We all understand the need for fenderwell modification when it comes to stance and rolling stock versus clearance. Building inner fenders for the rear section of a truck is relatively easy, but what about the front? Interfering components such as the engine, brake system, suspension, and wiring make tackling front wheeltubs a little more difficult.
Competition Engineering makes universal wheeltubs that are a cut-to-fit components. These do-it-yourself inner 'wells come in both 0.032 aluminum and 24-gauge steel. The 'well is bead-rolled for reinforcement and has a Pittsburgh locking seam that is easily fastened together. With a little patience, trimming the cut-to-fit fenderwells will add a much-needed touch to your truck when tucking goliath rolling stock.
1.The wheeltubs are composed...
1.The wheeltubs are composed of an arched sheet with a male lip and a flat sheet with structure ribs and a Pittsburgh seam. The first step is to make a pattern that will fit in the engine compartment and cover the tire. A piece of cardboard was used to make the template.
2.After the template was complete,...
2.After the template was complete, it was transposed onto the DIY inner fender. All the rough edges were drawn over to make the lines smooth and all the transitions clean.
3.A set of left, right, and...
3.A set of left, right, and straight tin snips will be needed to make the cuts. It's a good idea to quickly trim off most of the excess material first and then come back and make a second precision cut following the line. When you are finished with all the cuts come back with a file and de-burr the edges.
4.The Pittsburgh seam is easy...
4.The Pittsburgh seam is easy to join together. There is a male edge and female seam that are slipped together, and then the lip on the female seam is rolled over to marry the male edge into the seam. It's important to make sure all of the male edge is tapped into the seam first.
5.After the male edge has...
5.After the male edge has been tapped into the Pittsburgh seam, the female lip is laid over to lock the seam in place. This is done after the wheeltub has been cut to the proper width and any material is removed for engine compartment fitment.
6a.With the inner fender complete,...
6a.With the inner fender complete, the unit was slipped into position
6b.A slight slice in the tub...
6b.A slight slice in the tub allowed the wheelwell to lock onto the fender support rail and a few small tabs were fabricated to fix the inner fender to the truck (6b).
7.The wheeltubs look pretty...
7.The wheeltubs look pretty cool, will keep the engine clean, and cover the hides, all without breaking your budget.