Jeeptubes DIY Tube Fender Install

pwcracer · 07-19-2010, 09:39 AM

I have been looking at tube fenders for awhile now, and saw jeeptubes.com was selling a DIY tube fender kit for $80, so I figured I'd give it a try.

For $80, you get some pre-bent tubes and it's up to you to fabricate the rest..

I did some research on the internet and got a basic idea of what I needed to cut off the existing fenders. I started by removing the OEM plastic fender flares and then removed the bolts attaching the fender.

I set the top tube on the fender and traced an approx outline, so I knew about where to cut off the top of the fender.

I started trimming the sheet metal from the fender.

With the sheet metal out of the way, I had to start thinking about how to attach the top tube to the jeep. For the rear I decided on some angle iron I had laying around.

I measured the mounting holes and drilled out 4 on each.

On the jeep

A test fitting of the upper tube, looks like I will have to do a little grinding on the tube to keep things flush..

With that in place, I started creating the fron upper mount. I had some thin metal laying around the garage, but wanted something stronger.. I decided to cut 2 rectangle pieces out of some square tube I had laying around.

I am leaving a little bit of the 90 degree edge on the metal for strength. To create the curve I added some cuts to the side of the metal so i could bend it easier. I plan to weld this up later.

RubiOR · 07-19-2010, 08:21 PM

I'm looking forward to seeing this come together. Some kind of flat fender is in my future to open things up for 35's without adding any more lift than what I currently have. Are you going to open the back side of the fender well to avoid rubbing at full turn-n-stuff?

bbradUSMC · 07-19-2010, 10:43 PM

Crawled

**DaFuzz** · 07-19-2010, 10:46 PM

And now, tonight's feature presentation......

leaf777 · 07-20-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbradusmc

crawled

x2

**Sundowner** · 07-20-2010, 07:57 AM

Sweet! Make with more pics!

pwcracer · 07-20-2010, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubiOR

I'm looking forward to seeing this come together. Some kind of flat fender is in my future to open things up for 35's without adding any more lift than what I currently have. Are you going to open the back side of the fender well to avoid rubbing at full turn-n-stuff?

I was looking at doing that, I would have to cut away part of the battery tray to gain more room.

I didn't get much done last night due to son's baseball game.. i decided to remove the lip I left earlier on the front mount (It just didn't look right) I then measured and drilled the 3 holes and attached it to the Jeep.

With the 2 mounts in place, tonight I should be able to tack the upper tube in place.

Looks like I will have to shorten the top tube just a bit.

pwcracer · 07-21-2010, 12:56 PM

I was able to make the drivers side upper mount last night..

Then I leveled and tacked in the back.

and the front

Did the same for the drivers side.

Now I am ready trim part of the battery tray to try and gain some extra clearance for the new wheel opening. I plan on attacking that tonight.

I am also planning on trimming the top part of the fenders more and replacing it with new sheet metal.

**Sundowner** · 07-21-2010, 01:12 PM

Very cool.

EricRollerSkate · 07-21-2010, 07:53 PM

Looks great! How do you plan on doing the notches? You should practice with with some scrap first until you get the hang of it. Unless you've done it before. Good luck.

**DaFuzz** · 07-21-2010, 09:45 PM

Those fender cuts look pretty rough, how are you gonna fix that? And it could be just the pic but the passenger side looks like you cut off too much of the fender and left a gap between the fender and the tube.

ajamison · 07-22-2010, 09:03 AM

looks pretty sweet!

**Sundowner** · 07-22-2010, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwcracer

I am also planning on trimming the top part of the fenders more and replacing it with new sheet metal.

I think that he's already planning on fixing the over-trimmed metal.

pwcracer · 07-22-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundowner

I think that he's already planning on fixing the over-trimmed metal.

Yep, I am going to cut off a lot more and just use new sheet metal for the top of the fenders. From other tube fender installs, they are pretty aggressive with trimming the top of the fenders. Having that extra is helping me line things up.

I also ended up cutting away part of the lower battery box for added clearance. I then reinforced the battery box and reattached the battery tray.
(I will try to get some pics of that if any one is interested. I did the same for the drivers side.

Last night I got the second tube welded in on each side. (It did take a bit to get it notched correctly)

I then removed them from the Jeep and finished all the welds.

I hope tonight to get some of the new sheet metal in place.

sanchagrins · 07-22-2010, 10:12 AM

looking good! can't wait to see the finished product