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View Full Version : How To - Roll Fenders


BRIAN MP5T
11-30-2007, 06:25 PM
When I picked up my 18" rims, they looked great but on the stock suspension with a full tank of gas and a person in the back, it would rub unless I drove like a granny. I decided to get the TEIN-SS Coilovers and was left with a problem. I can't drop my car.

I started looking into a solution to the problem. Here were the options.

1. Roll the Fender Lip up
2. Cut the Fender Lip with a rotary tool.
3. Get the Offset of the rim changed.The Offset was going to cost about $40.00 per and then a mount and balance.

Cutting the fender has been done by some members of another club. I would not recommend it. That seam/lip is where the two sections of frame are held together. Removing this part will eventually cause the frame to rust and flex apart.

Rolling the fender should be done on a warm day or in a place where you won't be rushed. Some have place a wooden baseball bat on the tire between the fender and the tire and rolled the car forward. This works but has a really great chance of messing up the paint. So that leave me with the idea that made the most sense and worked for me..

You will need.

A Rubber Mallet
A Heat Gun
Time.
Start by jacking the car onto jack stands and removing the tire.

Heat the area until the paint becomes rather warm to the touch, this is to make the paint less likely to crack or chip off. Start hitting lightly, numerous small taps will bend the metal. Take your time and work the entire fender gradually rather than bending one complete section at a time. Stop when the lip is flush with the inside of the fender.

THIS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE TO THE REAR

There is no requirement to do this to the front.

P.S. This worked for me, but I will not be held responsible if you bugger up your car. If you want my help, I will gladly help you do it.

I have seen these used alot, they are in every tuner mag. They are about $300.00 to buy and Final Lap Kingston has one for rent.


http://www.bmw-m.net/Gallery/images/fender_roller1.jpg

http://www.bmw-m.net/Gallery/images/fender_roller2.jpg


EDIT:

Just an Update. It's been over Four years since I rolled my fenders and the paint is still solid and there is no rust.

pro5x2
11-07-2008, 03:50 PM
hmmm.....i don't nkow why i didn't see this before.

I think i'll do this to Callie's with just a heatgun and rubber mallet.

Save some $$$

fez
11-07-2008, 04:04 PM
umm ... the roller does a slightly better job... I've seen people use all kind of tools to roll fenders, and i'd strongly suggest renting a Roller.

Z
11-07-2008, 04:18 PM
you can always do the pink baseball bat....

Raider
11-07-2008, 10:16 PM
The baseball bat requires skills, which I do not have. So I rented a roller on ebay, did it right, worked out great.

liquid_ag
11-08-2008, 10:52 AM
only true true ballers handle pink baseball bats

CrashKelly
11-08-2008, 09:51 PM
pround member of the "rubber mallet pounder club" here...which still didnt work because tirerack sucks and I should have known better than to trust one of their "specialists"...called to buy some rims, asked if they'd fit and gave em a description of the stockers...and of course the answer was "sure they fit, now give use several hundred dollars"....I did so and even after rolling the fenders was stuck with a set of rims that were too offset...should have just done the homework myself i guess...

pro5x2
11-09-2008, 06:41 AM
that is kinda what i'm affraid of. I'll try rolling, can't hurt, but, i do think the offset with 215's is just too great

Maybe time for some STI flares? lol

CrashKelly
11-10-2008, 08:25 AM
that is kinda what i'm affraid of. I'll try rolling, can't hurt, but, i do think the offset with 215's is just too great

Maybe time for some STI flares? lol

Yeah, I hear the STI flares run about $30,000+, but they come with a full body upgrade, engine/trans upgrade, and new interior....well worth the money IMO.

pro5x2
11-10-2008, 08:30 AM
lmao!

i double checked lastnight, and, i'm 90% sure just rolling that lip will take care of it.

So, i gotta double check some financial stuff(stupid $300 deposit), then i'll be renting the roller

GMalatrasi
11-11-2008, 11:23 AM
I'm looking to do this too so I can drive my car when I'm done with the turbo stuff.
Maybe we can meet half way and I'll split the rental cost with you...?

pro5x2
11-11-2008, 11:26 AM
i'm prob going to just do the hammer trick this weekend to do a partial tuck in, then get the roller to do it right later

GMalatrasi
11-11-2008, 01:04 PM
I bid on a couple rollers on ebay, we'll see what happens.

Raider
11-11-2008, 07:48 PM
I through this guy to rent the kit. heat gun and a lot of time were a huge plus.

Geep, you really gotta roll the fenders!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rubbing-Tires-Fender-Rolling-Roller-Tool-For-Rental_W0QQitemZ130265645112QQihZ003QQcategoryZ439 96QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

GMalatrasi
11-11-2008, 08:53 PM
Geep, you really gotta roll the fenders!!

I know!! I'm still concentrating on the turbo stuff, but it'd be nice to have the fenders done soon after so that I can actually drive the car.

BRIAN MP5T
11-21-2008, 12:53 AM
Hammer ftw

pro5x2
11-21-2008, 07:51 AM
i'm thinking so. all the fender rentals are gone.

Bringing the heatgun home next week and buying a rubber mallet

SATimko
11-21-2008, 08:06 AM
Pink baseball bat. Kgo.