rolling out arches

[cormac163]

has anyone ever heard of rolling out arches on a beetle. I have a slight problem with my wheels which are about 5mm wider on the rear and i need to get some clearance sorted for when my big younger brother and i go for a 600mile trek next week. its not a problem when on a motorway but only on crappy country roads i can hear the wheels slightly rubbing. please help if anyone knows....

[Rob]

There is some good info here:
http://www.bmwdiy.info/fender-rolling/

Although I am not sure if it would work on a beetle since the fender will probably flex too much.

Rob.

[vw1303]

I just finished building a fender rolling tool like that one. I rolled my stock steel fenders about 10-15mm. The fender does flex alot and it will take me some time to get the right shape I want.

[brent]

This is what iv'e done...Unfortunately will damage the paint though in my case had modified the guards anyway.I have widened the rear guards by 80mm and the front by 40-50mm..When the car is at ride height,mark the outside of the guard where the edge of the tyre meets and leaves the arch..front and back of the tyre.I got some 5mm steel wire and welded it on the inside of the guard lip tight up against the guard.This is to be done only at each end of the wire making sure it is tight around the arch.Cut the lip back leaving about 8mm from the inside of the wire. carefully with a light flat panel beaters hammer tap the lip around the wire. This will strenthen the outer lip and really looks the part.
Hope this helps.

[cormac163]

fantastic thanks for all the help its great to have al this info everyone is so willing to part with also could you imagine the book you could get out of this subject.

thanks again everyone
cormac

[Rob]

In a related subject, what do you guys think about this:
Home made flared fenders.

I am going to try the following, please let me know if you think I'm nuts:

1. Bend back the inner lip as far as it will go without distorting the fender.
2. Using tin snips, make relief cuts so you can bend it all the way out.
3. Using a hammer and dolly, 'mold' the lip.
4. Cut the lip so it follows the fender.
5. Fibreglass the lip so it molds nicely with the contour of the fender.

Do you guys think this will work ? I'm getting a scrap fender soon to try it.

Rob

[craazy Cooter]

Heres what I did.... Remove the offending fender, and lay it paint side down on a peice of carpet. Facing the arch from the inside use a hammer and gently beat the rolled edge flat. If you hit too hard, you will fxck up the edge, so tap instead of pound. Mine are nice and flat twards the tops. no rubbing.