Topic: Flat fender question

[dexetr30]

I was thinking of doing a flat fender mod similar to the one in the photo. Does anyone have any opinions? I'm wondering about fender strength and legality on the street. I'm running factory rims so I won't have any tire hanging out past the flares.

[Bounty Hunter]

I did mine the same way, have been real happy with it.  You should still be legal as the tire coverage doesn't change.

Tire coverage laws change from state to state, there is no requirement prohibiting tires sticking out past the fenders/flares in IL, your state could be similar.

[Jeffy]

It's not too difficult to do that.  Looks like they trimmed the underside of the fender to optimize the space.  Then they trim the front to make it 'flatfendered'.  Trip flare to match.  Sawzall or cut off wheel would work.  I do like how they leave teh edge of the fender intact so it has some structure to it.

[dexetr30]

I did mine the same way, have been real happy with it.  You should still be legal as the tire coverage doesn't change.

Tire coverage laws change from state to state, there is no requirement prohibiting tires sticking out past the fenders/flares in IL, your state could be similar.

I think the flares would be fine coverage wise. The only thing I'm really questioning is the openness between the front of the wheel and the front bumper. I don't think PA has any laws concerning how far the bumpers need to come around the wheel/tire assembly.

It's not too difficult to do that.  Looks like they trimmed the underside of the fender to optimize the space.  Then they trim the front to make it 'flatfendered'.  Trip flare to match.  Sawzall or cut off wheel would work.  I do like how they leave the edge of the fender intact so it has some structure to it.

I was thinking of using a set of electric sheet-metal sheers to make a nice clean cut. Only problem is I'm not sure if they will cut around the curves. I also I have a really good jig saw that is very easy to control and makes a very clean cut. The sawzall would definitely work but I'm not so sure about it's accuracy for such a job. I'm going to run each tool on some bent sheet metal and see which one I feel most comfortable with.

[Rob the plumber]

I used a Sawzall on mine. I would not recommend a sawzall though unless you are very familiar using one. It can get away from you in a hurry.

[Jesse-James]

I used a jigsaw, easy to control. Was going to use a cut-off wheel but I was concerned with burning the paint.

[dexetr30]

I think I'll end up going with the jigsaw. Seems the easiest way to do it and keep it looking clean.

[DodgeMudder]

You should be fine doing that here in PA as long as you keep the tires covered, and you'll have to add a new side marker light to make up for the one your cutting off, just like you have to add the front marker light.

[cmgorman94]

There is just so jittle structure left in those fenders they would scare me.  It seems like if you were to so much as breathe heavily on them they would bend/crack/look like hell.  I would never do that to my Jeep, but I know guys that have. To each his own I suppose

[dexetr30]

If I do this mod, I'll add horizontal supports going from the underside of the fender over and down to the grill for added strength.

[Colin]

I have TJ Flares waiting to be put on my YJ, and I've been contemplating this very idea myself. (TJ Flares = more clearance for CJs/YJs).

The only difficult part is really getting the cut correct without burning the paint, and mounting a new light fixture, but it's really just a matter of doing it.

As far as support goes, your current fenders aren't anything special when met with a tree, and these really aren't that much weaker. If you need support, go tube fender or just don't care about how it looks imo.

[DodgeMudder]

The current fenders on my Jeep are cut flat, they are just the flat top section of the fenders w/ everything else removed there is no stability issues with them, they don't flex and move when wheeling or have anyproblems from being cut, they look like shit because they've been abused but that has little to do w/ being cut flat.  My $0.02