Clad Trimming Revisited

[Maddawg]

I've read posts in here regarding the front wheel well bolt head at the inside rear of the wheel well. I'm wondering if anyone here has removed as much as it looks like I will have to remove in this photo.:(
http://i50.tinypic.com/230ket.jpg

[Ldub]

:yesgray:

I'll try to post some pics l8'tr...

[Maddawg]

That would be great! These tires are actually from my truck. 33x11.2 on a 16x8 wheel with a -.75 offset. They look really great from the back and side with just an inch or so sticking out. Also VX has front bars twisted to 2 1/2 lift, any higher and I am too close to my Energy stops.

[Ldub]

That would be great! These tires are actually from my truck. 33x11.2 on a 16x8 wheel with a -.75 offset. They look really great from the back and side with just an inch or so sticking out. Also VX has front bars twisted to 2 1/2 lift, any higher and I am too close to my Energy stops.

Kate detailed it pretty well on pg 2 (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=255637&postcount=42) of this thread (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=22090&highlight=remove+cladding+bolt), also lotsa valuable advice in there...:smack:...:_wrench:...:yesgray:

[Triathlete]

I trimmed mine up a little bit... (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=13665&highlight=cladding+trim)
:) :) :)

Since my picture host in the above thread apparently went away here are a few of my trim...the other side of the fender.
This
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo150/Triathlete/trimmed%20cladding/P1010071.jpg

Plus this
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo150/Triathlete/trimmed%20cladding/P1010072.jpg

minus this
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo150/Triathlete/trimmed%20cladding/P1010067.jpg

equals this
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo150/Triathlete/trimmed%20cladding/P1010066.jpg
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo150/Triathlete/trimmed%20cladding/P1010065.jpg

[Triathlete]

:)
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l462/cwhotwheels02/sawzall.jpg

[Maddawg]

Not sure what that protusion (squiggly diagonal lines) is, I dont have that on my fender liner? Also what is that piece of metal? maybe a temporary clamp?
http://i50.tinypic.com/14cg0ee.jpg
Do these flush head fasteners have to be removed, because if so I dont know whats holding them. Maybe a speednut on the inside of the fender?

http://i48.tinypic.com/24c5h68.jpg

[Triathlete]

You may not need to cut the metal, just pound it back with a BFH to clear. Reattach plastic by drilling and use self tapping metal screws if old holes don't line up.

[chadzu]

I cut the rear of the front fender clear back to the lower fender mounting bolt, cut the cladding to match and then blended the new radius into the wheel arch. trimmed the seam to where it doubles up and pounded it flat. 35's of 16x8" wheels just fit. Tires still rub the top of the fenders when a big bump is hit.

[Maddawg]

I cut the rear of the front fender clear back to the lower fender mounting bolt, cut the cladding to match and then blended the new radius into the wheel arch. trimmed the seam to where it doubles up and pounded it flat. 35's of 16x8" wheels just fit. Tires still rub the top of the fenders when a big bump is hit.

Do you have a lift?

[chadzu]

Do you have a lift?

Moog 784 springs in the rear and about 2.5 inches in front.

[Maddawg]

Moog 784 springs in the rear and about 2.5 inches in front.

Seems like you and I have the same lift. I'm looking to add 33's to my rig but wimpy about cutting and bashing. I'm pretty sure 32's will fit with an 8" wheel and 0 to -19 mm offset (-.75 offset) and no cutting except possibly in front. I really want to use a 15" wheel but most of those are butt ugly or have the wrong offset.

[Maddawg]

[QUOTE=Triathlete;265813]I trimmed mine up a little bit... (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=13665&highlight=cladding+trim)
:) :) :)

Since my picture host in the above thread apparently went away here are a few of my trim...the other side of the fender.
This
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo150/Triathlete/trimmed%20cladding/P1010071.jpg

Heheheh, I can see your dangerous with a Sawzall in your hands.

[VxSport]

Haha ... Not so much.... His roof is still intact. My wife gets scared when I have the saw out.

[Maddawg]

Haha ... Not so much.... His roof is still intact.

Hahahah, when was the last time you looked??:bwgy:

[Triathlete]

My roof is safe...sun is hot in Az!

[VxSport]

My VX came from Az and before that it was Tx. This is a good thing, my body and frame is almost perfect (no rust). I recently refinished the front bumper tubing.

[Maddawg]

Well, I'm thinking to avoid doing any bashing to the rear maybe a 32" tire (as opposed to the 33" tire shown in the first pics) and a 0" offset (as opposed to the -19mm/-.75 offset) will allow a somewhat clean install. What sayest you all???

[Maddawg]

Never mind the above, it's "damn the torpedoes" time. It's gonna be 33's or 35's depending on the cost of the body lift I have out for bids. Now I'm trying to find the post about the ring and pinion that I asked about, but I can't find it in here now. I remember it was regarding using the Trooper R&P but can't remember the ratio. Oh when will I ever learn to write things down. Wouldn't matter anyway, I always lose my notes, lol.

[tom4bren]

limit your search to threads started by Jofotoz or by LittleBeast.

[Maddawg]

Tom to the rescue!! Thanks good buddie!

[Ldub]

I remember it was regarding using the Trooper R&P but can't remember the ratio.

search "4:77's"...:yesgray:

[Maddawg]

Ok, got it, thanks!!

[Maddawg]

I've looked at Kate's photos but I'm wondering if it was necessary to remove the front fender clad? It seems like it has to be removed to get to the inner splash guard. The splash guard needs to be bent up and away to view the sheet metal behind it as described in her write-up.

[Ldub]

Sometimes, if you're really applying yourself & concentrating...

Your tire will remove the inner plastic fender liner FOR you...:yesgray:

But ya really gotta work at it...:_steering

[Maddawg]

Sometimes, if you're really applying yourself & concentrating...

Your tire will remove the inner plastic fender liner FOR you...:yesgray:

But ya really gotta work at it...:_steering

How true, how true! But still not finding an answer to my question, sigh! :confused:

[VX KAT]

I cut the rear of the front fender clear back to the lower fender mounting bolt, cut the cladding to match and then blended the new radius into the wheel arch. trimmed the seam to where it doubles up and pounded it flat. 35's of 16x8" wheels just fit. Tires still rub the top of the fenders when a big bump is hit.

I'm facing this very shortly :thumbup:....can you post some pics so I know kinda what might have to go or be "relocated" in that front well.

Or anybody have some pics??? :thanx:

Dub I promise to apply myself and see if it helps! :thumbup:

[Maddawg]

I think Kate's post showed the best pics, but still lacking in some details. Ldub provided this link. Maybe it will help?
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=255637&postcount=42

[Triathlete]

What it comes down to is you are making it way harder than it is. We are not talking quantum physics here. Install tires, cut and hammer until they fit/don't rub...done! :)

[Maddawg]

Hmmmm, I looked at Kate's fotos again and the fender cladding was not removed. Still not sure how they got the splash guard out from the fender clad and the innermost support. Oh well, dive right in, it will make sense once bolts start coming out.

[Maddawg]

What it comes down to is you are making it way harder than it is. We are not talking quantum physics here. Install tires, cut and hammer until they fit/don't rub...done! :)

Hahahah, you are so right!!