3 replies to this topic

[Lilgreenmini]

Hi All, fist post here!

 

I have a mini cooper SPI and the previous owner put nice, fairly wide flares (confusingly also called arches) on the body and also gave me three different sets of wheels. The ones I'm using are 12x5 superlights (those from huddersfields spares) as they look best on the car.

 

The only problem is that on anything less than perfectly flat surface AND anything more than 5 mpg, the tires badly foul the body work ("wings"?) under my flares and I get the most terrible grinding noise. It's also starting to damage the tires.

 

As I understand it, I'll need to cut some metal off the outer wing/panel and looking for advice on how much I should cut and what tools I should use to do it?

 

I spoke to some mini shops and they basically said I should cut starting at the 12 O'clock point and go round and down the wheel arch towards the front of the car near the bumper, ending up like a crescent moon shape. So it's wider in the middle and tapers off to a point both at 12 O'clock and around the 8 o'clock (if you're looking at the car with the front pointing to the left. It would be 12 and 4 on the other side obviously).

 

They told me I do not need to cat any of the back section of the arch/wing as it's a case of the hub being forward and the extra width of the tire needing metal only removed form the front of the arch? Is this correct>

 

I have a grinder with cutting disc, also a multitool but wondering if there was a better/cleaner tool to use like someone for cutting thicker sheet metal by hand?

 

It might be a got idea to bend the lip too and I saw in this video ( ) the guy made a tool by getting a metal rod, cutting a slit in one end, and then grinding one side flat - he uses this to bend the lip up. Seems like I should do the same?

 

Can anyone confirm is my plan and advice is correct? 

 

(Should note that the car is perfectly aligned with these wheels with adjustable tie rods and this was done by a mini specialist shop so it's not a case of adjustment needing to be done).

 

 

[nicklouse]

First things.

 

is the suspension in good condition and at the ride height you want? If not then get that sorted before cutting anything.

 

we just cut what was needed to clear the tyres.

anything that cuts metal.

[Lilgreenmini]

First things.

is the suspension in good condition and at the ride height you want? If not then get that sorted before cutting anything.

we just cut what was needed to clear the tyres.
anything that cuts metal.

Thanks. Yes, the suspension was completely done a few months ago and also the alignment. it has blue springs, Gaz dampers and Hilo’s and the ride height looks pretty much perfect.


What’s the best method / tool to cut with. I don’t really fancy doing a grinder freehand. There much be something a bit more stable?

[mab01uk]

If you don't like the idea of using a grinder, etc then a mains or battery powered jigsaw with a fine tooth metal cutting blade could be used or even hand tools such as a pair of good quality tin snips and some good quality hacksaw blades used with a hacksaw blade handle will get the job done with a bit of extra effort. A selection of metal hand files especially a half round file for removing any burrs or sharp edges. Also wear some gloves. Mole grips can also be useful when folding back a new flange on the cut edge. Mark the desired cut profile with a Sharpie marker pen and keep to the line!

Finally touch up with paint any cut edges to prevent rust.

 

As said only cut the front edge of the wing down towards the end of the bumper flange so the tyres don't rub on full steering lock and mark the position with masking tape of your 'flares'/ wheel arch extensions and their fixing hole postions before cutting to ensure the arch extensions will fully cover the cut area and still have somewhere for the flares front fixing screws/bolts/rivets to attach to!

 

Hacksaw blade handle something like this:-

https://www.amazon.c...=0&gad_source=1

Edited by mab01uk, Today, 08:14 AM.