[DeTomaso] Rolling Rear Fender Lips

[Mark Charlton]

When I did mine I considered fancy tools and ended up using a very simple but effective method.

I heated the fender lip paint so it was very warm to the touch (and kept re-heating as I worked along it so the paint wouldn’t crack). I then gradually hammered the fender lips inwards using a small lead hammer with a few layers of heavy soft rag covering the head (to protect the paint). Gentle taps working along the fender back and forth several times was all that was needed to roll the lips inward very nicely. No cracked paint, no body damage and not risk of catching the tires on the lips. And no special tools.

I assume you will also be lowering the fronts, and that area MUST be rolled so the tires don’t catch — especially if you’re running wider than stock from tires.

Mark Charlton
pantera01826 at rogers.com



On Sep 4, 2014, at 10:08 PM, Dave Londry <davel at emspace.com> wrote:

> Drop $209 on one of these?
> http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=52
> 
> Rent one from Eastwood $40?
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/RENTAL-Fender-Roller-Lip-Forming-Rolling-Tool-Eastwood-RENT-Return-Label-Include-/161400710944?pt=Automotive_Services&hash=item25943b6720
> 
> dave
> 
> On 04/09/2014 6:56 PM, Mike Thomas wrote:
>> I've finally picked up a set of adjustable upper rear A arms so I can drop
>> the car a little further and keep the camber correct at the rear.  I suspect
>> I'll get some interference with the inner lip of the rear fender if I don't
>> roll it.  I recall a thread many years ago on various ways to do this
>> yourself without damaging the outer fender.  I have a piece of broom handle
>> that I was going to start working back and forth while tapping with a
>> hammer, wheel off of course.
>> 
>> One method I recall was to run such as a broom handle between the tire and
>> fender and use the tire as leverage.  I won't be dropping it enough for that
>> as the tire won't be quite that close to the fender.  I suppose another way
>> would be to install the new A arms, adjust them as close to zero-c as I can
>> at the desired ride height, then lift the car, remove the coil-over, and
>> swing the suspension to see if I still have clearance.
>> 
>> Other ideas?
>> 
>> Thanks
>> Mike Thomas
>> VP, POCA
>> VP, Panteras Northwest
>> Yellow '74 #6328
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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