So finally got around to addressing larger tires on a 2019 2WD Sprinter. As you know the new fenders don't allow larger tires to fit without rubbing big time. Best alternative is Agile's fender flairs (nice product) but I figured going old school on my friends van by trimming away is worth a try as for the most part its just a trimmed lower fender...either way you gotta get rid of the lower fender piece...so nothing to loose if a little cutting is required is what I figured and it seemed super simple. Worst case replace the lower fender.
So out the cutting saw and some tape as a cut guideline...basically trimmed the new fender similar to Agile's piece and matching the older NCV3 fenders. You can see there was zero clearance before the left tire in particular really rubbing a lot. After trimming we had plenty of clearance even using the older fender. Removing the lower part of fender and expanding the inner fender liner by bending the support brace back that holds it. (metal rod actually pictured below)
1. Removed plastic lower fender, nuts and screws.
2. Pulled fender surround out away from the sheet metal
3 Marked outline of new curve with tape starting at the bottom indent of the pinch weld and bringing it up into the curve of the fender to make the cut seem "factory"
4. Take the air saw out and make a clean cut
5. Make L bracket to replace the lower mounting hole that you just cut off; use sheet metal screws to hold bracket and new mounting hole
6. Use sheet metal screw to hold the lower plastic fender liner in place at the bottom pinch weld
7. Bend the inner brace back towards rear of van pulling the fender liner back to make more room around the tire as well
8. Replace the outside plastic fender for that factory look and to cover stainless sheet metal screws of the new L bracket.
*make sure to primer all edges cut
We now have plenty of room. No rubbing, easy 1- 1.5 hour mod. Helps to have an air saw big time to make clean cuts as its a bit tight. Not a big deal, reminded me of the old days cutting and rolling fenders to make room for new tires and modified suspensions.
So out the cutting saw and some tape as a cut guideline...basically trimmed the new fender similar to Agile's piece and matching the older NCV3 fenders. You can see there was zero clearance before the left tire in particular really rubbing a lot. After trimming we had plenty of clearance even using the older fender. Removing the lower part of fender and expanding the inner fender liner by bending the support brace back that holds it. (metal rod actually pictured below)
1. Removed plastic lower fender, nuts and screws.
2. Pulled fender surround out away from the sheet metal
3 Marked outline of new curve with tape starting at the bottom indent of the pinch weld and bringing it up into the curve of the fender to make the cut seem "factory"
4. Take the air saw out and make a clean cut
5. Make L bracket to replace the lower mounting hole that you just cut off; use sheet metal screws to hold bracket and new mounting hole
6. Use sheet metal screw to hold the lower plastic fender liner in place at the bottom pinch weld
7. Bend the inner brace back towards rear of van pulling the fender liner back to make more room around the tire as well
8. Replace the outside plastic fender for that factory look and to cover stainless sheet metal screws of the new L bracket.
*make sure to primer all edges cut
We now have plenty of room. No rubbing, easy 1- 1.5 hour mod. Helps to have an air saw big time to make clean cuts as its a bit tight. Not a big deal, reminded me of the old days cutting and rolling fenders to make room for new tires and modified suspensions.
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