Just wanted to share some thoughts on what I learned about fender rolling/shaving over the years as preparation to fit my rear wheels, I'm 100% certain I'll need to make some more clearance on my rear fenders.

I've had fenders rolled and shaved in other cars before and here are some pros and cons that I have come up with. Feel free to add any on the list!

Shaved fenders

Pros:

• Much more clearance than stock
• More flexibility on running various wider tires/rims
• Able to have your rear wheel flush with fender

Cons:

• Need to be very careful when cutting the metal
• Need to add sealant on bare metal after shaving
• No support to hold up fender lining
• Weakens the rear structure in case of an accident (that's what my body shop said)

Rolled fenders

Pros:

• No need to take a metal blade to your car

Cons:

• May have buckling in the fender
• Paint may crack
• Not as many options to run wider rims/tires

I have seen people with rolled fenders that are pretty much shaved but I don't know how they did that without damaging the paint/fender.

What are your thoughts on rolled/shaved?

I think I'm going to have mine shaved so I can get that flushed look.

Here's a pic of my daily with shaved fronts and rears. Biggest problem was the fender lining had nothing to hold it up...so I have to shave that too



Edwin

 

Just buy wheels with the correct offset and there will be no need for fender adjustments.

 

Paulie,

I could've gone that route but I want my rear wheels to sit flush, hence why I need to get my fenders rolled.

Edwin

 

Unless you have selected wheels that you absolutely MUST have, I would favor leaving the fenders alone.

 

I think that is the situation. What do you think then?

 

If you've got the wheels you want, then go for the shaving. The fender rolling is hardly worth paying the body guy for minimal gains.

 

Definitely roll. It's so easy with a 2lb mallet with some duct tape on the striking end.

 

I had my fenders rolled and here it what was used http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...PROLLER2&ID=52

Take your time and none of your Cons come into play.

 

Do you guys have pictures of what your fenders look like? Thanks

Edwin

 

Thats the same tool (maybe branded differently) that Lawell Motorsports used to roll my rears. I gained maybe a little over 1/8". For the wheels I had it still wasn't enough (car also lowered 1.25"). The other partial solution would have been stouter springs or not dropping it so much.
Glad I got rid of those wheels none the less, the offsets were to far from stock to be practical (looked great though)!

 

Adam,

How are you my friend? The more and more I think about it, I plan on shaving them just to make sure I have ample clearance.

Edwin

 

Hey Edwin, I am doing fine..

I think there are likely downsides rolling going for the max. If you go too far it feels like there are welds in the inside of the fender that will eventually push through to leave an uneven outside surface.

On the other hand, I have no experience with shaving the fenders, good luck on that one! I am sure your car is going to look great when done though.

Get some good before/after shots.

This is what my car looked like with the over-filled rears, I'd rub the outsides of the tyres on heavy cornering and bump roads. And that was after rolling the fenders also..

 

Thanks for the pics Adam. Slate grey looks sweet! I'll post pics of the shave after get it done.



Edwin

 

I can't believe there is even a discussion about this. If done properly and with a little care, fender rolling is a non issue. I would never shave the fenders. That is amateur.

Fender rolling has come a long ways since the days when we used to take aluminum bats and roll them up. Now there are some really nicely built fender rolling tools that do perfect, even jobs. You will need to heat up the fender with a heat gun but make sure not to get to close and hot. Just enough to warm up the paint. Any respectable wheel shop should have a fender rolling tool. They have been around for over 10 years.

Unless you have some crazy aggressive set up, fender rolling will do the trick for 99% of the wheel/tire fitments on your turbo.