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Trimming the INNER wheel well

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Old May 13, 2010 | 10:29 AM
  #1  
zfranklin92's Avatar
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From: Traverse City, MI
Year: 1999
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Default Trimming the INNER wheel well

I have already trimmed the front and back fenders up. I have noticed that my tire rubs on the inner wheel well. There is a spot where it looks like two pieces of the body come together. Is it okay to cut that back? Or do i need to just bend it back. I am afriad if i cut it back that the two pieces will separate. Maybe there isnt 2 pieces but it sure looks like it. Ill try to get a picture of what I am talking about later today to give a better idea as to what i am talking about if you dont clearly understand.

Thanks in advance,
Zach
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Old May 13, 2010 | 10:34 AM
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That's probably a body seam, and if you cut into it, you'll tear a hole in the space-time continuum and be transported to another reality...

tread lightly!
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Old May 13, 2010 | 10:58 AM
  #3  
zfranklin92's Avatar
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Originally Posted by mopar440
That's probably a body seam, and if you cut into it, you'll tear a hole in the space-time continuum and be transported to another reality...

tread lightly!
haha but in all seriousness. just cut tabs and bend it over or what?
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Old May 13, 2010 | 11:08 AM
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Hello,

If you are talking about the pinch weld seam in the back of the front wheel wells, then you have 3 choices, or more.
Look carefully and you will be able to see the spot welds, you can cut up to them without affecting strength.
You can slit the seam and bend it over.
You can cut it back and reweld, so you have no flange anymore.

Depending on the amount of lift and control arms the axle may have moved back with the lift, if you have adjustable arms, re-center your axle and it may take care of the rub.

Nitro
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Old May 13, 2010 | 11:13 AM
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Do Not cut it . Just slowly hit it with a large hammer & bend it over towards the inside of the body is the best way I found . DO NOT CUT it is a major body seam .
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Old May 13, 2010 | 11:55 AM
  #6  
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People make small cuts in that seam all the time. I have never seen an issue with cutting into it. Small cuts and a hammer will do the trick!
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Old May 13, 2010 | 12:17 PM
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take a hammer and bend it! that is what i did and it then creates a nice smooth surface again.
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Old May 13, 2010 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by nitro450exp
Hello,

If you are talking about the pinch weld seam in the back of the front wheel wells, then you have 3 choices, or more.
Look carefully and you will be able to see the spot welds, you can cut up to them without affecting strength.
You can slit the seam and bend it over.
You can cut it back and reweld, so you have no flange anymore.

Depending on the amount of lift and control arms the axle may have moved back with the lift, if you have adjustable arms, re-center your axle and it may take care of the rub.

Nitro
Originally Posted by azcheapjeep91
Do Not cut it . Just slowly hit it with a large hammer & bend it over towards the inside of the body is the best way I found . DO NOT CUT it is a major body seam .
Originally Posted by xjoffroad
People make small cuts in that seam all the time. I have never seen an issue with cutting into it. Small cuts and a hammer will do the trick!
Originally Posted by 96_xj
take a hammer and bend it! that is what i did and it then creates a nice smooth surface again.
thanks for all the feedback everyone. Sounds like im just going to beat it back with a good ol hammer
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