Fender trimming

[centexk5]

I need to trim the fenders on the rig. Was rubbing pretty good on the last adventure. But I’m struggling to find a line I want to go on. I feel like this is the best one:

But I could also see going this way:

Basically, either riding along the first line up from the edge until the back side and then tapering that out to where it cuts off the flare or cutting the flare out entirely. I’m also on the fence on how much to cut the front fang off. I only noticed it rubbing on the back side of the fender liner and the rear of the fender. I’ll cut the liner like so:

The rear I figure I’ll just mimic the original shape, just larger:


Few other options for the front:

 

[TJ1978]

Previous owner trimmed this way... just the corners

 

[Chevy350Ben]

Are you trying to maintain the factory apearance? or just get the fenders out of the way for better wheel movement?

To maintain the factory appearance youll have to section the fender and replace holes from another donor fender.

if you dont care about maintaining factory appearance, then just cut a little away, try it, cut a little more, try it ect... until its just where you want it. then fill in with sheet metal to close up the fender.

 

[Chevy350Ben]

Sectioning:

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/project-doitall-dodge.24653/page-9

 

[Chevy350Ben]

Cut to fit:

https://ck5.com/forums/threads/core-support-and-fender-trimming.338785/#post-4117624

 

[nvrenuf]

I cut the factory lip off all the way around on mine but I also cut the front ant rear edges back a lot more than you have marked.

Check my build or albums for pics. I’ll come back and post a pic later.

 

[centexk5]

I’m trying to keep the factory profile to an extent but really I just need the clearance.

 

[obijuank5]

On the front fang of the fender, cut it up to the bottom of the core support. Then on the backside of the fender, continue the line down at and angle. No need to cut the top of the wheel well out. Youre not even close to rubbing there.

 

[centexk5]

That’s a great looking truck. Really I’m just nervous to start cutting fenders. It’s not something I’ve done before but it is why I bought a plasma haha.

 

[nvrenuf]

@obijuank5 the Blazer does look really good in that pic, you must have waxed it.

 

[centexk5]

The more I look the more I like. I’ve been debating ditching the front bumper because it’s trashed but wasn’t sure how it looked. Think yours sold me. Need to start saving for a different winch mount though.

Do either of you have pictures of how you finished the inner and outer fenders once cut? I don’t want a sharp edge that can slice a tire, or my scalp.

 

[obijuank5]

The front is super smooth with the stock way that the inner bolts to the lower core support. I left that.
Then I just cut it across under the big bolt that goes to the firewall.

And then after that, I sliced off the rounded part and just kept the 8" or so strip that is closes to the fenders.

 

[nvrenuf]

I didn’t finish mine with a lip or anything like other folks do but I did use a scotchbrite type disc to smooth the edges so nothing is sharp for hands or tires. I cut the front inner liners to remove the exposed excess, the rear is mostly single wall so nothing to address there.

 

[mrk5]

Yeah, I've not known anyone that needed to cut the tops of the fenders. For 37's I would cut the bottom rear of the opening back to the inner fender. Draw a line from that spot up to where it meets the radius of the upper rear corner. I mark the cut with blue painters tape.

This is technically a rear fender I had to cut for 40's, but the concept is similar.