Step Side fender interference

[DangerDan]

I need to figure out how to get fender clearance. I just test fit my step side bed and it hits the tires before I get it down to the bed mounts. Anyone have info or pics on how they flared their fenders?

[BossHogg69]

Have you already cut the lip out on the inside of the fender? I would start there. I left about 1/4" of the lip so the fender wouldn't flop around on my '69. Plus, if you cut some of the lip out, the fender will be much easier to roll if you decide to flare it some.

[cdowns]

you could use the old tried and true metod of rolling it out with a baseball bat

[Hardworkinguy]

Roll it out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUv9YPd_0Zc


https://www.amazon.com/ARKSEN%C2%A9-...Y0C262D29MX756

[BC10]

Wow, there really is a tool for everything!

[DangerDan]

Thanks Guys I need to move them out a BUNCH, like 2 to 3 inches, the flange isn't going to be enough. I think I need professional help ( in more ways than one), probably save me money in the long run.

[DangerDan]

Anyone ever widen the bed by adding material to the front panel? To move the fenders out? I have to raise the bed 4 inches to accommodate the rear rail kit I put on so I could trim the side panels to clear the inside of the tires...thinking out loud here....

[54belair]

Widening would be tough. Now with that said, Ill also say that ANYTHING can be done, but---- if you widen the front panel, youll have to widen the rear panel and youll have to widen all the bed to frame braces. And add one more bed floor pc. and strips. After all that work Im afraid it will look like youre driving a dually.
Remember one of my fav. sayings: You can save yourself into the poor house!

[BossHogg69]

10" wide rims on a lowered stepside are a no go without some cutting. You could open the can of worms of narrowing the rear end, but then you're still going to have to tub it on the inside. I put my truck up on the lift today and got some pics for you, but if you're talking 2"+, trimming the lip won't get you anywhere. Good luck on whatever you decide.

[1978chev]

If I remember correctly I am running a 20x8.5 on the back of my step
I believe it's 5.5 backspacing fits real nice and I'm 6" drop in back

[Mike C]

I didn't do anything to mine. But spent hours calculating and estimating clearance. On my '69 I swapped to the wider rear and ran a 17x9 rear wheel with 5" backspace (zero offset) and 275 55 17 tire. Fits great, looks great IMO.

[DangerDan]

i definitely screwed up, guess I'll buy another set of tires and wheels! Thanks for the help!
New Tires and wheels for sale !

[Mike C]

What axle is in your truck? If the wider housing you could get a narrow housing and 5 lug conversion axles. THen if offset in too much you could add a small spacer.

Not sure how expensive your wheels are, but that is the easiest way to go for sure.

[DangerDan]

It is the chevy 12 Bolt Posi trac I already have the Chassis done I have rebuilt the axle. Matter of fact I have replaced all the bearings in the truck. i don't really want to alter the axle. Just going to bite the bullet and get different wheels and tires.

Thanks for the input though.

[GR8-68]

I have seen quite a few make the mistake of thinking the stepsides have more room for more tire, I used to think the same but it is actually the opposite of that. The cheaper and easier way is to change out the wheels at this point

[Mike C]

What year is your truck? Just curious because that was a major consideration for me when fitting tires/wheels. Not sure if you know, but the 67-early 70 housings are narrower than the late 70-72 housings. If someone converted your truck to discs/5 lug they might have used the narrow housing but if it's a factory 5 lug it would be wider. If the wheels are $500 each, the axle housing/5 lug swap would probably be cheaper. But if wheels are less than $150 like mine, then obviously that's the way to go.

But to make my wheel/tire combo fit the wider axle was the only choice based on the backspacing available on the wheels I was willing to $$$.

[DangerDan]

It is a 71 I bought Ridler wheels so they we not to bad. Pretty much resigned myself to buying wheels and tires. Thanks for the input.

[DangerDan]

Thanks everyone, I received and installed the new wheels and tires today. Just had to stretch the right front inner fender a little and cut away a little to clear the shock towers. New thread starting on how to properly raise the bed 4 inches.