12 replies to this topic

[Gibbo]

I would have thought this has been covered loads but I couldn't find a how to anywhere.

How do you trim the arches? ie to fit 12 x 6 wheels.

[jimbo_edmondo]

I went for the trial and error approach on mine just cut slits with tin snips, bent the section inbetween each slit back and ground it off. There are templates somewhere of how much to cut off somewhere on here tho.

[Bungle]

as above

dont worry about what it looks like as the arch covers it anyway

[clarks.2006]

so all you need to do is snip the outer wing and do nothing to the inner?

[Gibbo]

I have just found the templates on minispares, you have to register to downlaod them but they have 5 or 6 templates in the download section for fitting modified arches, they have a dotted line with a little picture of a jigsaw, across them which I pressume is where you are meant to cut the wing back to?

[Bungle]

just remember to reform the lip

[minislapper]

Before you go chopping lumps off your car, have you checked that your suspension components are in good order?

[Gibbo]

I'm not doing it yet, can't afford anything else after paying for the engine and gearbox recon from morspeed.

Was just interested in how to do it for the future, as I have plans when money allows.

Are you asking about the suspension because that may be the reason you need to chop the arches or because it is a good idea to go to hi-lows when fitting larger wheels?

reform the lip? idiot explanation please

[Jimmyarm]

when you cut, you cut 1/2 inch lower than where you want the line and then make little slits along this 1/2inch and bend it up (so its on the outside of the car) so its 90 degrees to the bodywork. The bend should be where you drew the original line.

On the templates this should be marked, there is probably another line about the dotted cut line ?

This is the lip which gives a little more strength to the panel

[Gibbo]

Cheers,

no other line on the cutout actually. Its not explained very well, can't host anything at work to show peeps but its a cutout of an arch shape with a dotted line across it. Not sure if the bottom of the template is the bottom of the arch as standard or the bottom of mod'd arches?
maybe they just don't feel the need for the lip, although its probably a good idea.

[Jimmyarm]

You can do it without the lip, just means the panel will be slightly more flexible, I think some arches actually fix onto the lip as well in which case it is needed.

If there isnt a second line on the template, cut 1/2 an inch lower than it all the way around and fold up to the dotted line.

Better to cut off too little than too much

[minislapper]

Are you asking about the suspension because that may be the reason you need to chop the arches or because it is a good idea to go to hi-lows when fitting larger wheels?

If your suspension components are worn they the car will sit lower. I've fitted 12 x 6 wheels before without any modifications but I knew the suspension was new and in good order.

It's worth checking the donuts aren't squashed and the knuckles are in good condition. If not, do them first. You might find you don't need to chop anything off.

[Gibbo]

Cheers again guys.

Think that clears it all up.