I've cut my fenders in the past but never to install new fenders. I want to install the bushwacker pocket fender cut outs but can't afford them now. So since I need to cut my fenders anyway for more clearance, I want to cut them so that I can install the flares down the road.

My question is about the cutting instructions from bushwacker. -

www.bushwacker.com/Instructions/10911_r14.pdf

If you notice pic#22 their cut looks like it was done by Michael J fox. (mainly the right side where the top cut angles down then over to the left) Anyone who's installed these, can you tell me if you cut it that crazy too or if you got the top line nearly perfect and straight? I want the cuts to look nice while im going no fender flare.

What I usually do is just cut the whole "lip", or raised part that is under the stock fender flare, off. It should leave metal to mount the torx screws to for the bushwacker, but will cutting it that way as opposed to the instructions have any negative draw backs for mounting the flares?