Im probably going to end up in a stock XJ. I plan on a 3 inch lift and bigger tires but also wanted to get some info about fender cutting or replacing the fender flares.

-how much does it cost to get fenders cut and done right?

-where can it be done?

-can I have them cut and then put the oem flares back on?

-how much for aftermarket flares?

I can't do the cutting myself, just don't trust it. It's my DD

 

Trust me man just do it youreself. Nice and slow with an angle grinder. You can find tj flares for like 60-75 bucks on like jeepforum. Or bushwhackers run like 350-400 bucks. Trust me its worth it to do it yourself. All you have to do is do what bushwhacker says or pin up your tj flares or whatever and.mark where you want to cut and have at it. Then on the rear fenders just do the cut and fold so you don't ruin the pinch welds. I've got some photos of when I cut in my build. It'll be much cheaper even if you have to buy an angle grinder.

 

agreed to them yourself. You can do it I have faith!

Start on the very front - it's a good spot to get used to how the grinder will cut and how fast to go. Just go slow and plan every cut before you made it

Here's pics from when I did the very front of mine.

 

I wouldn't even know how to line or size everything up. I'm OCD about this stuff I'd be too nervous

 

If you're so OCD then all the more reason. Somebody else will still want you to decide where to cut. Just look at other peoples builds and go from there.

 

Once you get the flares off there are a few different bends underneath that make for great guides. I have OCD too and that's why I'M the only one who works on it .

 

^^ x2

 

To feed the ocd in you, the bushwacker flat flares have something like 150+ steps and pictures in the direction book. They aren't cheap, but really break down the installation.

 

Will those fit trimmed fenders or do they need the original holes?

 

if you take off the flares, the fenders have slight outward folds in them that includes the factory flare bolt holes. That would be an easy line to cut. What i did was trace around the outside edge of my flares when i still had them on and it gave me a nice clean cut look after i finished.

edit: to actually answer your questions....you can probably take it to an offroad shop like 4 wheel parts. They'll do it especially if you order aftermarket flares. Labor cost would probably be 100 or 2.

 

They use some of the holes to line them up.

 

Trimming fenders is super easy. I did mine and for another right up Skunkape has done his too. As for flares, I would go with Rusty's flexible flares. Bushwackers are nice...but are stiff and will most likely crush your fender or break if you hit a tree. I have Rusty's on mine and can't count the number of times I have hit them on something with no damage.

Doing it yourself is a great learning experience and you can make sure it's done how you like it. I would also make sure to prime everything after cutting to make sure nothing rusts.