fender flaring

[michaedo]

Hello Listers,
Just curious. Is there a way to flare the fenders of my sport wagon other
than bolting on those Lenke fiberglas units. I would like to flare them out
a tad but still keep it stock appearing. Plan is to lower it slightly but as it is I'm chewing up my tires every time I hit a bump in a turn. Does anybody
have any experience with this tool from Eastwood? From what I read it
looks like all it does is roll the lip further up and out of the way. I certainly
need that but not to the tune of about $270. I've looked at some of the
ricers results and it looks like they get a slight flare out of it too. Just
something to ponder. Thanks,
Don.

[oldopelguy]

If the price is scaring you, get the knock-off version from Harbor Freight:
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
I have one but I haven't used it yet to really be able to tell you how well it works or doesn't work.

[wrench459]

Originally Posted by michaedo Hello Listers, Just curious. Is there a way to flare the fenders of my sport wagon other than bolting on those Lenke fiberglas units. I would like to flare them out a tad but still keep it stock appearing. Plan is to lower it slightly but as it is I'm chewing up my tires every time I hit a bump in a turn. Does anybody have any experience with this tool from Eastwood? From what I read it looks like all it does is roll the lip further up and out of the way. I certainly need that but not to the tune of about $270. I've looked at some of the ricers results and it looks like they get a slight flare out of it too. Just something to ponder. Thanks, Don.

Nope not here.
But I do have an eyelet and a piece of string that I'll let go of cheap.

[jtb]

Hey, there's a tool for that?
I've always seen and used a baseball bat levered against the tire pushing the fender lip out as the bat is rolled along the tire. Yeah, I know its backyard style, but...Crude, but effective. You can go a little ways, but if you go too much the paint will crack (if you're re-spraying anyways, not a problem)

jtb

[MantAscona]

FYI, Tire Rack rents the Eastwood tool, or at least they use to. They sell them too for $259.00.

Duane

[heimue]

I have that specific Eastwood tool, and I'm more than satisfied with it. If you put a little thought in what you are doing, you can form your fenders just like you want to. It is adjustable in every aspect. The only drawback for all of these type of tools is, it is very difficult (but not impossible) to form rear fenders, since they are very strong due to the outer and inner sheet metal being welded together.
You can borrow mine for shipping cost (beware, it IS heavy!).

Dieter

[michaedo]

Hmm, $80 for the Harbor Freight one. That's more
like it. I've got a store a couple miles from me. Think
I'll go down and have a look see. Thanks,
Don.

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by michaedo Hello Listers, Just curious. Is there a way to flare the fenders of my sport wagon other than bolting on those Lenke fiberglas units. I would like to flare them out a tad but still keep it stock appearing. Plan is to lower it slightly but as it is I'm chewing up my tires every time I hit a bump in a turn. Does anybody have any experience with this tool from Eastwood? From what I read it looks like all it does is roll the lip further up and out of the way. I certainly need that but not to the tune of about $270. I've looked at some of the ricers results and it looks like they get a slight flare out of it too. Just something to ponder. Thanks, Don.

That tool can be used to flare out the fenders however it was made to restore the compound roundness of a fender. The method we use is to cut a strip off on the top of the fender where the compound curve starts. Then bend it down a bit until you get the flare you want and weld in a piece to cover the new gap. A bit of body solder and sanding after welding will result in a seamless assembly.

[michaedo]

There ya go Juan, that's the ticket. I've been following a project
on the M-B website where they do just that. Seein' as how I'm
neither welder nor body man I'll be having to farm this one out.
thanks, Don.

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by michaedo There ya go Juan, that's the ticket. I've been following a project on the M-B website where they do just that. Seein' as how I'm neither welder nor body man I'll be having to farm this one out. thanks, Don.

It'd be nice to have the link.

[michaedo]

Hello Tony, Ecstacy500 (the MB site) had a major crash
and burn a few weeks ago. I'll see if I can dig up what
was done with the MB fender flaring.
Don.