Any "wide body" A bodies?
This gives me an idea on how to widen the Fenders & Quarters on my D50 for Off-Road Tire Coverage.
Thank you! I've been trying to figure out how to widen them 2" or so on each side, while keeping a somewhat stock styling/design. And since no one makes fenders anymore, especially the ones I want (3" Wider Aftermarket "John Baker" Pre-Runner Fenders), it made it a tough project to comprehend
Go for it. Toyota had 2 fenders for their pickups, depending on the platform. Widening is actually pretty simple for something as big as your truck.
The best method that I've seen is a mock up made from cardboard that inserts into the lip that is cut out.
If you're just widening, the metal strip trick above that spike suggested is easy. You just cut a semi-profile. It's not a straight strip of metal, you have to factor in taper and wheel arch shape, because of the metal taper. Sort of like how a bumblebee stripe is anything, but straight, when you see it laid out on a flat backing sheet.
If you are doing this and would like some wheel arch stretch, you can cut the original arch off and insert a T spacer instead of a new profile strip. This will allow you to split the wheel arch and lengthen it where you want it stretched. Usually, the center is the easiest place to stretch, because it's relatively straight. If it's a curved arch that has no straight portions, you will need to re-curve the entire profile.
I did a '69 Swinger that was pro street. The guy didn't want to go with the hemi wheel arches, so when it was tubbed for 31x15" Goodyears, we stretched the wheel arch in the center about 2" and plenished the entire quarter panel to give it an additional 1/2" convex rise on the sides for more upper wheelhouse clearance for the tub that is hardly noticable. The car looks uncut, unless you're right next to another A body and study both, closely.
