If you’re a true car enthusiast, you almost certainly know what rolling fenders is. For those unfamiliar with the term, it simply refers to modifying the shape of your car’s wheel arches by flattening the lip and pulling it outward. This is done to create clearance for wider tires or to improve vehicle performance. However, the big question that’s likely on your mind right now is – does rolling fenders ruin paint?
There are a lot of opinions floating around on the subject, with some people insisting that it’s a surefire way to damage your paint job, while others swear by it as one of the best things you can do for your vehicle. So, which is it? Does rolling fenders ruin paint or is it a safe and effective modification to make? Here’s what you need to know before you roll up your sleeves and start tinkering with your fenders.
There are definitely some legitimate concerns about the potential risks of fender rolling. For example, if you don’t know what you’re doing or you use the wrong tools, it’s certainly possible to cause damage to the paint and body of your car. However, many experienced mechanics and car enthusiasts have been performing this modification for years without any issues. So, ultimately, the answer to the question of whether rolling fenders will ruin your paint depends on how knowledgeable and careful you are when making the adjustments.
Causes of Fender Rolling
Rolling fenders is a process that involves reshaping the wheel arches of a car, to allow for clearance when bigger wheels or lower suspension setups are installed. This modification is popular among car enthusiasts, as it provides a better look and improves car performance. However, with every modification, there are some concerns to take into account. One of these concerns is the effect that fender rolling has on the paint job of the car.
- Pressure
- Stretching
- Friction
There are a few reasons why fender rolling could lead to paint damage. One of the main causes is pressure. Fender rolling machines can put pressure on the paint surface when they are in use, causing it to crack or peel. When fenders are rolled too quickly, it can result in the sheet metal being stretched too far. This creates weak spots that can lead to cracks in the paint.
Another potential hazard that arises during fender rolling is friction. The friction between the tool and the surface of the fender can cause a lot of heat, which can also cause the paint to burn, peel or fade. The extremes of heat generated by fender-rolling may not be enough to ignite a full-blown fire, but it can be enough to damage the paint job.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Rolling too quickly | Weakened metal and cracked paint |
| Pressure on paint surface | Cracked or peeled paint |
| Friction between fender and tool | Burned, peeled, or faded paint |
Although these concerns may seem daunting, it is important to note that fender rolling can be done without damaging the car’s paint job. It all depends on how skilled the person carrying out the fender rolling is and how carefully they approach the process. Additionally, using proper fender-rolling equipment and techniques can help limit the risk of damaging the paint job. When done correctly, rolling fenders can be a safe and stress-free way to give your car an eye-catching look without damaging the paint job in the process.
Tools Needed for Fender Rolling
If you’re planning on rolling your fenders, there are a few tools you’ll need to get the job done. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:
- Fender Roller – You can’t roll your fenders without a fender roller. This tool is essential and will help you reshape your fenders without damaging your paint.
- Heat Gun – Heating up your fenders can make the metal easier to work with. A heat gun will allow you to reach the perfect temperature for rolling your fenders.
- Gloves – When you’re working with a fender roller, you’ll be pushing hard against the fender to reshape it. Gloves will help protect your hands from any cuts or scrapes.
How to Use a Fender Roller
Using a fender roller is simple, but you’ll need to take your time and be careful. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Jack up your car and remove the wheels
- Attach the fender roller to a lug bolt on your hub
- Adjust the angle and height of the fender roller to match your fender
- Heat up the fender with a heat gun
- Slowly roll the fender by turning the wheel on the fender roller
- Keep an eye on your progress and check often to make sure you’re not damaging your paint
Fender Rolling vs. Fender Pulling
Fender rolling is a popular way to increase the space between your wheel and fender. Another method you may have heard of is fender pulling. However, fender pulling can cause much more damage to your paint and is generally not recommended.
| Fender Rolling | Fender Pulling |
|---|---|
| Uses a fender roller to reshape the fender without damaging the paint | Uses clamps and pulls the fender out, which can cause paint to crack and chip |
| Lower risk of causing damage to your car and paint | Higher risk of causing damage to your car and paint |
| Provides a clean and professional look | Can look messy and unprofessional |
Overall, fender rolling is a safe and effective way to increase the space between your wheel and fender. With the right tools and technique, you can achieve a professional look without damaging your paint.
Benefits of Rolling Fenders
Rolling fenders is a popular modification made to cars in order to fit wider tires without rubbing against the fenders. This modification can be done manually with a fender roller tool or with the help of a professional auto body shop. While some car enthusiasts are hesitant to roll their fenders due to potential damage to the paint, there are actually several benefits to this modification.
- Improved Performance: Rolling fenders allows for larger and wider tires to be installed on the car, which in turn provides better traction and grip on the road. This is especially beneficial for sports cars and race cars, as better handling can lead to improved lap times on the track.
- Enhanced Appearance: Rolled fenders give the car a more aggressive and sleek look, especially when paired with wider tires. This modification can also help eliminate the gap between the tire and the fender, giving the car a lower and more sporty stance.
- Prevents Damage: When wider tires are installed without rolling the fenders, they may rub against the fender during turns or over bumps in the road. This can cause damage to both the tire and the fender, leading to costly repairs. Rolling the fenders eliminates this risk, as there is more clearance between the tire and the fender.
Overall, rolling fenders is a modification that can greatly enhance the performance and appearance of a car, while also preventing potential damage. It is important to note, however, that rolling the fenders incorrectly or too aggressively can still result in damage to the paint or body of the car. It is always recommended to seek the help of a professional auto body shop or experienced enthusiast when making modifications to your vehicle.
Consequences of Improper Fender Rolling
Rolling fenders has become increasingly popular in the car modification community as it allows for wider and bigger wheels to be installed. However, improper fender rolling techniques could lead to unwanted consequences. These consequences can be divided into four subtopics: paint damage, structural damage, excessive noise, and poor finish quality.
- Paint damage: Rolling the fenders improperly can cause unintended paint damage. The process involves pressing a roller tool against the fender to flatten it. If the tool is pressed too hard against the fender, the paint could crack, or worse, come off entirely. In addition, improper rolling can cause the paint to chip or scratch, especially if the tool slips during the process.
- Structural damage: Rolling the fenders too much or using the wrong technique can cause structural damage to the car. This is more likely to happen if excessive force is applied to the area during the rolling process. Areas that are already prone to rusting or corrosion can be further damaged by the rolling process, which could lead to larger structural issues down the line.
- Excessive noise: Improper fender rolling can lead to excessive noise in the car. This is particularly true when the car drives over bumps or rough terrain. The noise is often caused by the fender rubbing against the tire or wheel. This can not only be irritating, but it can also be dangerous as it affects the car’s stability and handling.
- Poor finish quality: Rolling fenders improperly can also result in poor finish quality. This is due to the fact that the paint may not adhere well to the uneven or damaged surface of the fender. This can make the finish look bumpy or uneven. Additionally, the rolling process can often leave behind unsightly tool marks or dents on the fender, which can be difficult to fix.
It is important to note that these consequences are avoidable if the fender rolling process is carried out correctly by a professional. Even if you choose to DIY, proper research on the method of rolling can go a long way in preventing these adverse effects.
Bottom line: think twice before taking on this project on your own. Hire a professional if you are unsure about the technique, and be prepared to pay the extra money. This is one of those times where the DIY approach could end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
Protecting paint during fender rolling
If you’re planning to roll fenders, it’s important to protect your car’s paint. While fender rolling itself won’t necessarily ruin your paint, the process can expose areas of the wheel well that were previously covered, making them vulnerable to chips and scratches. With that in mind, here are some tips for protecting your paint during the fender rolling process:
- Clean the area thoroughly before starting. Use soap and water, followed by a degreaser to ensure the surface is free of dirt, grime, and other contaminants that could scratch the paint.
- Use masking tape or E-Z Peel masking paper to cover the areas of the car around the wheel well. This will keep the paint safe from any debris that may be flying around during the process.
- During the fender rolling process, use a heat gun to soften the paint around the wheel well. This will minimize the risk of cracking and chipping.
Another option for protecting your car’s paint during fender rolling is to use a fender lip protector. These rubberized shields create a barrier between the paint and the fender roller, preventing any damage.
In addition to these steps, it’s important to take your time and be gentle during the fender rolling process. Rushing or applying too much pressure can lead to the paint being damaged. Lastly, always remember to wash and wax your car after rolling the fenders to ensure the paint is kept in good condition.
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fender lip protector | Rubberized shield that creates a barrier between the paint and fender roller | $35 |
| Masking tape | Adhesive tape that can be used to protect the paint around the wheel well | $6 |
| E-Z Peel masking paper | Specialized paper that is easy to apply and remove and protects the surrounding paint from scratches and chips during the fender rolling process | $30 |
Ultimately, taking steps to protect your car’s paint during the fender rolling process will help minimize the risk of chips, scratches, and other forms of damage. With the right tools and techniques, you can have the look and feel you want for your car, without sacrificing the quality of its paint job.
Self-fender rolling vs professional fender rolling
Rolling the fenders of your car can increase the clearance between the tire and the fender, which is especially useful if you have wider wheels or a lower suspension setup. While fender rolling can be done by yourself or by a professional, it is important to consider the potential effects on your car’s paint job.
Here, we will compare the differences between self-fender rolling and professional fender rolling.
- Self-fender rolling:
- Can be done with a fender roller tool, which can be rented or purchased
- Requires some knowledge and skill in using the tool properly
- May be done without taking off the wheels or tires
- Can potentially damage the paint if done incorrectly or excessively
- Professional fender rolling:
- Done by a trained technician with experience in fender rolling
- Uses specialized equipment that is able to roll the fenders more evenly and with less chance of damage to the paint job
- May require removing the wheels or tires, depending on the type of equipment used and the severity of the fender rolling needed
- Provides a higher level of precision and accuracy in the fender rolling process
Overall, it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of self-fender rolling versus professional fender rolling before deciding which route to take. If you have experience using a fender roller tool and feel confident in your ability to protect your car’s paint job, self-fender rolling may be a viable option. However, if you want to ensure the highest level of precision and protection for your car’s fenders, professional fender rolling may be the way to go.
| Potential effects on paint job | |
|---|---|
| Self-fender rolling | May cause paint to crack or chip if done excessively or improperly |
| Professional fender rolling | Less chance of damaging the paint due to experienced technician and specialized equipment |
Ultimately, both self-fender rolling and professional fender rolling can be effective methods for increasing tire clearance on your car. But it is important to consider the potential effects on your car’s paint job and make an informed decision based on your level of skill and the level of protection you want for your car’s fenders.
Alternatives to fender rolling for creating clearance
If you’re not keen on rolling your fenders, there are a few alternatives to consider that allow for creating clearance without risking damaging the paint job on your vehicle:
- Using a lift kit: A lift kit raises the height of your vehicle, creating more space between the wheels and fenders. This can be an expensive option, but it’s a reliable way to increase clearance.
- Adjusting the suspension: If you don’t want to invest in a lift kit, you can consider adjusting the suspension. This involves modifying the shocks, springs, and other components to raise the body of your vehicle. It’s a more cost-effective option than a lift kit, but it may not give you as much added clearance.
- Using smaller wheels and tires: If you’re not concerned about the aesthetics of your vehicle, you can opt for smaller wheels and tires to create more clearance. This is a budget-friendly option, but it can compromise the performance and handling of your vehicle.
Keep in mind that these alternatives may not be suitable for every vehicle or situation. It’s important to consult with a professional to determine the best option for your specific needs.
Protecting your paint during fender rolling
If you do decide to go with fender rolling, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of damaging your paint job:
- Use a heat gun: Using a heat gun can help soften the paint and make it more pliable, minimizing the risk of cracking or chipping during the rolling process.
- Use a fender roller: Using a proper fender roller tool can help distribute pressure evenly, reducing the risk of damage to the paint.
- Be gentle: Take your time and apply gradual pressure when rolling the fenders. Rushing the process or applying too much force can lead to irreversible damage.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the wheel and tire from the fender you want to roll. |
| 2 | Clean the area around the fender to ensure there is no dirt or debris that could scratch the paint. |
| 3 | Use a heat gun to warm up the paint along the fender. Be careful not to overheat the paint or cause it to bubble. |
| 4 | Position the fender roller against the inside edge of the fender and use the handle to gently roll the lip of the fender outward. |
| 5 | Check the progress frequently, making sure not to roll the fender too far or too quickly. |
| 6 | Repeat the process on the other fender if necessary. |
| 7 | Install the wheel and tire and test drive the vehicle to ensure there is adequate clearance and no rubbing or interference. |
Following these steps can help minimize the risk of damaging your paint job while creating more clearance for your vehicle.
Does rolling fenders ruin paint?
1. Will rolling my fenders cause damage to my car’s paint?
Rolling fenders properly with a fender roller doesn’t cause harm to your car’s paint job. However, using low-quality fender rollers may put your paint at risk.
2. Can I roll my car’s fenders on my own?
Yes, it is possible to roll your car’s fenders on your own. But it’s not recommended as you may end up damaging your paint job. It’s better if you seek professional help to avoid any unnecessary risk.
3. Will a heat gun prevent paint from cracking during fender rolling?
Using a heat gun during fender rolling helps in preventing paint from cracking. But, excessive heat during the process can cause more harm than good.
4. Will rolling my fenders void my car’s warranty?
Rolling your fenders won’t void your car’s warranty as long as it’s done properly and by a professional. However, it’s always better to consult with your car manufacturer first to avoid any confusion.
5. What happens if I roll my fenders with low-quality equipment?
Rolling your fenders with low-quality equipment may put your car’s paint job at risk. It can cause paint cracking, chipping, and damage to your car’s body.
6. How much does it cost to roll fenders professionally?
The cost of professional fender rolling varies depending on the car model and the service provider. But on average, it can range from $150 to $500.
7. Can I wash my car after rolling the fenders?
Absolutely! After rolling your fenders, you can wash your car as usual. Just make sure the equipment used doesn’t leave any residue on your car’s body.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this article has answered some of your questions about rolling fenders. Remember, it’s essential to take preventive steps while fender rolling to avoid any paint job damage. If you need to roll your fenders, seek professional help to avoid any risks. Thanks for reading, and make sure to come back for more exciting information.