Front tire to fender clearance ? ?

[Goosesdad]

Could anyone offer some advice on the static clearance I should build into my fenders? I'm installing 315's on 18x11's, so I'm flaring my fenders. Is 1/2" appropriate for clearance when the car is at ride height? Obviously less looks better! What about when the tire is at full lock turn and also the suspension is on the bump stops?

[dhutton]

The trouble with flaring like that is the farther out you move the lower it drops as it swings in an arc and you really don't gain much. I think if you want to go wider you have to cut higher. Either that or make a cut and raise it up. At least that has been my experience trying to do something similar.

As far as how much clearance you need you should cycle the steering and suspension through their full motion with the spring removed. Make sure you have your camber and caster aligned where you want them at ride height.

Maybe some of the fab experts will chime in.

Don

[Goosesdad]

Originally Posted by dhutton

The trouble with flaring like that is the farther out you move the lower it drops as it swings in an arc and you really don't gain much. I think if you want to go wider you have to cut higher. Either that or make a cut and raise it up. At least that has been my experience trying to do something similar.

As far as how much clearance you need you should cycle the steering and suspension through their full motion with the spring removed. Make sure you have your camber and caster aligned where you want them at ride height.

Maybe some of the fab experts will chime in.

Don

Thanks Don....yep, I am going to raise the hoop up about 2 3/4""...as you say, it's necessary. You can see in the second picture where I cut the hoop off horizontally and then moved it up. I will also have to move the bottom of the fender back towards the door about 3/4", but the hoop actually wants to naturally go there. Also, I don't think I will need to raise the front of the hoop, just the rear. I'm also cycling the wheel all the way up to the stops and also cycling the steering as you say. My question is once I'm at full lock/full compression, how much clearance do I need from the tire to the fender/inner fender at that point....assuming there will be some tire flex while driving? Guessing there is some magic number "to be safe"? Thanks for your help!!

[dhutton]

I'm going to say 3/4" to be safe.

Looks like you already figured out everything I had to offer...

Don

[Goosesdad]

Originally Posted by dhutton

I'm going to say 3/4" to be safe.

Looks like you already figured out everything I had to offer...

Don

Thanks Don... Oh no..trust me....flying by the seat of my pants. Appreciate any help I can get!

[Zspoiler]

It depends on just how crazy you want to get.You can look at 1970-81 SCCA ,IMSA race cars.Or the more newer build like the "Rod Shops" Rampage.