XJ Fender Trimming

[jfiscus]

Trimming the fenders on a Jeep Cherokee XJ

I chose a different method for removing my flares then the tutorials I found online. I used a method suggested for removing the rear flares while keeping the pinch wields.

Tools you’ll need:
Angle grinder with Cut-off wheel/disc
10mm socket/wrench
Pliers/channel locks
Drill with wire brush attachment
Razor knife
Spray paint or some other type of protectant
Hammer/Rubber Mallet/BFH
Safety Glasses (sparks from grinder)

Step #1: Remove the rubber fender flares.

I removed the rubber flares using a 10mm wrench, I tried a socket but it took longer. The bolts are supposed to break off, it’s a lot better than unscrewing them anyways. It took me about 45 min to remove the flares.
Your jeep will now look like this:


Step #2: If you are planning on keeping your rubber wheel well inserts, you will have to either remove them or brace them back from the area you are going to cut. I braced mine back by inserting 1x1’s between them and the fenders. This’ll give you room for the grinder to cut.


Step #3: Cut marks perpendicular to the angle of the edge you are cutting to, I chose the upper/outer metal ‘flare’ edge that was suggested as a guide elsewhere. I made cuts of sectional widths, but suggest trying to keep them about 2” wide except for the corners. After your cuts your fenders should look like this:




Step #4: You’ll now have your fenders ready to be bent back, but your wheel well inserts are still too long. You’ll now need to cut them along the same line that you cut up to with your vertical cut. (So that when you bend, your edges should line up.)


Step #5: Now you need to start bending the little pieces backwards along the edge. Most pieces will bend willingly, but a hammer is sometimes needed to coax the rest to bend. When they are all bent, they should support the wheel well part.




Step #6: While bending, the paint along the edge will probably crack/peel a little. So, you’ll need to sand it a little to remove all flecking paint. I used a wire brush attachment on my drill to remove the old paint, but my jeep is just painted with rattle cans. (More expensive paint jobs may require extra work/prep at this stage.)

Your Jeep should now look like this:


Step #7: Now that the metal is exposed you’ll have to protect it or it will RUST FAST!!!
I trust my jeeps to nothing other than the best - Krylon no drip.
Make sure to get inside the wheel well good in-between your pieces that you just cut.


After your application of protectant your jeep should look something like this: (Stock 89 XJ with balding 235x75xR15)


Time to get some bigger tires!

_________________
Terrain Stompers Treasurer
CrossTrailsOffroad.com - Coming Soon
93 XJ on 33s - 88 XJ on 32s - 97 ZJ stock
86 XJ stock - 85 XJ stock
Custom Fab & Welding

[GPER]

I like a face shield plus safty glasses I have holes in my vinel siding
_________________
Team Devil Frogg

It isn't the miles you cover, but the scenery you enjoy along the way.

[GP-joe]

HAHAHAHA ya know i was just re looking at this ...and ya know my favorite part ..... look at the krylon can ...whats it frekking say on it ...NO DRIPS ......ROFLMAO .....OHHHHHHHHH yeah looks like no drips to me check out the sweet tire joby .... thanx jason i needed a laff ..and a reminder of how to cut it ..i need to trim my rears some more and forgot how to deal with the pinch welds
_________________
Joe Derusha 88 XJ indiana ill ride with you guys anyday