BradXJ

I've searched all over and seen all kinds of hack jobs and dumb questions about people tearing apart their fenders for clearance and whatnot, but I'm looking to do a clean cut, professional job just for looks. Just like this example:

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/4308497808.html

I have plenty of experience cutting/grinding metal and think I can tackle this pretty easily, but wanted to hear from other people that have done similar jobs as the Jeep above and what to do/look for to obtain a professional, stock looking fender when finished. I'm in the process of sanding and filling to repaint right now anyway so I figured this would be the best time.

Thanks in advance, pictures of your finished product would be appreciated.

EagleXJ

I think mine came our pretty nice. I used the old fender flares to mark the lines and used an air saw to make the cut. Then I used some edge trim from the local auto store to line cut and clean up the look. In the back I just painted the lip black to match the front. Only have one of the front unfortunately.

BradXJ

Yeah yours does look pretty clean. I don't understand how the guy in the craigslist ad I posted got his so nice looking, unless he paid a pretty penny to an auto body shop. I've never done any fender trimming before and just want to gather as much knowledge as possible before I start cutting..

tssguy123

There's no secret to it, it's all in the edge trim. It hides a lot.

it also looks like he got rid of the lip altogether, so that could be part of why it looks so clean... I've seen cleaner though.

unidentifiedbomb

Personally I think that the cleanest fender trim jobs are the ones where they leave a little lip from the flare tab

BradXJ

What do you mean by 'edge trim' exactly? I plan on using a cut of wheel, then minor grinding, then sanding with an orbital until perfect shape..

And I haven't decided if I would prefer a little bit of flare leftover or not, I guess I haven't seen enough with all of the flare/lip removed.

tssguy123

IE the black trim that people stick on the cut edge.

EagleXJ

This stuff: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=177859_0_0_

Demonoid369

Reason it looks nice is because it cut all off lol, trying to leave the lip and make it look clean is a bit harder lol

thatXJguy

I don't think cut fenders can ever look clean. That's why I never did it.

It's sheet metal. The flares are what give it the clean, finished look.

If you need more clearance, consider bushwhackers.

unidentifiedbomb

Napier flares are better especially if you're under 35" tires

BradXJ

Ohhh. Gotcha, I had to use that on all the bare fiberglass edges I cut on my boat. Definitely wouldn't use that on the fenders. I guess I'll just go at it and hope for the best, I'm pretty **** about everything I modify so I'm sure it'll come out well. I'll post up pictures when finished.