. I'll probably still miss a lot of info, but hopefully this will help some of you guys out there who want to run bigger tires/less negative camber with your crazy low offset & wide rims.So I dropped by to visit my buddies' local 240 shop today & decided I should roll and flare my fenders to prepare for upcoming modifications. There are numerous DIY articles and posts floating on the Internet, all with tid bits here & there, but all of them seem to be missing some info. What I will try to do is combine all that knowledge and put as much of it into one post as possible . I'll probably still miss a lot of info, but hopefully this will help some of you guys out there who want to run bigger tires/less negative camber with your crazy low offset & wide rims.
Note: Although it is possible to use the same method for the front fenders, it is more common to just "hammer" in the lip up front because of the flimsiness of the front fenders. This method has not been tried with the front fenders yet... This rolling tutorial is being performed on a '92 Nissan 240sx convertible.
Total Project Time:
- Approximately 2-3 hours for both rear fenders with taking pictures and comparing/aligning both sides. Took our sweet time (at least on one of the sides, haha) to make sure everything was going to plan.
Equipment:
- Ratchet set for loosening/tightening lug nuts (my stock lug nuts are 21mm)
- Towels/rags - something to clean the fenders and work area
- Eastwood fender roller
- Heat gun (I used the Chicago Electric Adjustable Heat Gun from Harbor Freight), a hair dryer could also work but will be slower
- Infrared Thermometer (not necessary, but highly recommended to prevent paint cracking)
Preparation:
- Put your car up on jack stands.
- Remove the wheels
Step 1: Clean your fenders
- Clean around the fender area and inside the wheel well behind the lip (this step is VERY important; you don't want any pebbles getting stuck inside your fenders and showing up when you roll!)
- Clean the fenders again just to be sure
Step 2: Attach the fender roller
- Use the supplied adapters and your stock lug nuts to attach the fender roller
- The orange knob in the middle of the arm adjusts the height of the roller. I had to change height frequently while rolling to get everywhere - the 240 fender isn't exactly a circle, but more of an oval.
- The knob by the roller head adjusts the angle of the head. I left it at the same angle my friend used (which is about 15-20 degrees from vertical).
- The long arm in front of the hub adjusts the distance between roller and the fender (counter-clockwise moves the roller closer). I adjusted the roller until it touched the fender. Rolled a bit. Then tightened a little more, approximately 1/2 - 1 turn each time.
Step 3: Heat up fender
- You will want to heat up the lip, edge, and all around the fender area you will be rolling. 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature, according to popular sources. If you don't have an infrared thermometer just make sure it's hot to the touch, but not to the point where your paint is boiling!
- Note: we rushed the driver side a bit, and had uneven fender temperatures (120 F backside, 100F front side). The passenger side was done with no cracking at all. This cracked the paint almost right away. So please take your time if you want to minimize paint cracking.
Step 4: Start rolling
- As stated above: I adjusted the roller until it touched the fender. Rolled a bit. Then tightened a little more, approximately 1/2 - 1 turn each time. You will need to apply force liberally, but not too much - if you hear paint cracking, slow down, loosen the roller, and check for damage.
- You can either roll the lip flat and stop, or continue adjusting the arm in front of the lug nuts to get flares. This all depends on your setup preferences.
- It is much easier to have a friend heat and monitor the fenders while rolling. Have him/her heat up the area surrounding where you are rolling and basically follow and lead you while you are rolling. We heated up about 1 foot beyond the fender lip to make sure the metal stays hot & malleable.
- Start rolling from the top of the wheel well and work your way toward front and rear progressively. As you get closer to the front and rear areas, there will be less room for the roller to move, so adjusting height is required. Also, you may need to use a little more force to "persuade" the lip into folding.
- When comparing both sides for evenness, look both behind and in front of the car to see how each side flares. When on the left side behind the car, look w/ the left eye. Try to position yourself in the same relative position on the right side of the car w/ the right eye. Looking from the front of the car and directly above the wheel well will offer more angles to compare both sides.
- Note: the driver side tends to buckle a lot easier than the passenger side when flaring because there is no gas tank equipment to reinforce the fender. Be very careful when working on the passenger side and make sure everything is heated correctly and not too much pressure is being applied. This has happened on both my coupe and my friends hatch. With the '92 240sx convertible, we did not experience the buckling problem, perhaps due to the extra bracing the vert has, or maybe we were just more careful/prepared this time around.
Step 5: Finish up
- Once everything is even, unbolt the roller, reattach your wheels, torque the wheels to factory spec, and enjoy your new found wheel well room!!!
Modified by brokeAs240sx at 12:08 PM 11/6/2006
Modified by brokeAs240sx at 1:36 PM 11/8/2006
Post Title:
Posted by: Dano at 1:29 AM 10/29/2006
-Dan
Post Title: Re: (240sx2nr95)
Posted by: onosqv at 1:39 AM 10/29/2006
| Quote, originally posted by 240sx2nr95 » |
| Very nice writeup! I'm actually working on the fronts as we speak! haha good timing! -Dan |
Dood, it's 1:30am (PST), don't work on cars, go to sleep!!! hee hee.
Let me know how the fronts turn out, cuz I'm debating on whether to pound it flat by hammer or use the fender roller... doesn't really matter to me tho cuz I'm getting the car bodyworked/repainted soon, hahaha. but will be good to know!
The main thing is I'm afraid something might buckle up front if I roll. or it mite get a weird flare and iono if that will look right in the front.
Post Title: Re: (brokeAs240sx)
Posted by: twofourzeroSX at 7:20 AM 10/29/2006
btw... NICE JOB, thats a really nice pull. i will be doing mine in the spring
Post Title: Re: (twofourzeroSX)
Posted by: boj240 at 7:23 AM 10/29/2006
| Quote, originally posted by boj240 » |
| ohhhh sweet tut... gj on it i wanna roll my fenders now.! hmm where did u pick up that tool? |
You can get them from Tirerack...
http://www.tirerack.com/access...p.jsp
Post Title: Re: (Broadfield)
Posted by: sil8y-X at 8:43 AM 10/29/2006
| Quote, originally posted by Broadfield » |
You can get them from Tirerack... |
Too bad I'll never have the bling for wheels wide enough else I'd do it on my 14
Post Title: Re: (sil8y-X)
Posted by: Dano at 7:54 PM 10/29/2006
| Quote, originally posted by sil8y-X » |
| Question: Would I have to do this if I were to use wider fenders? I plan on getting my car painted sometime in the near future and would like to do this before so. Would the wider fenders, say 30mm wider, give me enough clearance to run low offset and wide rims? |
No, plus the wide fenders are FRP and you can't roll that...
-Dan
Post Title: Re: (brokeAs240sx)
Posted by: Dano at 7:56 PM 10/29/2006
| Quote, originally posted by brokeAs240sx » |
Dood, it's 1:30am (PST), don't work on cars, go to sleep!!! hee hee. Let me know how the fronts turn out, cuz I'm debating on whether to pound it flat by hammer or use the fender roller... doesn't really matter to me tho cuz I'm getting the car bodyworked/repainted soon, hahaha. but will be good to know! The main thing is I'm afraid something might buckle up front if I roll. or it mite get a weird flare and iono if that will look right in the front. |
For sure, but it's being postponed until after I get back from SEMA next weekend, so you gotta wait, but it'll be worth it!
And ANY time is a good time to work on cars as long as you have enough energy. Just be quiet after 9pm and don't piss off your neighbors 
-Dan
Post Title:
Posted by: ~4N~ at 7:56 PM 10/29/2006
Someday...
Post Title:
Posted by: Florida240sx at 9:01 PM 10/29/2006
great writeup tho
Post Title: Re: (nvrplzd240)
Posted by: TOPSECRT88 at 6:03 AM 10/30/2006
| Quote, originally posted by 240sx2nr95 » |
| No, plus the wide fenders are FRP and you can't roll that... -Dan |
I know it wouldn't be conventional, but hypothetically you could heat up the fiberglass fenders and "pull" them. That would requires some incredible wide front wheels, though.
Post Title: Re: (FSUDrifter)
Posted by: Dano at 8:08 AM 10/30/2006
| Quote, originally posted by FSUDrifter » |
I know it wouldn't be conventional, but hypothetically you could heat up the fiberglass fenders and "pull" them. That would requires some incredible wide front wheels, though. |
Even if you could get it hot enough without losing it's shape, your not gonna have much play either way... it'd be better to leave it alone.
-Dan
Post Title: Re: (240sx2nr95)
Posted by: 94_240sx at 8:38 AM 10/30/2006
| Quote, originally posted by adrians_s13 » |
$300 for 1 time use? sheeeesh! but yeah, good write-up Q. i did mines like last year, but i didnt need the pull for 15x7 +0, just the roll |
If you buy one, you can roll/pull for other people for like $70 bucks or whatever and it can pay itself off.
I ran 15x7 +0 and you might need to roll depending on the tire size you go with and how much camber you use. If you're going with a 205/60 with 0* camber i'd roll.
Post Title: Re: (240sx2nr95)
Posted by: sil8y-X at 4:13 PM 10/30/2006
| Quote, originally posted by 240sx2nr95 » |
No, plus the wide fenders are FRP and you can't roll that... -Dan |
Lol, didn't even think of them being FRP. I'm an idiot.
Post Title: Re: (sil8y-X)
Posted by: ppd_sileighty at 4:28 PM 10/30/2006
| Quote, originally posted by AZhitman » |
| Man, that's a NICE flare.... I need to do that to mine. |
Yeah, I wanted you to see this thread before you do it. Vert has another sheet metal welded inside of rear fender, but still you should be careful. Actually, reforcement is exact spot where it buckles easy.
Post Title:
Posted by: boznuttz at 9:38 AM 1/2/2007
| Quote, originally posted by Loveless » |
| nice write up but what is wrong with the color balance of the photo? someone have it stuck in flash mode or something |
white balancing was off in the photo, so everything was a lil blue - wasn't my camera so I didn't notice til after the fact .
| Quote, originally posted by boznuttz » |
| Dumb question, but does rolling even decrease the appearance of wheel gap in the front and rear? |
Actually, if anything, it would slightly increase it - the reason being that you are pulling out (and sort of up), that's strictly speaking flares though, rolling should do nothing easily noticeable.
| Quote, originally posted by AZhitman » |
| Man, that's a NICE flare.... I need to do that to mine. |
Yea, verts are strong back there , but you should still be very very careful - I was doing it like that because I didn't care if it buckled or chips paint because I'm having bodywork and paint done to it soon anyway. Still gotta put on the "flusher" rims and flare a little more.
I have a tool that I'll be testing as an "unbuckler/anti-buckler" as soon as I get a chance, in the middle of a few projects right now & just got back from vacation.
I've done a couple 240's & a couple other cars recently - the chance of buckling on fastbacks is the worse, then coupes, then verts - but I've heard of a vert getting buckled, so I guess it's a judgement call.
And if you're ever in So Cal w/ the vert, I'll help u roll it out, hahaha - easy to do by yourself though, just take your sweet time.
Post Title: Re: (94_240sx)
Posted by: onosqv at 11:32 PM 1/3/2007
| Quote, originally posted by 94_240sx » |
Yeah, I wanted you to see this thread before you do it. Vert has another sheet metal welded inside of rear fender, but still you should be careful. Actually, reforcement is exact spot where it buckles easy. |
Fixed most of the buckle on my other 240 today - this method can possibly be used to keep buckling to a minimal when flaring - tried on coupe & fastback, vert should be nearly the same).
DIY: S13 Fender Unbuckling Procedures - also possible buckling prevention!
Post Title:
Posted by: thekidzkid25 at 9:30 PM 2/8/2007
if i were to put rear wide body quarter pannels 50mm ... and i didnt want to cut my wheel well... could i just roll it then put the over fender OVER it??? 
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (sil8tdrftr)
Posted by: onosqv at 11:30 PM 2/8/2007
| Quote, originally posted by sil8tdrftr » |
| nice job man... quick question if i were to put rear wide body quarter pannels 50mm ... and i didnt want to cut my wheel well... could i just roll it then put the over fender OVER it??? |
HAHA, you could... however, that would sort of eliminate the point of over flaring...
And w/ over panels you can lower the car much much more.
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (brokeAs240sx)
Posted by: sil8tdrftr at 11:55 PM 2/8/2007
Modified by sil8tdrftr at 12:05 AM 2/9/2007
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (sil8tdrftr)
Posted by: onosqv at 1:15 AM 2/9/2007
/end long run on sentence question.. lol
Post Title: Re: (daconkiftador)
Posted by: onosqv at 10:52 AM 2/9/2007
I've had one fried put a couple 2x4's in his rear quarter panel from another buckle - think it was an accident. That held up pretty well, just a little unoptimal, haha.
The "ultimate cube" I used above helps for smaller cases. I've looked into expanding foam (from Home Depot), but it looks to get messy. It is definitely something you cannot use before/while rolling because of the movement of the whole fender area.
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (brokeAs240sx)
Posted by: hoobuttacrew at 5:17 PM 2/9/2007
| Quote, originally posted by hoobuttacrew » |
| Is it just me or does the guy that started this thread look like the dude from "Pimp My Ride". The guy that got his 240 "pimped" with the need for speed graphics and stuff. Just thought it was pretty funny. Take a good look |
You racist or something? Like all asians look alike? WTF?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, just messing w/ you. Nice first post... welcome to the boards...
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (hoobuttacrew)
Posted by: mestizo at 6:02 PM 2/9/2007
| Quote, originally posted by hoobuttacrew » |
| Is it just me or does the guy that started this thread look like the dude from "Pimp My Ride". The guy that got his 240 "pimped" with the need for speed graphics and stuff. Just thought it was pretty funny. Take a good look |
LoL do a lil more looking around not only does he look like him but he drives the same car!
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (mestizo)
Posted by: hoobuttacrew at 9:11 PM 2/9/2007
| Quote, originally posted by hoobuttacrew » |
| Is it just me or does the guy that started this thread look like the dude from "Pimp My Ride". The guy that got his 240 "pimped" with the need for speed graphics and stuff. Just thought it was pretty funny. Take a good look |
Awesome first post, 
.
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (daconkiftador)
Posted by: adrians_s13 at 9:03 PM 2/24/2007
im trying to do the rears right now, but i think the car is too low cuz the roller goes right over the lip. is there a way to get the roller lower?
Post Title:
Posted by: e1_griego at 10:15 PM 2/24/2007
Besides raise the car, or removing the coilover and supporting the suspension/spindle with a jack or something, you're pretty much sunk.
Alex
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (adrians_s13)
Posted by: onosqv at 12:28 AM 2/25/2007
| Quote, originally posted by adrians_s13 » |
| bump! im trying to do the rears right now, but i think the car is too low cuz the roller goes right over the lip. is there a way to get the roller lower? |
disconnect the coilovers from the strut tower (or from the bottom perch) & support the bottom w/ a jack. Works like a charm. If you still need more clearance, you can disconnect the sway bar, etc.
Post Title: Re: (e1_griego)
Posted by: onosqv at 12:29 AM 2/25/2007
| Quote, originally posted by e1_griego » |
| Yeah, that's the problem I have with rolling my front fenders. Torch + hammer are going to go into effect here shortly. Besides raise the car, or removing the coilover and supporting the suspension/spindle with a jack or something, you're pretty much sunk. Alex |
oops, didn't see your 2nd paragraph. Still a lil buzzin from the party, haha.
Post Title: Re: (brokeAs240sx)
Posted by: adrians_s13 at 8:44 AM 2/25/2007
thanks
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (mestizo)
Posted by: hoobuttacrew at 5:24 PM 2/27/2007
-HBC
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (hoobuttacrew)
Posted by: onosqv at 5:31 PM 2/27/2007
| Quote, originally posted by hoobuttacrew » |
| How much does it cost for a shop to roll the fenders for you versus paying all that money to buy tool to do it yourself? Also if anyone has one that theyd like to rent out for the day id definately be interested.
|
To just roll fenders, shops charge anywhere between 50-80, flaring is more obviously. Some of them also dont' care about your paint or getting things done smoothly, etc.
You can buy just the roller for around 300, more or less. Then add in heat gun if you want, etc.
I'll do it for a decent price since you are in So Cal 
, email me if interested. I charge more than some shops, but I go to your house & I do better work... imho.
last roll (before):
last roll (after):
last flare (after):
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (brokeAs240sx)
Posted by: sicride at 7:38 PM 2/27/2007
| Quote, originally posted by hoobuttacrew » |
| How much does it cost for a shop to roll the fenders for you versus paying all that money to buy tool to do it yourself? Also if anyone has one that theyd like to rent out for the day id definately be interested.
|
I rent out my fender roller. Its currently rented out but, I should have it back next weekend sometime.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=225749
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (brokeAs240sx)
Posted by: gp_says at 11:49 PM 2/27/2007
| Quote, originally posted by brokeAs240sx » |
You can buy just the roller for around 300, more or less. Then add in heat gun if you want, etc. |
and that price is sic!
Why has not so many other people done this? does it require extra support to the fender while doing the pull in order to not bend the entire fender out?
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (brokeAs240sx)
Posted by: 1sikS13 at 6:43 PM 3/4/2007
help me 
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (1sikS13)
Posted by: gp_says at 10:18 PM 3/4/2007
brokeAs needs to rehost the pictures for my (our) viewing pleasure.
im gonna be needing to do some of this when i get my wheels.
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (tramp_drift240)
Posted by: raystorm7 at 7:58 PM 6/11/2008
| Quote, originally posted by tramp_drift240 » |
| ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ brokeAs needs to rehost the pictures for my (our) viewing pleasure. im gonna be needing to do some of this when i get my wheels. |
Would like to get a hold of the pics myself too. I'll host it if I have to =(
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (raystorm7)
Posted by: a_ahmed at 4:25 PM 9/29/2008
I'm trying to fit 255/40/17 17x9+17 front and rear... i've seen people even fit 17x9+15 with 255s same setup... even lower offset like wth... and they make it nice and flush...
I didn't even finish.. i was on driver rear... I really need help...
I got a heatgun that can go up to 560 degrees or something... eastwood fender roller and a mallet hammer or whatever it's called...
I saw the pix on here and WOAH its REALLY flared out outwards... i need to make this happen.. whats the frickin trick lol..
I'm in Canada.. car is up on a hoist right now... I need to flare her out Rolling I managed like what... 10mm wider?... not enough... still need another like 20mm widening to make the tires fit.. plus i plan to lower her a bit more... should be flush when all is done... but.. need urgently advice
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (a_ahmed)
Posted by: 240lookis at 9:02 PM 9/29/2008
and the time is getting ever closer for needing to roll my fenders out, itll be a blast.
and HOORAY FOR VISIBLE PICTURES!
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (tramp_drift240)
Posted by: onosqv at 11:46 PM 10/4/2008
| Quote, originally posted by tramp_drift240 » |
| theres a PBM roller for lowered vehicles that i might be investing in. and the time is getting ever closer for needing to roll my fenders out, itll be a blast. and HOORAY FOR VISIBLE PICTURES! |
You could try it out, but on "the other forum", one of the guys bought it & the roller head pooped out really quick - he ended up using a hybrid of the eastwood roller head & the PBM body.
For lowered vehicles, all you really have to do is disconnect the coilover & support the arm by a jack - just make sure you have the same height relatively on both sides.
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (onosqv)
Posted by: tramp_drift240 at 12:40 AM 10/6/2008
like, one side pulled more than the other.
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (tramp_drift240)
Posted by: onosqv at 1:06 AM 10/6/2008
| Quote, originally posted by tramp_drift240 » |
| that sounds like another variable that'll make my car look like crap when im done. like, one side pulled more than the other. |
If you are going to do it yourself, I actually recommend dropping the strut on both sides before starting & supporting both sides w/ jacks.
One of the things I've noticed when pulling fenders is that the hubs don't sit perfectly even with each other (one side has always been lower than the other - at least in the few cars I've done). One way to check instead of eyeballing is to take a measuring tape out and check from ground -> hub & hub -> top of wheel well.
Another factor that goes into that is the alignment setting - if your toe is off, or camber is different from one side to the other (usually is), that will also affect your pull.
For the most part, it doesn't matter if you aren't pulling a ridiculous amount - and if you look closely at cars with pulled fenders, they aren't usually even on both sides; no one's going to be running back and forth and saying "hey, your flared fender is 5mm diff on this side).
Good luck!
Post Title: Re: DIY: S13 Rear Fender Rolling/Flaring Tutorial w/ ... (onosqv)
Posted by: rael at 7:46 PM 3/8/2009
| Quote, originally posted by rael » |
| im interested in getting my fenders flare in da oc email me at eazy024@yahoo.com tnx |
I don't roll random fenders anymore, too much time for the money. You're better off renting a fender roller locally.
Post Title:
Posted by: jgc731 at 4:42 PM 5/26/2009
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