Rolling the rear fenders

[bobby2002S2K]

Has anyone ever done this or seen it done? Is it something i could do myself? If so what would i need and whats the process? Thanks

[s2000isu]

Mazda6Tech - Fender Rolling: A Photographic Journey

This should give you a pretty good idea. The paint can crack and I just wouldnt do it to my car but thats just me.

[MotorDemon]

There are two ways to do it. One is the proper way and the cheap way. the proper way is with a specially designed tool to roll fenders and/or get the body shop to use it. The cheap way is with a baseball bat. Yup... a bat. It has been done that way for decades now and it does work. Like the previous guy said, the paint will crack. So it's up to you. I don't think it's necessary but it does look good with the right set of wheels.

[wasabiman]

what size rim and tire are you installing? I've been trying to find out what the widest rim/tire combo you can have with rolled fenders and s-techs. i haven't weeded through all the tire threads just yet. know of any off hand?

[bobby2002S2K]

Well its kinda funny but i got a 16 in rim with s-tech springs. But i went to a 245/50-16 (which is abit taller on the 8 inch rim), from a 225/50-16. The new tire I thought would fit fine which it did normal driving but on hard bumps and hard turns it just by alittle bit would rub the rubber that runs along the top inside of the fender. If you search this site Gomarlins has posted a nice write up on what wheels and tires you can fit to included offsets.

[bobby2002S2K]

i was wrong Java Junky posted it here it is.


To whomever I stole this from and can't properly credit with it: my apologies.
But this is the chart that I'd spoken of regarding the allowable clearances with Stewie's wheels/tires.
One catch: while rims r' pretty much a given (dimensionally fixed) tires r' not. Dependin' on the construction, some tires flex much more than others n' some tires, from the factory, don't follow the same set'a rules that the other tire manufacturers play by. The surface r' max width on one 245/45/17 might not be the same as another 245/45/17. Sometimes you jus' godda go out n' break out the tape.
Also, you might notice that, as I wanted this kept on-site for reference, I closed it. If anyone has any issues with it please PM me. The last thing that I wanna do is pass bum info.
Be well.
Java

And now, the chart:
Based on successes and failures from many S2000 owners, we can use an offset calculator to figure out what other offsets and tires will work. These are minimum recommended offsets. You can use a higher offset if you want, and you will get additional fender clearance.

For the front:
6.5” to 7.5” wide wheel: 205 tires: +43 offset minimum
7.0” to 8.0” wide wheel: 215 tires: +48 offset minimum
7.0” to 8.0” wide wheel: 225 tires: +53 offset minimum
7.5” to 8.5” wide wheel: 235 tires: +58 offset minimum
7.5” to 8.5” wide wheel: 245 tires: +63 offset minimum

For the rear:
7.5” to 8.5” wide wheel: 235 tires: +40 offset minimum
7.5” to 9.0” wide wheel: 245 tires: +45 offset minimum
8.0” to 9.5” wide wheel: 255 tires: +50 offset minimum
8.5” to 9.5” wide wheel: 265 tires: +55 offset minimum
9.0” to 10.0” wide wheel: 275 tires: +60 offset minimum
9.0” to 10.0” wide wheel: 285 tires: +65 offset minimum

The offsets above will all set the outside edge of the tire to the same place relative to the outer fender, rounding to the nearest millimeter.

[wasabiman]

so did you install the 245s on your stock 16's? I was wondering if I should just throw wider tires on the rear to save some money for now. the stock 225s seem like they're not giving enough traction in the rear even for daily, spirited driving. I've already spun the car messing around in an empty parking lot couple of nights ago. Just wanted to see what it would feel like in autox. then again my driving probably sucks too. I've been taking it extra easy on the street.