trimming VS rolling fender lips
04-25-2006, 03:23 AM
#1
trimming VS rolling fender lips
I'm installing 16X7 fuchs with 205/55s on an 85 Targa. The car has been lowered to euro ride height with zero negative camber. torsion bars and struts are OEM. My mechanic tells me I need more clearance. I am trying to do the least invasive option. I'm concerned about corrosion if I trim them but have also read about galvanization and paint cracking during rolling. Which is best? Please help.
04-25-2006, 04:50 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
Manfred: In my opinion rolling is the better choice. If you trim the short distance required you will have to do a costly finish job so that no one ever gets cut or otherwise hurts themself. Rolling isn't difficult, you just have to take your time and work with a piece of dowel (baseball bat?) that will do the job. Don't try to get it done with one pass - work slowly!
Pete
Pete
04-25-2006, 05:12 PM
#3
Poseur
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
As above,--do not trim the fenders as they will be sharp and will cut into the corner of the tread. Take your time with rolling. What I did was to use a wooden tool and just took my time,--this is ultimately the best solution. NEVER cut that galvanized paint!!!! You will totally screw up the car.
The wheel and tire combination you are going to is not that severe. I ran 7x16 in front and 8x16 in the rear with the same 205 and 225s. The only tire I had a fit issue with in those days was the Yokohama A008s. The front left fender will be the closest. You can ALWAYS apply a little touch up paint to them afterwards.
D
dan
The wheel and tire combination you are going to is not that severe. I ran 7x16 in front and 8x16 in the rear with the same 205 and 225s. The only tire I had a fit issue with in those days was the Yokohama A008s. The front left fender will be the closest. You can ALWAYS apply a little touch up paint to them afterwards.
D
dan
04-25-2006, 06:08 PM
#5
Here's a dissenting opinion, my '76 C3 is trimmed not rolled. You get a relatively large amount of extra clearance that way. The downside is a potential weakening of the fender edge, it will be more prone to damage.
I trimmed mine shortly after purchase(this was w/ 7x15 fuchs on the front, the car was very low) the first trim worked through a set of 7 and then 8 x16 Fuchs w/ 205/55 and later 225/50 tires, it finally had to undergo a more extreme trim for 235/40 x17s which now reside in the front. The car is still low but not as extreme as in '77 it is a street car afterall.
Never had an issues whatso ever. Do recoat the edges after ward
I trimmed mine shortly after purchase(this was w/ 7x15 fuchs on the front, the car was very low) the first trim worked through a set of 7 and then 8 x16 Fuchs w/ 205/55 and later 225/50 tires, it finally had to undergo a more extreme trim for 235/40 x17s which now reside in the front. The car is still low but not as extreme as in '77 it is a street car afterall.
Never had an issues whatso ever. Do recoat the edges after ward
04-25-2006, 08:53 PM
#6
Poseur
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Bill Verburg
Here's a dissenting opinion, my '76 C3 is trimmed not rolled. You get a relatively large amount of extra clearance that way. The downside is a potential weakening of the fender edge, it will be more prone to damage.
I trimmed mine shortly after purchase(this was w/ 7x15 fuchs on the front, the car was very low) the first trim worked through a set of 7 and then 8 x16 Fuchs w/ 205/55 and later 225/50 tires, it finally had to undergo a more extreme trim for 235/40 x17s which now reside in the front. The car is still low but not as extreme as in '77 it is a street car afterall.
Never had an issues whatso ever. Do recoat the edges after ward
I trimmed mine shortly after purchase(this was w/ 7x15 fuchs on the front, the car was very low) the first trim worked through a set of 7 and then 8 x16 Fuchs w/ 205/55 and later 225/50 tires, it finally had to undergo a more extreme trim for 235/40 x17s which now reside in the front. The car is still low but not as extreme as in '77 it is a street car afterall.
Never had an issues whatso ever. Do recoat the edges after ward
Which BLUE is your car?
dan
04-25-2006, 10:38 PM
#7
I also recommend trimming the lip. Rolling/bending it into a hemmed edge creates a gutter that tends to trap moisture and mung. Mask and mark the cut line, then remove metal slowly using a small disk grinder. Move the disk from one area to the next to reduce the heat generated by grinding. Place wet rags draped over the fender. Only a small portion of the lip need be removed and it's different on each side. (front, that is). Cut a smooth radius to dull the edge, then primer/paint to protect it. Wear face protection.
Sherwood
Sherwood
