Cut my REAR fender and flares
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 58
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From: PW, Colorado
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I'm not very good at write ups, so bear with me. And I totally can't take credit for this awesome job that my husband did.
Remove your flares. On the fender, there is a little peice that flares out (about 1/2") right below the factory holes....cut along that line with your jigsaw using a metal blade. Next, cut your fender flare using your jigsaw with a wood blade (cleaner cut and the flare doesn't melt to itself). Cut the outside of the fender flare, the last inch that is vertical. Leaving only the 45 that comes off the flare. Now, you want to cut slits in the existing fender....cut the slits til the lip, that turns into body (if that makes sense...don't worry there are pictures of every step). You will be using the 3 factory holes at the top, so don't cut into that. When you are cutting your slits, you will see the pinch welds, do NOT cut through them, cut on either side of them. Use a cresent wrench to fold the cut fender in toward the truck....(just where you cut, not the horizontal top part of the fender that you will be using). Use a hammer (sledge, framing doesn't matter) to hit the cut, folded fender in so that it is now flush.
On the fender flare, using your jigsaw with the wood blade, cut off the 2 peices (on each side, vertical) where your factory bolts would go. Do not cut the 3 at the top.
Now, get your flare back on there using the top 3 stock holes/bolts and line it up at the bottom. You may need to drill 1 hole on each side at the bottom (underneath) of the truck using the original bolt. Drill 1 hole on each side through the flare and into the body, about 4 to 5" up from the bottom, to secure (use self tapping sheet metal screws). And repeat on the other side.
For better results, tack weld along the ends of your folded slits. I didn't do that because I didn't have access to a welder....but this is ideal. Then get some black spray paint and shoot the inside.
I apologize if this didn't make any sense. lol
Oh, I gained 2 1/2" in the front of the tire and 2 1/2" at the back of the tire (roughly) and about an inch at the top.
.....uploading pics
Remove your flares. On the fender, there is a little peice that flares out (about 1/2") right below the factory holes....cut along that line with your jigsaw using a metal blade. Next, cut your fender flare using your jigsaw with a wood blade (cleaner cut and the flare doesn't melt to itself). Cut the outside of the fender flare, the last inch that is vertical. Leaving only the 45 that comes off the flare. Now, you want to cut slits in the existing fender....cut the slits til the lip, that turns into body (if that makes sense...don't worry there are pictures of every step). You will be using the 3 factory holes at the top, so don't cut into that. When you are cutting your slits, you will see the pinch welds, do NOT cut through them, cut on either side of them. Use a cresent wrench to fold the cut fender in toward the truck....(just where you cut, not the horizontal top part of the fender that you will be using). Use a hammer (sledge, framing doesn't matter) to hit the cut, folded fender in so that it is now flush.
On the fender flare, using your jigsaw with the wood blade, cut off the 2 peices (on each side, vertical) where your factory bolts would go. Do not cut the 3 at the top.
Now, get your flare back on there using the top 3 stock holes/bolts and line it up at the bottom. You may need to drill 1 hole on each side at the bottom (underneath) of the truck using the original bolt. Drill 1 hole on each side through the flare and into the body, about 4 to 5" up from the bottom, to secure (use self tapping sheet metal screws). And repeat on the other side.
For better results, tack weld along the ends of your folded slits. I didn't do that because I didn't have access to a welder....but this is ideal. Then get some black spray paint and shoot the inside.
I apologize if this didn't make any sense. lol
Oh, I gained 2 1/2" in the front of the tire and 2 1/2" at the back of the tire (roughly) and about an inch at the top.
.....uploading pics
Last edited by jsteinb95; Sep 27, 2010 at 11:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: PW, Colorado
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Half way through, I realized I didn't get a before pic....so here's the driver side, stock! (first pic)
The last three are the finished product.
The last three are the finished product.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: PW, Colorado
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: PW, Colorado
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
My jeep is so filthy....I just need to wash it, the paint and flares aren't that dull...I see what you're saying though.
I just have a hard time washing it, cause aren't they supposed to be dirty?!?!?!
Senior Member

Joined: May 2010
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
From: Johnson County, Kansas
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Dang you, jsteinb95 and husband. I don't have time to do this right now and because of you I have to find some. That looks awesome and gives you plenty of room like the front did. The cut rear flares match the front, looks like I will do the back as soon as I can. Thanks for the great write up and pics, really helps.
Last edited by muffinman; Sep 27, 2010 at 06:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: PW, Colorado
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Dang you, jsteinb95 and husband. I don't have time to do this right now and because of you I have to find some. That looks awesome and gives you plenty of room like the front did. The cut rear flares match the front, looks like I will do the back as soon as I can. Thanks for the great write up and pics, really helps.
I might find some flares at a junk yard and re-do the front....maybe.LOL...sorry, I couldn't wait for you to do yours first.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 IL6
Thanks for posting the excellent pix. So you are re-using the three topmost holes, right? I mean, not drilling any new holes in either the flare or the fender?
I'm getting some time off next week and want to do this.
I'm getting some time off next week and want to do this.



thats what my trail rig is getting........when i get it