How Do You Roll Your Fenders? Options

[ne14914]

Currently i have empi 8 spoke rims on my car with 165 SR 15 tires on them. I want to go to a wider tire but dont have much room. The empi rim has too much off set.

I have read about using a bat to "roll out" the fenders. Exactly how is this done, and will it resolve my problem. Does anyone else out there have empi 8 spokes on their car, and what is the widest tire you can put on them.

Thanks

Craig

[ChrisFoley]

The way I have done this is with a wooden (not aluminum) baseball bat and two people. With the car on the ground, insert the large end of the bat a few inches into the space at the rear of the fender opening. Then drive the car very slowly forward while holding the handle of the bat down to control the pressure. The bat will roll forward on the tire, pushing out on the fender. The tire will deform around the bat, so the fender will only move out a little bit. When the bat reaches the front of the fender opening, put the car in reverse and roll the other way. Rinse and repeat.

The paint might not even be damaged, but you can gain an inch of clearance this way. If you don't think such a big rod will fit in your hole, start with a closet pole. I guarantee you will switch to the bat quickly.

OTOH, that fancy tool looks like a slick trick if you like spending money.