Flaring the rear fenders with a bat, pipe or ?, Is this more than just an "Urban Legend"? Options

[ahdoman]

Due to a 5 lug conversion in process I am going to need to flare my rear fenders to fit some 225/16's on the rear. I have heard and been told by people that it has been done using all sorts of implements; from baseball bats to lead pipe to old strut cartridges! I also have yet to see the results look decent. So does anybody have and personal experience and pics to back it up or is this truely an "Urban Legend"?

[Chris Pincetich]

I've gained about 0.75 inch rollin the rear fenders, enough to squeeze in 205/50 Hoosiers. I plan to do a little more so that there is more than a hair of clearance. No problems so far (no good photos either). Go for it - it is easy!

I used 2 wood dowels I had in my garage left over from making curtain and closet rods. One was about 0.75" and the other 1.75". With the car on the ground, slowly roll the small one accross the top of the tire first - DON'T let the tip do the pushing, so keep the angle somewhat shallow at first. Then I increased the angle on the small one (keeping the tip off the metal), then I went to the big one. The biggest gain initially comes from just bending the inner lip up and in, and there is no way you won't crack the paint on that sharp crease. Once the inner lip is folded up, then the top part of the fender starts to really move (small increments). I then swithed to the bigger tire, and started over with the small dowel. I did this on a warm day in direct sun, so never plugged in the heat gun.

Next, I have some spacers to push the big tire out and I'll try to work it out some more. The goal is to have 205/50 AX race tires and 225/45 street+track tires. Here'm my race tires and current 195/50s, with beautiful assistant. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)