Did you roll the fenders yourself?


Cardude

After looking at some of the cars and how some shops in my area rolled fenders, I optioned to trim the fender lip instead. I used a cutting wheel and left enough edge so it would not weaken the fender significantly. There wasn't that much cutting involved. 1/4"-1/2" on the top portion of the rear fender(tapered out), and 1/2" on the rear section of the front fender where the panel overlaps the fender.

Without trimming the fenders, the car would rub slightly on sharp turns. After the fenders were trimmed, I haven't had any rubbing problems at all, even with full passengers. It's been over 6 years since I've trimmed the fenders, and I haven't experienced any adverse effects, plus you really can't tell by looking underneath unless you put two cars side by side.

Excellent, one last question. How did you cut the fenders (lips). I'm having one heck of a time with a dremel(sp)tool.



Cardude

Oops, I think you already answered the question.


Cardude,

hehe a dremel will take a while Just be very careful not to let the cut-off wheel catch on the metal and keep a steady hand, or you might mess up the paint job...ugh!

I used a 4" cut off wheel for sheetmetal on the end of a die grinder. The thinner cut-off wheels made it easier to cut through the two layers of metal on the rear fender.

be very very careful and jack the car up high and remove the tire so you get enough clearance to work comfortably.

good luck!
-tom

im having the same debate over 17" and 18" for my
'95 E320. id really rather go with the 18"z tho.
Buidude ur ride is lookin sweet by the way...it looks
just like my '95...same colors even. anyway...what id like
to do is put 18"x8" wheels with suggested offset maybe between 36mm-42mm on 235/40/18 tires all around. my car isnt lowered just yet...i wanna see how its gonna look 1st with the 18"z. but if i do lower it...ill probably go with the eibach's and lower it like an 1" or 1.5"..i dont want it
too low. does anybody think this would work??? im willing to trim the inside lip if i have to. i have the stock 15"z with 225/60/15 tires on there now without a problem.

also...has anyone ever heard of putting 45 series tires
on 18" wheels...such as 225/45/18??? not too many companies make this size. i know this would be over recommended height...but does it really make a difference??? i mean
i hear a lot of horror stories about bending rims with 40 series tires so i was just curious.

Where did you get those wheels and how much did it cost you?

MrRuffStuff, I haven't tried 235/40/18 so I can't really say they will fit from experience. My wheels were made to order so the offset is not stamped anywhere (that I could find). You will have to verify with a reputable shop to ensure you have the proper offset. From looking at the clearances on my car now, I don't think I can fit 235/40/18 with my current suspension height. It will definitely rub with passengers. With my tires flush with the fenders, I have approximately 1/2" clearance to my front shock tower.

Blackbezz, the wheels on my car are WorksIII wheels, probably made by the same manufacturer as Equip Wheels. I bought my wheels 3 years ago so the prices should have dropped somewhat, since 18" tires are more common now. Probably expect to pay around $3000.00 for the same set(wheels & tires) today.

-tom

so buidude...if u hadn't cut ur fenders...would
the 225/40/18'z have fit without rubbing..or did
u do it just as a precaution???

With the help of 3 big friends in the back of the car, I was able to measure the clearance of the rear tire to the fender and it came up approximately 1/8". I would say it would have rubbed without trimming the fenders. I checked my paperwork on the wheels and it says they are 39mm offset.