Rolling Fenders?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Mar 2016, 10:15

My '07 AWD S40 T5 (manual transmission) has Hieco sport suspension on it which means it's been lowered 30mm (a little over an inch). The previous owner put 225/40/18 tires on it. When it came from the Hieco factory in Germany (yes, it was German bought by a service man), the tires were 245/35/18's... on OZ wheels. Looks great and there was apparently no rub. You can do the calculations on tire height with a bit of math. Apparently the skinnier tires (225 size) with the 40 profile adds up to more height and especially the driver's rear tire will rub over some bumps and grades. I looked into the camber (the previous owner thought there was a Elevate adjustable camber arm installed but there is not altough there are a lot of Elevate mods done to this car- mostly engine management and intake manifold, etc.) but the camber is fine...that's not the issue and even if there were adjustable camber arms back there it wouldn't help my issue. The tire rubs just on the outer edge and after a sporty drive, I can peel off a strand of rubber on the edge of the tread. It's not getting into the sidewalls at all but still a concern and more a nuisance than anything.

So...long story short- I talked to some tuner/ricer guys who have fenders rolled all the time and that seems like it might be my best solution at the present. I was wondering if anyone else has had that done on this forum, especially for S/V40's or C30's and if so, how it worked out for you?
I've felt in my tire well and there is a definite sharp edge that seems to be metal that juts out of the plastic liner, right where the tire makes contact...the edge of the fender in that location is about 4 inches wide...seems like just rolling this piece up would make a huge difference without really impacting the outer look of the fender.... Thoughts?

Post by **JDS60R** » 25 Mar 2016, 12:25

Be careful about rolling an edge - especially below 80 degrees. You can use tape to help protect the paint. ( as you bend metal you are bending the paint.

warm it up and go slow and smooth. Old method was to heat it with sun/hair dryer?heat gun -if you know what you are doing and then use a baseball bat. see youtube for good how too's and how not too's.

P.S. Don't rush - take time - keep it warm and go slow.

Post by **JDS60R** » 25 Mar 2016, 12:33

fancy directions with actual tool

Post by **JDS60R** » 25 Mar 2016, 12:35

My soundtrack while performing fender lip or fender rolling.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Mar 2016, 13:35

I don't think I'll tackle it...have a guy that can do it locally. He has a good reputation! However, he's not available for another week. If I can find someone else also local that has a good rep and can do it sooner, I want to get it done ASAP!!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 31 Mar 2016, 17:22

The guy is busy- put me off again- next Tuesday after he gets off from work is what he's now saying. If I can find another competent guy before that, I'll get it done earlier. I'm tired of the back tire scraping on the driver's side over bumps and some turns.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Apr 2016, 18:10

Got the fenders rolled today- the job went smoothly and things are good! There is no noticeable difference from the outside. I can go over bad bumps now and grades without any issue. I was a little concerned that the plastic dust covers on my shocks were completely torn to shreds and one side was missing the bump stop. Has anyone else seen this? I think that I'm okay without these- I have stiff lowering shocks but would like to know if anyone thinks that I should get these components replaced.