Fender shaving/rolling...not a newb thread.

[scamry]

So I have some wider wheels coming in, and I plan on going about an inch lower when I put them on in spring..That means fender rolling/shaving...

I live in WV, and the winter snow and salt will destroy any not perfect paint areas, so I want to know what the best option is.
Wheels aren't too aggressive, 18x8.5 +40, prolly running 235/40s

My body guy wants to cut the tabs off, and then seal it up...I think this will work but I want to hear from you guys that have done it... I know it may need yearly touch ups to keep the rust away, but I'm ok with that.

Rolling is kind of a sore spot because of where I live. No one here has rolled fenders, I've looked at buying the Eastwood roller, but I really dont want to f%*k up my quarter panels...

All you guys that know body work out there chime in. I know the fitment and mods necessary, I just want to do the best thing for the paint on a 8 year old car. Should I just put some used tires on for a while and naturally roll them, haha?

I just want to hear your stories and advice, let me know what you recommend... Thanks in advance..

[Gellenole]

I have 18x7.5 and I had to get my rear fender tabs cut off entirely to avoid any type of rubbing on them, then again my wheels are 225/45/18 so it's a bit wide for my wheels, but I like the foot print.

my fronts, I've left, I have a +38 offset on my wheels, so I hope that gives you an idea.

and if you're care is an '03, then you're only 6 years

[scamry]

thanks, but the wheels I had are already more aggresive than your 7.5s....
and i am a heck of a lot lower than you are.... I didn't rub at all on my 18x8 +40 with 235/40/18, i just am going moar low.. want some more opinions from guys with aggresive setups...... I just want to know what is the best option for the fenders.
my car is an 02, bought in november of 01.
i am this low. no gaps

[PRINCESS PEACH]

u can

1) shave those bad boys. Then seal it up so it doesn't rust. (This is what Gene did)
2) eastwood roll! Use a heat gun and just do work son. (This is what I did)
3) camber.

[scamry]

i've heard that shaving can weaken the quarters, but idk if this is true or not...and thanks princess..

[PRINCESS PEACH]

nope. My brother shaved his fenders to fit his rims also. 20x11 w/ low offset lol.

IMO, shaving is less risky than rolling/pulling.

[Dna_splice]

yosh
i have same car as you
i shaved mine w/ dremel and metal grinding bits
same way gene did his..

i have 18x8,5+48(weak i know) on 245/40
I was rubbing on strut and fender lol
sucked.

i just shaved those babies off. then applied a generous amount of metal sealing silicone or caulk
then i used the touchup paint pen from the dealer to hide the tiny mess ups

i have not had any problem with weakening of the fenders.

the only reason i shaved instead of rolled b/c i had no money to get a good roll job.
so i spent 10$ with the dremel i already had to cut that Sh*t up

[Redline_Me]

I've been wondering the same thing and doing a lot of searching on youtube. The truth is i'm more interested in pulling the fenders out a bit for a slight wide body effect. My car is slammed just like yours maybe a little less but that's because roads aren't that great around here.

[scamry]

ha...i live in wv....i don't think the roads can get much worse..

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

i didn't read everything here, but mine are rolled....

i used the baseball bat method and it worked great. I went to a body shop and they said cutting the tabs wouldn't be good as it takes away from the strength in the quarter panels.

So i opt to roll them.