sheetmetal cutting (fender trimming)

[lewis]

I am thinking of trimming my fenders since my tires don't fit in them when the truck gets flexed or I put anything in the bed. What can I use that will made a clean cut and not disturb the paint past the edge. I have some sheetmetal shears but they the crimp and warp a little. I also don't want to use a grinder since it will burn the edge. What else is out there?

 

[str8axleguy]

You can get air body saws from harber freight pretty cheap like 20 or 30 bucks, they work good if you have enough air supply. Just tape the edge you want to keep with some masking tape and you should be good to go. I usually just hold the saw away from the body so it doesn't scratch.

 

[lewis]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91753
I will have to get one and practice.

 

[RustEoldtrux]

Maybe a bit of help

When I wacked my Scout fenders with a Sawzall, I used a tiny (4-inch) Crescent adjustable wrench to turn the bottom 1/2" completely under to form a nice smooth lip. Just take a little bend at a time all the way around the cut until you get the edge turned nearly 180 degrees. This also gives a much more rigid edge that won't be flapping around as you drive. It's very easy to do.

 

[Nate R]

Lewis I've got one you can use if you need it.

 

[Caleb]

I used a sawzall with a nice blade and then taped off the edge, it cut perfect and didn't chip or flake any paint.

 

[LT.]

i used a sawzall with a nice blade and then taped off the edge, it cut perfect and didn't chip or flake any paint.

x2

LT.