Are you struggling with tire rubbing issues or aiming for a more aggressive stance? How To Roll Car Fenders is the answer. CARS.EDU.VN provides a simple, effective guide to achieve that perfect fitment, preventing tire damage and enhancing your car’s aesthetics. Discover how fender rolling, fender pulling, and related techniques, can protect your investment.
1. Introduction: Understanding Fender Rolling
Aftermarket wheels are a common upgrade for car enthusiasts seeking to improve their vehicle’s appearance or performance. However, wider or more aggressively offset wheels can lead to tire rubbing against the fender lips, especially when encountering bumps or carrying passengers. This not only creates an annoying sound but can also damage both the tires and the fenders. Fender rolling is a technique used to address this issue by modifying the inner lip of the fender to create additional clearance.
1.1. The Dreaded Sound of Rubbing
Imagine the scenario: You’ve just installed a set of stunning new wheels on your car. They look fantastic, but as soon as you hit a bump, you hear that dreaded “scrubbing” sound. That sound is your tires making contact with the inner lip of your fenders. Each bump brings a wave of internal agony, as you picture bent and twisted fenders at the end of your journey. This is a wake-up call that fender rolling is necessary.
1.2. Preventing Tire Damage and Potential Blowouts
If left unaddressed, this rubbing can quickly wear down your tires, potentially leading to defects or, in severe cases, a blowout. Fender rolling provides a solution by creating the necessary clearance to prevent contact. This not only protects your tires but also prevents damage to the fenders themselves, such as bent metal and chipped paint, which can lead to rust.
1.3. Fender Rolling: A Common and Satisfying Task
Fender rolling is a common task for tuners and car enthusiasts alike. When performed correctly, it’s a relatively straightforward and satisfying job that can be done at home with the right tools and a bit of patience. Whether you’re into drifting, stance, or simply want a clean look, fender rolling can help you achieve your desired fitment.
1.4. CARS.EDU.VN: Your Resource for Automotive Solutions
At CARS.EDU.VN, we understand the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and customization. We offer detailed guides and expert advice to help you tackle automotive projects with confidence. If you’re looking to learn more about fender rolling or other car care techniques, explore our website for in-depth articles and helpful resources.
2. What Exactly Is Fender Rolling?
Fender rolling is the process of bending the inner lip of a vehicle’s fender upwards and inwards to create additional clearance between the tire and the fender. This technique is primarily used when installing wider wheels or tires that would otherwise rub against the fender lip.
2.1. Gaining Valuable Clearance
In essence, fender rolling provides a quick, convenient, and easy solution to gain that valuable extra clearance needed to allow your aftermarket wheels and tires to fit perfectly. Sometimes, even a few millimeters of additional fender clearance can be the difference between a problematic, scrubbing fender and one that clears without issue.
2.2. Planning Ahead or Addressing Existing Issues
Ideally, you’re planning on purchasing wheels or haven’t yet bought them, and you’re preparing in advance for what lies ahead. However, sometimes, we need to learn the hard way, addressing the problem after installing new wheels and experiencing rubbing.
2.3. Avoiding Costly Damage
Hopefully, no damage has been caused to your tires or, in extreme cases, your wheels or rear quarter panels. Damage can occur if rubbing is left unaddressed, leading to costly repairs. Don’t delay.
2.4. Addressing Factory Limitations
Typically, stock car bodies are not designed to accommodate larger, wider wheel and tire combinations. When fitting aftermarket wheels, this limitation becomes apparent, leading to the need for fender modification.
2.5. The Culprit: The Protruding Fender Lip
The protruding lip on the inside of the fender is usually the culprit of scrubbing issues. When it makes contact with the tire at speed, it’s sharper than it looks, causing potential damage. Over time, this can damage wheels and tires and destroy the paint, which is liable to begin rusting away. A rusty rear quarter panel is far from ideal.
2.6. Eliminating Issues Through Fender Rolling
To eliminate these issues, it’s time to roll your fenders. There are numerous ways to do so, which will be covered. When executed correctly, fender rolling will look the same as the OEM stock body from the outside. The changes are only visible if you look up into the fender, as it’s just the ‘L’ shaped lip that is tucked in.
2.7. Alternatives: Pulling Fenders
Some people prefer to pull their fenders or do both a roll and a pull. These options will be explored later. We’ll cover how to roll fenders the correct way and explore riskier, DIY possibilities for those looking for a quick fix that could potentially cost $0.
2.8. CARS.EDU.VN: Comprehensive Automotive Information
For those looking to delve deeper into automotive solutions, CARS.EDU.VN offers a wealth of information. From detailed guides on fender rolling to expert advice on vehicle maintenance, you’ll find the resources you need to keep your car in top condition.
3. Is Fender Rolling Really Worth It?
If you’re struggling with tire clearance, fender rolling is often the preferred method for eliminating any scrubbing issues. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the fender lip is metal before you start. In rare instances, fenders are plastic or fiberglass, making rolling a costly mistake.
3.1. Achieving Perfect Fitment
Once rolled, the flattened lip allows for perfect fitment, whether you’re looking to tuck your drift wheels under or go all-out with a “Hellaflush” stance look. Fender rolling enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of your vehicle.
3.2. Alternatives: Cutting and Pulling Fenders
Some owners choose to cut their fenders, while others choose to pull them. Fender rolling is generally the most popular choice.
3.3. The Benefits of Eliminating Rubbing
When you stop fouling your tires, wheels, and potentially damaging your car bodywork, you’ll realize it’s well worth the effort. Fender rolling protects your investment and ensures a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience.
3.4. Fender Rolling vs. Other Methods
Compared to other methods like fender cutting or pulling, fender rolling is often considered the least invasive. It allows you to maintain a factory-like appearance while still achieving the necessary clearance. However, the best method depends on your specific needs and desired look.
3.5. CARS.EDU.VN: Helping You Make Informed Decisions
At CARS.EDU.VN, we strive to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your vehicle. Whether you’re considering fender rolling, cutting, or pulling, our comprehensive guides and expert advice can help you choose the right approach for your needs.
4. Is Fender Rolling a Bad Idea? Addressing the Concerns
Fender rolling sometimes gets a bad reputation, but this is usually due to rushing the job or not doing it correctly – neither of which is recommended. When bending painted metal, there’s always a small risk of things going wrong, and many professionals provide a disclaimer for this reason.
4.1. The Risk of Imperfect Repairs
In the worst-case scenario, you might not even be bending metal. If your car has had a cheap repair job in the past, you may have filler/bondo hiding in the fender, and as you can probably imagine, it’s not too flexible. It’s worth ensuring that this isn’t the case, as it’s likely to go very wrong.
4.2. The Importance of Proper Techniques
With the correct methods combined with care, patience, and precision, there’s minimal risk of going wrong. If you don’t feel entirely comfortable with the process, we’d recommend heading to a professional. We’ll take a look at the typical prices for a pro job later.
4.3. Fender Rolling Gone Wrong
We’ve included a “Fender Rolling Gone Wrong” section at the end of this guide to ensure that you don’t make the same mistakes as others have. By learning from these mistakes, you can avoid potential pitfalls and achieve a successful outcome.
4.4. Minimizing Risks Through Preparation
To minimize risks, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect your fenders before starting the rolling process. Look for any signs of previous repairs or filler, and take steps to address these issues before proceeding. Proper preparation can significantly reduce the chances of something going wrong.
4.5. CARS.EDU.VN: Your Partner in Automotive Success
CARS.EDU.VN is committed to helping you achieve success in your automotive endeavors. Our detailed guides, expert advice, and cautionary tales are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to tackle fender rolling and other car care projects with confidence.
5. How to Properly Roll Your Car Fenders: A Step-by-Step Guide
Thankfully, with a reasonably-priced fender rolling tool, a heat gun, and a lot of patience, we’re confident you’ll be more than capable of rolling your fenders yourself. It’s important to check your fenders’ condition before you start and do your best to ensure that no filler/bondo is hiding in the area. If your fender has had a repair job in the past, then it’s likely to crack and split, which is, of course, not what we want to experience.
5.1. Essential Tools for the Job
First things first, we need to purchase the tools for the job. Here’s everything you’re going to need:
- Eastwood fender rolling tool – Although there are other options on the market, the Eastwood has been ours, and many others, the trusty weapon of choice for many years, and they come highly recommended.
- Heat gun – Offers exceptional value for money.
- Car jack – A low-profile option is highly recommended.
- Jack stands – Better to be safe than sorry.
5.2. Additional Tools
- Torque wrench
- Lug socket
- Cloth/rag
- Brush/old toothbrush
- All-purpose cleaning product
- Infrared laser thermometer (Optional, but recommended)
- Extension cord (If required)
5.3. Getting Started: Patience is Key
Now that we’ve got everything we need, it’s time to get those fenders rolled! Patience is critical. Do not rush the job, take your time, and do things slowly – especially if it’s your first attempt. Expect this to take several hours, so schedule a day in your calendar to ensure you take your time.
5.4. Step 1 – Lift the Car
The first thing we need to do is get the car in the air. Ensure that you’ve engaged your handbrake/e-brake/parking brake, use your car jack to lift the car to the required height, and then place the jack stand in a safe area. With the car in the air, remove the wheels from the fenders you intend to roll. If you have any plastic trim in the fender, this will need removing.
5.5. Step 2 – Prep the Area
Although many overlook this step, it’s vitally important. The last thing we want is to have a stone/rock hiding in the fender when we begin rolling, as you can probably guess how that’ll go. Using a stiff brush or an old toothbrush, stick your head in the fender and give the lip area that we’re planning to roll a thorough clean using the All-Purpose Cleaner to ensure no hidden dirt or debris. Once you’re satisfied that the area is clean, have a final wipe-down and wipe away any excess.
5.6. Step 3 – Attach the Fender Rolling Tool
Fetch your fender rolling tool, and attach it to your wheel hub. Align the swing arm of your rolling tool along the lip so that it will push the lip up and into the fender. Aiming for a slight angle at this point will be fine. When you’re satisfied with the position, lock in the length and prepare to use the heat gun.
5.7. Step 4 – Bring the Heat
Heat is essential for reshaping metal and helps the paint become more flexible, avoiding cracking.
5.7.1. Heat Gun Tips
- Don’t overheat the lip – Ideally, the metal should be hot to the touch, but not to the point where it burns your finger. If you invested in a thermometer, we’re aiming for around 120-130°F (around 50°C.)
- Don’t put the gun too close to your paint – Aim for a distance of around 7-10 inches.
- Keep the gun moving – Avoid bubbling the paint.
With these pointers in mind and with the fender rolling tool in position, run the heat gun along the lip, ensuring that you’re covering where the metal/paint will be bending until it’s hot to the touch or 120-130°F (around 50°C) if using in a thermometer.
5.8. Step 5 – Rolling the Fender
Take a deep breath, and remember that patience is critical. With the lip at the correct temperature and the fender rolling tool in the correct position, begin turning the adjustment lever, using the fender tool’s nylon wheel to bend the lip backward and into the fender gradually. Carry out the process on a small part of the fender at a time. There’s no need to go the whole way across just yet. Heat and care in specific areas are more important than ensuring the entire arc is complete in one swoop. Once you’ve completed the process on the whole area, you’ll have a slightly inwards-bent lip.
At this point, adjust the angle of the roller to allow it to bend further inwards. For the best possible results, do this as a gradual process in 3-4 stages, pushing the lip up further each time, adding more angle and pressure, and ensuring that the heat is maintained at the ideal temperatures to avoid damaging the paint. It may not be necessary to go with an entirely flattened lip, depending on the fitment of your wheel/tire combo, so don’t feel the need to go any further than necessary. Hopefully, at this point, you’ll be able to stand back and admire a job well done!
5.9. Final Touches
It’s a good idea to seal off your clean, neatly folded lip with some silicone. If things haven’t gone quite as planned, and the paint has cracked or chipped, we’d recommend sanding and using rust prevention methods on the area to eliminate the risk of rust and corrosion further down the line.
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6. DIY Alternatives: Fender Rolling with a Baseball Bat/Metal Bar
As you may have guessed, we don’t recommend doing this. However, many missile owners out there want to get the job done right away with minimal fuss so that they can get out and shred some more tires. We get it. Whether you plan to use an aluminum pole or a baseball bat, the concept is near-identical.
6.1. Following the Basics
Check out how to do it with the fender rolling tool and heat gun outlined above to minimize damage. The initial stages are identical.
6.1.1. Step 1 – Prep the Area
6.1.2. Step 2 – Insert the Bat/Bar
Instead of removing the wheel and tire, keep them attached to the car.
6.1.3. Step 3 – Bring the Heat
It’s still essential to heat the area as outlined above, and this is why so many bat/bar rolling jobs look so awful once completed. Wrap the bat/bar in a cloth or tape to ensure there’s no direct contact.
6.1.4. Step 4 – Rolling the Fender
Jack the car up enough to get the bat in between the fender and the tire, before lowering it. With one person holding the bat/bar in place and twisting it in the same motion, drive the car slowly backward and forwards, allowing the bat/bar to spin around and force the metal upwards. Remember to keep applying heat to achieve the optimal temperatures. If you’re not achieving the correct angle, apply pressure, and angle it simultaneously, but be warned this is hard to get precise. An alternative method is to move to a thicker part of the bat if shaped, but this is unlikely to be the case with a bar.
6.2. The “Ghetto” Method
Although this is the “ghetto” method, some swear by it, where for others, it’s been a disaster and left them with a wavy fender, which has later rusted out. Our general rule is to use the proper tool or have a pro job for a clean car, and for a missile, this method usually is satisfactory. However, be prepared not to have the finished product look anywhere near as tidy, and apply rust prevention methods where necessary.
6.3. CARS.EDU.VN: Providing Solutions for Every Budget
At CARS.EDU.VN, we recognize that not everyone has access to professional tools or services. That’s why we provide information on DIY alternatives, allowing you to tackle automotive projects on a budget. However, we always emphasize the importance of safety and caution when using alternative methods.
7. The Risky Alternative: Fender Rolling With a Hammer
The hammer method is another ghetto alternative for a missile car without access to a rolling tool or a bar. You can frequently see this done at grassroots drift events, and it still makes our eyes water to this day.
7.1. The Least Favorite Method
As you probably guessed, this is our least favorite method, and the chances of it looking perfect are painfully slim. This process is simple; you will once again be heating the area to the optimal temperature before hammering the lip back manually to flatten it into the fender.
7.2. CARS.EDU.VN: Promoting Safe and Effective Practices
While CARS.EDU.VN provides information on various automotive techniques, we always prioritize safety and effectiveness. The hammer method is generally discouraged due to the high risk of damage and unsatisfactory results. We recommend using proper tools and techniques whenever possible.
8. Fender Rolling vs. Fender Pulling: What’s the Difference?
There seems to be quite a bit of confusion online with the differences between rolling and pulling, but the concept is simple. Rolling flattens the lip that’s scrubbing but still looks OEM from the outside, whereas pulling pulls the fender out to ensure additional clearance and visibly pulls the fender outwards.
8.1. Understanding the Concepts
Rolling involves bending the inner lip of the fender, while pulling involves physically stretching the entire fender outwards. Each technique serves a different purpose and achieves a different aesthetic.
8.2. When to Choose Pulling
Some drifters opt for rolling before realizing that they need even more clearance, and this is where pulling can be useful. For others, they prefer the look of flared fenders, so they’ll go for the pulled look regardless and perhaps purchase wider wheels or use spacers to fill out the gap. On some cars, there may not be a lip to roll. In this case, pulling is often the only option to achieve perfect fitment.
8.3. Achieving the Pulled Look
Pulling is achieved with the fender rolling tool, except instead of using a subtle angle to push the lip upwards, you’ll want to use an aggressive angle and tension while forcing the lip away from the car. This requires more force and can potentially damage the fender if not done carefully.
8.4. CARS.EDU.VN: Helping You Understand Your Options
CARS.EDU.VN provides clear explanations and detailed guides to help you understand the differences between fender rolling and pulling. By understanding the pros and cons of each technique, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and preferences.
9. Fender Rolling vs. Fender Cutting: Which Is Right for You?
Some owners go for the cutting method straight away if they know that rolling isn’t likely to achieve the perfect clearance, and this is sometimes the case with millimeter-perfect fitment. It’s worth noting that once you’ve rolled the lip, it’s going to be more challenging to cut than working on a clean, fresh lip. So it may be worth doing it right away if you think it may be necessary.
9.1. When Cutting Is the Preferred Option
Another time when enthusiasts opt for cutting is when fitting overfenders to their drift car. Since the overfenders will likely go lower than the OEM fender, it’s not worth keeping the OEM metal in place, as it’s likely to be both visible underneath and cause rubbing issues.
9.2. Cutting for Wide Body Kits
Therefore, cutting the OEM fender, sometimes going several inches into the bodywork, is the best solution for extremely wide body kits. However, if you do this, make sure you use the correct rust/corrosion prevention methods and ensure that you’re not leaving a rough edge that could potentially kill your tires.
9.3. CARS.EDU.VN: Guiding You Through the Cutting Process
If fender cutting is the right choice for your project, CARS.EDU.VN provides detailed guidance on how to do it safely and effectively. Our resources cover everything from selecting the right tools to applying rust prevention methods, ensuring that you achieve a clean and professional result.
10. Fender Rolling Cost: What to Expect
We get asked this a lot, but it depends on your area and how well you know the professional that’ll be doing the job. We would expect to pay around $50-70 per fender for a simple roll, but if you’re opting for cutting or pulling, then that price could change drastically. It can also be different on a car-to-car basis dependent on the fender design.
10.1. Factors Influencing Cost
The cost of fender rolling can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the job, the location, and the experience of the professional. Cutting or pulling fenders typically costs more than a simple roll due to the additional labor and skill required.
10.2. DIY vs. Professional Services
If you’re on a tight budget, DIY fender rolling can be a cost-effective alternative. However, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits before deciding whether to tackle the job yourself.
10.3. CARS.EDU.VN: Helping You Find the Best Value
CARS.EDU.VN can help you find the best value for your fender rolling project by providing information on average costs, DIY techniques, and local service providers. We empower you to make informed decisions that align with your budget and goals.
11. Fender Rolling Gone Wrong: Learning from Mistakes
We’ve certainly not created this section to cause concern. Instead, we want to point out how NOT to carry out the job. Firstly, this painful video features several face-palm moments. You may not want to hit the play button!
11.1. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
We warned you about ensuring no filler/bondo is lurking in your fenders, and this video highlights why. We’re sure you’ll agree, this isn’t the kind of job we’d like to be fixing! We’ve seen dented, warped, and obliterated fenders by drifters doing things the wrong way, trying to show off to their buddies.
11.2. Investing in Proper Equipment
Don’t be that guy. Do things correctly, invest in the right equipment, and take your time.
11.3. CARS.EDU.VN: Preventing Costly Mistakes
CARS.EDU.VN is committed to preventing costly mistakes by providing clear warnings and cautionary tales. By learning from the mistakes of others, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a successful outcome in your fender rolling project.
12. Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Fender Rolling
Don’t let the above videos demotivate you from doing the job yourself, but use them as a useful guide for what not to do when you’re carrying out your fender rolling. If you follow our step-by-step process, we’re sure that things will go smoothly – quite literally. Remember that maintaining the fender at the optimal temperature combined with patience and care is vital. We wish you the best of luck with your fender rolling efforts.
12.1. Achieving Success Through Patience and Care
Fender rolling can be a rewarding project when approached with patience, care, and the right techniques. By following the guidance provided in this article, you can achieve professional-quality results and enhance the performance and aesthetics of your vehicle.
12.2. CARS.EDU.VN: Your Partner in Automotive Excellence
CARS.EDU.VN is your trusted partner in automotive excellence. We provide the information, resources, and support you need to tackle any automotive project with confidence. Visit our website today to explore our comprehensive collection of articles, guides, and expert advice.
12.3. Contact Us
Feel free to reach out to us if you’d like your finished product to be featured here on CARS.EDU.VN. Contact us at 456 Auto Drive, Anytown, CA 90210, United States. Whatsapp: +1 555-123-4567. Website: CARS.EDU.VN
So, there we have it! We hope that we’ve covered everything you could want to know about Fender Rolling in this guide. Thank you for reading our Fender Rolling guide.
If you’re looking for more in-depth information and assistance with your automotive projects, CARS.EDU.VN is here to help. Our website offers a wealth of resources and expert advice to guide you every step of the way.
13. FAQ: Addressing Your Fender Rolling Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about fender rolling:
- What is the purpose of fender rolling?
- Fender rolling creates extra clearance between the tire and fender, preventing rubbing and potential damage.
- Is fender rolling necessary for all cars with aftermarket wheels?
- No, it’s primarily needed when installing wider or more aggressively offset wheels.
- Can I roll my fenders myself, or should I hire a professional?
- With the right tools and patience, you can do it yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable, hiring a professional is recommended.
- What tools do I need for fender rolling?
- A fender rolling tool, heat gun, car jack, and jack stands are essential.
- Is there a risk of damaging my car during fender rolling?
- Yes, there’s a risk, especially if you rush the job or don’t use the correct techniques.
- What’s the difference between fender rolling and fender pulling?
- Rolling flattens the fender lip, while pulling stretches the entire fender outwards.
- Is fender pulling more aggressive than fender rolling?
- Yes, fender pulling is more aggressive and can visibly alter the fender’s appearance.
- What’s the average cost of professional fender rolling?
- Expect to pay around $50-70 per fender for a simple roll, but prices can vary.
- Can I use a baseball bat or hammer for fender rolling?
- These methods are not recommended due to the high risk of damage and unsatisfactory results.
- How can I prevent rust after fender rolling?
- Apply rust prevention methods to any exposed metal surfaces after the process.
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This article provides general information and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified mechanic or technician before performing any modifications to your vehicle.
