a full 5 pack of the reinforced cutting wheels.

I think the dremel is the best tool for the job. I used 7 or 8 of the reinforced cutting wheels and had both front fenders trimmed neatly in a little over an hour.

rc76 · 01-27-2009, 08:51 AM

Never done a fender trim myself... but with this write up (and now responses) I am not so afraid to approach the job when the time comes. Thanks!