North East Xterra Club
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Fender Trimming Help
https://www.nexterra.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=9343		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  wickedx [ Wed Jul 12, 2017 8:17 am ]
Post subject:  Fender Trimming Help
Relatively new here. Just finished up a lift install but now i need to trim a bit of the front fender to fit the 33's and offset wheels. Looks like i'll get away with just taking the rear corner off the front fender. I've seen where some have cut and some have bent.

I really want to end up with a clean looking job and cutting sheet metal is something that i have never attempted myself. So...is there anyone in the area that has some experience and wouldn't mind helping out? I'd be willing to give some gas + time funds (or beer if you prefer :) ). I can go to you or I'm in N. Attleboro if you can come here.
Author:  murphy [ Wed Jul 12, 2017 12:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
I'm sure I'm not alone, I wouldn't cut apart someone else's rig. I've trimmed both my Frontier's and Xterra's sheet metal for 33s and spacers.

Just take your time. Fender liners out. Painters tape to mask off the line. Be cautious. You can always cut more off if you need to. I needed to trim the pinch weld as well on the Frontier. The X only needed the fender done. 4" grinder with a cutoff wheel is your friend. Make sure you rattle can the cuts, or you'll get rust.

Good Luck.
J.
Author:  theplasticone [ Wed Jul 12, 2017 5:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
The other day, I read a suggestion to use tin snips! I'd rather use aircraft shears (better for directional cuts) but it never occurred to me that our sheet metal is thin enough for that to be reasonable. Arguably more controllable than a heavy, bulky grinder with a cutoff.
Author:  wickedx [ Wed Jul 12, 2017 7:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
theplasticone wrote:
The other day, I read a suggestion to use tin snips! I'd rather use aircraft shears (better for directional cuts) but it never occurred to me that our sheet metal is thin enough for that to be reasonable. Arguably more controllable than a heavy, bulky grinder with a cutoff.



I was planning on using the cutoff wheel. I just haven't been able to bring myself to make that first cut :shock:
Author:  murphy [ Wed Jul 12, 2017 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
It has been said 'the first cut is the deepest'.

Once the wheel hits the steel all of the nervousness will leave your body. A zen calm will come over you. All will be right in the world. Then, no rubbing when you turn.

(Or maybe this will work better.)

Just do it! All the cool kids do!
Author:  MtDewMike [ Wed Jul 12, 2017 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
I had a body shop do it. ;)

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Author:  RCHeliman [ Wed Jul 12, 2017 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
I used a knife, big hammer, and some good frustration. Looks rough but I am happy with the results.
Author:  wickedx [ Sun Jul 16, 2017 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
Took a 4" cutting wheel to the fenders over the weekend. Didn't come out too bad. Just need to tidy things up a bit and figure out the knocking coming from the front passengers side. I'm thinking its my sway bar links but need to do some re-torqueing and troubleshooting to pinpoint it.

Didn't get any assistance but thanks for the words of encouragement!
Author:  murphy [ Mon Jul 17, 2017 7:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
Im glad you got it done. I did some grinding on the Xterra myself. Although mine was shortening the exhaust and trimming the rear sway bar brackets on the axle.

I'm not surprised about not having assistance. ECXC is Thursday-Saturday. I'm sure everyone was working their own rigs this weekend. I was tieing up some loose ends on both my Frontier and Xterra.
Author:  wickedx [ Mon Jul 17, 2017 2:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
ECXC...that's right! Man....i wish i could attend! Maybe next year.
Author:  DirtySocks [ Mon Jul 17, 2017 5:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fender Trimming Help
wickedx wrote:
ECXC...that's right! Man....i wish i could attend! Maybe next year.
You could plan to attend Back-2-School run in Sept.


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