Help me decied about trimming

[rgretzinger]

Ok here is my delima. I am going to get my 74 painted at a nice body shop that is going to take out any rust, make body pannels fit straight etc. More than likely it will look better than when brand new. I am currently running a 4" full spring lift and 35X12.50X15. I don't have any rubbing while on pavement but I know that I would If I did some medium duty wheeling. I probably won't wheel this thing after I drop probably 4k on the paint job though. With all of that being said should I trim the fenders or not. If I do I am going to have the body shop weld on a lip to make it look factory. Your thoughts?

 

[crashandburn]

My previous rig had that same combo and my tires would just barely touch the fenders at 100% full stuff. And even then it was not enough to do any damage. I would say probably don't bother.

 

[JPOutfitters]

Has this vehicle been restored completely? You're going to drop 4K for a paint job in a 74 that has a 4" lift that you think will never see off the pavement because of the paint job and you have to ask whether or not to trim?

I'm not trying to bust your balls here.......just trying to understand why you would drop that kind of money on a paint job if everything else hasn't been fixed properly yet! Like a complete engine restore so it runs better, or pehaps going with a later model MPI 350 that will get you better mileage!!!

 

[rgretzinger]

Engine has been completely rebuilt and everything mechanically runs great. Brakes, steering, suspension, ac/heat, carpet, seats, dash all brand new. I haven't changed axles but I don't think I really need to for it's purpose. All it needs is a good paint job and some weather stripping. I kind of like the way the body looks trimmed, but would it look stupid or not serve a purpose if I had them trimmed on a most of the time mall crawler?

 

[JPOutfitters]

I would hate to drop that kind of cash for a paint job and then decide later you like the trimmed look better!

Trim it now and then get it painted.....

 

[ryoken]

just be aware that trimming, then "welding a lip on" isn't all that is required to make it look factory.... your cutting out the bodyline, some experienced hammer/dolly work is required.. unless they just load it with mud... i cover it somewhere in my novel of a build....

 

[rgretzinger]

Well Royken what do you think about trimming the fenders. Is it gay to trim the fenders if it isn't absolutely necessary and do you run trimmed fenders with a 4K paint job? I know this seems like a silly question to most but I just want to make sure I don't regret cutting or not cutting the fenders. Damn I'm confused.

 

[ryoken]

well, the obvious questions are.... is this going to be the final tire/lift combo? keep in mind, just because you have a 4" lift, doesn't mean you may not wanna change out to something a little softer, flexier down the road.. A TC EZ-ride, Alcan is gonna flex more than a RC spring...

a 35 with a 4" lift that articulates well will certainly rub in a lot of cases... I'd flex it out and see where it may rub, and trim accordingly..

i just wanted you to be aware that getting a factory looking lip is not a super simple task... and if your gonna put a nice paintjob on it, i certainly wouldn't want the typical, trim cut edge...

 

[BLIDVL]

Go all the way if you can swing a $$ paint job and have the fenders sectioned. After trimming the fenders on my Burb it was a downward spiral into beater status.

 

[tRustyK5]

I'd have them trimmed a little in the rear and about 2" out of the fang up front. The last thing you want after that amount of $$ into body and paint is to discover the one parking lot ramp where the tires will kiss the sheetmetal.

For 35's and 4" you generally don't need a lot of trimming, but you almost always need some.

Rene

 

[blazinzuk]

In all reality you have to ask if you are going to a bigger tire later in life, What type of tire are you running now. How big does it actually measure on the truck.

I have done some trimming on these that don't involve the rear outer edge. All the trimming takes place on the inside.

I would as Rene suggested trim the fangs up a bit though. That is easy to do cleanly.

In all reality you need to remove the sway bar and go flex it out. Might even want to remove the shocks. Many ways you can do it. I have used an engine hoist quite a bit, just make sure it is on its highest setting. I use an old rim with a pull point welded on it.

I have also used fork lifts ditches, railroad ties etc.

Remember to check flex on the drivers front, lift the passenger rear up as much as possible. Driver rear lifted up to check passenger front. This will make the front stuff as much as possible