fender clearance

[62fairlane]

well I am running into a slight problem. it seems in 1962 no one thought there would be a reason to stick a 245 wide tire under a fairlane. so the problem I have is that I need the fenders clearanced in front a little bit. IF I hadn't lowered my car 4" this may not have benn as big of an issue but the tires nearly sit on the lip at ride height now. I was going to roll the lip on the passenger fender (I got a spare in better shape) but I think I might be needing more than that. I guess if I need more I am looking at some hammer and dolly work which I know will take YEARS to do by hand. another option I am looking at is forming a new arch to graft on that is wider and longer and taller. Has anyone been through anything like this before? I am just looking for opinions on the best route to go

[syborg tt]

I ran into the similar problem with my project. I bought a couple reall cool but very expensive tools.

The first one i bought is to measure wheel back spacing. This enable me to test fit my wheels before i spent the money on the rims. Once i mounted the wheels up i notice that i was going to be hitting the inner fender and that i would need to roll the fender lip and remake the inner fenders

here's a picture of the "Wheel Tech" tool

http://www.sportmachines.com/albums/wheels-tires/IMG_5370.jpg

http://www.sportmachines.com/albums/wheels-tires/IMG_5571.jpg

http://www.sportmachines.com/albums/wheels-tires/IMG_5588.jpg

The other tool i purchased was to roll the fender lip
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/tools/fenderlip.jsp

http://www.tirerack.com/images/accessories/product_images/medium/fenderlip.jpg

[awr68]

Marty, that tool from Tire Rack sure looks alot more hi-tech than the ol' baseball bat!! :yes:

[62fairlane]

well I knew they would be a tight fit in there but they are only a 8" rim and 245/45/17 tire so not REAL big or anything. I have some 1" spacers on there now with minimal clearance with the upper control arm right now (one side might need a slight hit with a grinder) I talked to people about those fender rollers but it seems they distort the fender, they don't stretch the metal but just pull it out so the gaps are all messed up and such. The big problem I am seeing is trying to maintain a stock looking fender. It is looking like either spend the days building new arches to put on and slightly tweaking the fenders or just putting a narrower track under the car.

Would you be willing to rent out that fender roller? since I got a spare fender I might give a try at that one and see how it comes out and if it looks too $hitty then I wil have to come up with another plan.

[syborg tt]

Would you be willing to rent out that fender roller? since I got a spare fender I might give a try at that one and see how it comes out and if it looks too $hitty then I wil have to come up with another plan.


Sure - i plan to use it tonight on the gt. Once i am done using it you are more then welcome to rent it.

[mia]

where would one purchase this "Wheel Tech" tool?

[syborg tt]

where would one purchase this "Wheel Tech" tool?

make sure your sitting down before you open this link. I think the price may shock you.

http://www.autowaretech4.net/mmprice.html

[Rick Dorion]

What alignment specs are you using? I needed 1* negative camber to tuck my wheels inside the front fender when I lowered my car.