I'd like to know if there is a way to roll my rear fenders without warping the panel or possibly cracking the paint, I am possibly about to get my extreme hail damage fixed, and the car might have to be repainted but I still haven't got a answer on that. So I'd like to try to roll them carefully, what is the best way? I haven't found a write up on this yet. Thanks!

 

Baseball bat.

But seriously, just go rent a fender roller for a day and either do it yourself or youtube it. It shouldn't be that hard.

I've seen some people use baseball bats for fender rolling and it came out pretty decent.

 

Don't be cheap and you shouldn't have problem, there are usually a couple shops in every major city who have someone skilled at rolling fenders and can do it without cracking the paint.

 

To keep the paint from cracking, the ideal range of temperatures for the paint along the fender lip would need to be between 150 and 180 degrees. So, you'll need a heat gun and an infrared thermometer.

But... you're going to have a difficult time rolling the rears, since the sheetmetal seal is half way across that fender lip. The change in metal thicknesses makes it near impossible to roll properly. I've had a fender roller for about 6 years now, and my rears are cut and re-sealed currently (they'll be getting tig welded eventually).

 

I saw the baseball bat method, it was funny but seemed like it would work, but I just can't see how the paint doesn't crack. But I just need my rears and You're right Matt, the metal is very strong on these cars and the lip is about an inch! Far as heat goes, it's around 110 by every afternoon! And where could I rent a fender rolling tool? I live in one of those areas where not many people think my car is cool or know what what style is.. it's going to be hard to find a tool, haha.

 

To be honest, the "strength" you're referring to is more or less a design that deters proper "rolling" techniques. You'll end up buckling the metal if you try to inhibit too much force on the welded seam. As I stated before, you're not going to get much without cutting (which would require welding or some proper panel glue/seam sealant).

 

110 ambient temperature isn't hot enough, you need a torch or a heat gun to stand a chance of not cracking the paint.

 

i used rubber mallet and heat gun.. gave me enough clearance what my purposes.. take your time.. because it will take a while

 

So I wouldn't have any problems with the rolling tool?

 

In what regards? As I stated previously... I own one, and had to cut my quarter panels to get any significant clearance gain.

 

The rolling tool makes it easy on some fenders, but not out rear fenders and you still need to get the temperature perfect.

 

i have tons of experience in this field. i have done over 600 cars in 4 yrs time from beaters to sl500s, bentleys and evo X's. i am pretty well known for this subject on about 30 forums. i am however in south jersey. i been workin alot but still manage to cram in 3-5 cars every monday. baseball bat = trouble you can be as careful as u want...when your using the wrong tools your just asking for trouble. get a roller or pay someone with experience. the roller wasnt enough for my car i rolled em then needed more so i notched the fenrders and folded them up.

What wheel, tire and suspension setup are you running

 

I would like to get mine done sometimes soon too, it's really a nesesity on these cars if you wanna get proper alingment specs for some sort of performance. I've only scuffed my rear tires twice during some more spirited driving so my alignment guy def did the best he could. I'm sick of having an improper alingment spec though, especialy since I got another new set of wheels and tires and KONI yellows and Energy bushing going in in a few days.

 

homelessEm2, I've actually been paying alot of attention to your build. I basically want to do nearly the exact same thing as you did. I love the wheels and love your car. I'm just planning ahead... the 6 P's Proper Planning Prevents **** Poor Performance, Lol. I'm probably about to get my hail damage fixed and some painting is going to need to be done, so that's what sparked my mind with rolling my fenders!

 

So you notched your rears and rolled them up? Care to elaborate?

 

Shoot, my front Koni's are leaking... it has bottomed out really hard a few times.

 

ive seen it done with a jack, baseball bat (wooden), and heat gun. it takes a some time. its a lot easier with the correct tool. if you use the baseball bat method, and your super low you have to raise up the car enough to fit in the bat.

 

where could i rent a fender roller?

 

Baseball bat never quite works (tried it and failed in 2003!)as it always presses into the tire and doesn't give a even deep flattening roll. I bought a Fender roller and a heat gun, and can knock out a car in under an hour. I like the notching idea of cutting perpendicular slits in the lip and folding it up.
Like previously mentioned, when you have the right tools....

 

does anybody know what a shop charges to roll all four fenders

 

And where did you buy yours??

 

^^^ Eastwood

 

Eastwood is not good, get pbm.