fender trimming

[yehaadon]

I trimmed my fenders on my previous s-10 and my Bronco II . one with a cutting torch at a pole barn party and a case of beer, the other sober and a die grinder and a cut off wheel. the cut off wheel left a much prettier cut but the wheel wells gave me freaking fits! Im thinking a sawzall this time, anyone have any better way? no plasma . wouldn't that nice though.

 

[superds]

I've done it with a 4.5" angle grinder with a cut off disc on it and one of those small 2.5" air powered cut off wheel to do the intricate stuff. Worked pretty good but it'd be nice to have a plasma cutter for next time!

You could also look into an air shear, made for cutting thin sheet metal: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200381619_200381619

Or an air nibbler: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200111774_200111774

 

[bobbywalter]

i like shears the best....

run the cutoff wheel in the areas needed but the shears work great.

 

[Totalled]

Jig saw with a metal blade.

 

[yehaadon]

superds , those shears look like the thing to have , maybe sawzall, and grinder for difficult areas1 good tips, thanks everyone!

 

[superds]

I think the jig saw would work pretty well also. I didn't have one available when I cut my fenders so I used the tools I did have, a grinder and a cut off wheel (also have a sawzall but they are kind of a bear to use for something that you want to look nice).

 

[bobbywalter]

when i say shear i am referring to a power shear.


its cut is so superior to saws or cut off wheels you would be shocked.

it rolls the edge round and soft and wont cut you. from there if you fold/roll the fender it will strengthen it greatly.



when my truck was still straight sided before i bulged the fenders...

post bulge i added a turn in the lip

the best part is the lack of rot when using this method.........

10 years later...