If you’re thinking about modifying your car to fit wider tires or improve clearance, you’ve probably come across the process of fender rolling. It’s a pretty common modification, especially for people who want to prevent their tires from rubbing against the fender. But before you jump into it, one of the biggest questions is: how long does it take to roll fenders?
Let’s dive in and break it down, whether you’re doing it yourself or taking it to a professional.
Fender Rolling
First things first, what exactly is fender rolling? In simple terms, it’s a process where you “roll” or bend the inner lip of your car’s fender to create more space between the fender and the tire. This is usually done with a fender roller tool or a similar device that allows you to gradually push the fender lip inward without damaging the car’s body.
Now, why would you even need to do this? Here are a few common reasons:
- Wider Tires: If you’ve upgraded to wider tires, they might rub against the fender when you’re turning or going over bumps. Rolling the fenders helps avoid that.
- Lowering the Car: Lowering your car can bring the tires closer to the fenders. Rolling the fenders gives the tires a little more breathing room, preventing them from hitting the metal.
- Preventing Damage: Without enough clearance, your tires can rub against the fenders, causing damage to both the tires and the body of the car. Fender rolling helps avoid costly repairs down the road.
If you’re someone who enjoys customizing your car, this is a pretty simple way to make sure everything fits and looks right without compromising performance.
Why Do We Need Fenders
Car enthusiasts love fender rolling because it lets them install wider, more aggressive tires or lower their cars without sacrificing performance or risking damage. Plus, it can give the car a cleaner look by making everything fit together nicely. Whether you’re into the street racing scene or just want to improve your car’s handling, fender rolling is one of those must-do modifications if you’re upgrading your wheels or suspension.
How Long Does It Take to Roll Fenders
Alright, let’s get into the main question, how long does it take to roll fenders?
The time it takes depends on a few different factors, like whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro, what kind of car you have, and how much modification you need.
If you’re planning to roll your own fenders, it’s definitely doable. However, it can be a bit time-consuming, especially if it’s your first time. On average, DIY fender rolling can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your experience and tools. Here’s why:
- Preparation: You’ll need to gather the right tools, a fender roller, a heat gun (to prevent the paint from cracking), and a jack to lift the car. Just setting everything up could take about 30 minutes to an hour, especially if you’ve never done it before.
- Rolling Process: Rolling the fender itself is a slow process. You’ll want to heat the fender to soften the paint and metal, then gradually bend the inner lip with the roller. This takes time because you have to go slow to avoid damaging the fender or cracking the paint. The rolling process alone can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour per fender, depending on how much clearance you need.
- Checking for Clearance: After rolling the fender, you’ll need to check for tire clearance. You might have to go back and make adjustments, which adds to the overall time.
Time It Take To Roll Fender DIY
If you’re not up for a DIY project, you can always take your car to a professional. Professional fender rolling is typically much faster because the mechanic or body shop has the experience and tools to get it done quickly and efficiently.
- On average, a professional can roll your fenders in about 30 minutes to an hour per fender. So, if you’re having both front and rear fenders rolled, the total time could be around 1 to 2 hours.
- Some shops offer this service while you wait, making it a convenient option if you don’t have the time or tools to do it yourself.
Factors That Affect Time To Roll Fenders
Now that we’ve covered the basics of fender rolling and how long it generally takes, let’s dive into the factors that can make the process longer or shorter. Rolling fenders isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all situation. Several variables come into play, and these can affect how long it takes to get the job done.
1. Type of Car
One of the biggest factors is the type of car you’re working on. Some cars have fenders that are super easy to roll, while others have more complex designs that can take longer.
- Larger Vehicles: If you’re working on a larger vehicle, like an SUV or truck, it might take more time. The fender wells are bigger, and the metal is often thicker, which can make the process a bit slower. Plus, the amount of rolling required might be more significant, especially if you’re trying to fit really wide tires.
- Compact or Sport Cars: On the other hand, smaller or sportier cars typically have less fender area to roll. The job might go faster because there’s simply less material to work with. However, some sports cars have more curved or aggressive body lines that could make the process a bit tricky, adding some extra time.
2. Tire Size
The size of your tires plays a massive role in how long it takes to roll your fenders. If you’re upgrading to wider tires, you’re probably going to need more clearance, which means more fender rolling.
- Wide Tires = More Rolling: The wider the tires, the more fender rolling is needed to ensure that the tires don’t rub against the fenders. This means more time spent using the fender roller to create that space.
- Narrow Tires = Less Rolling: If you’re just making minor modifications, like going slightly wider than your stock tires, the process will take less time. A simple roll to tuck the fender lip in should do the trick.
3. Fender Condition
The condition of your fenders can also impact the time it takes to roll them. If your car is relatively new and the fenders are in good shape, the process will go smoothly and quickly. However, if there are any issues with the fenders, such as rust or damage, it’s going to take longer.
- Rusty Fenders: If your fenders have rust, you’ll need to clean them up and prep them before rolling. Rolling a rusty fender could cause it to crack or break apart, so this extra step is crucial. Naturally, this adds time to the job.
- Dented or Damaged Fenders: Similarly, if your fenders have dents or damage, you might need to fix those first before attempting to roll them. Rolling a damaged fender without addressing the issue could lead to even more damage, so it’s better to take the extra time upfront.
4. Tools Used
The tools you use can either speed up or slow down the process. If you’re using proper fender rolling tools, like a fender roller machine and a heat gun, the process will go much faster than if you’re trying to improvise with tools that aren’t meant for the job.
- Fender Roller Tool: This is the tool designed specifically for rolling fenders. It clamps onto your hub and lets you apply even pressure to the fender lip, slowly bending it inward. If you’re using a fender roller, expect the job to take around 1-3 hours total, depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
- Heat Gun: A heat gun is essential for preventing the paint from cracking while you roll the fenders. The heat softens the paint and metal, making it easier to bend without causing damage. Skipping this step can not only crack your paint but also add extra time later on for repairs.
- Improvised Tools: If you’re trying to roll your fenders without the right tools—say, using a hammer or some makeshift method—it’s going to take a lot longer. Plus, you risk damaging your fenders or creating an uneven roll.
If you’re debating between rolling your fenders yourself or hiring a pro, time is probably one of the factors you’re considering. Let’s break down which option is faster and why.
DIY Fender Rolling
Doing it yourself is definitely the more affordable option, but it’s not always the fastest. DIY fender rolling can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your experience and tools. Here’s why:
- First-Timer? Expect More Time: If you’re rolling fenders for the first time, there’s a learning curve. You’ll need to get familiar with the tools, figure out how much heat to apply, and roll the fender slowly to avoid damaging it. This can add extra time to the process.
- Tools Matter: If you have the proper tools, like a fender roller and a heat gun, the process will be much smoother. Without these, you’re looking at a longer, more frustrating experience.
- Attention to Detail: You’ll need to go slow and steady, especially if you want to avoid cracking the paint or bending the fender too much. Rushing through the job could lead to mistakes, which will cost you more time in the long run.
That said, DIY fender rolling can be a rewarding experience, and if you enjoy working on your car, it might be worth the extra time. Plus, once you get the hang of it, future fender rolling jobs will go much faster. Click Here to read the complete guide on How To Roll Car Fenders.
Professional Fender Rolling( Faster, but More Costly)
If you’re short on time and don’t want to deal with the hassle of rolling fenders yourself, taking your car to a professional is a solid option. Professional fender rolling is usually faster, especially since they have the experience and the right tools.
- Time Estimate: A professional can typically roll your fenders in about 30 minutes to 1 hour per fender. So, if you’re having both the front and rear fenders rolled, you’re looking at a total time of around 1 to 2 hours.
- No Learning Curve: Pros have done this many times before, so there’s no learning curve or guesswork involved. They know exactly how much heat to apply and how to roll the fender without causing damage.
- Peace of Mind: The best part? You don’t have to worry about making mistakes or damaging your car. A professional will get the job done right the first time, saving you both time and headaches.
Of course, this convenience comes at a price. Fender rolling by a pro usually costs more than doing it yourself, but for many, the time savings and peace of mind are worth the extra expense.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to roll fenders?
The time it takes to roll fenders depends on whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro. DIY fender rolling can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your experience and tools. If you take your car to a professional, it’s usually faster—around 30 minutes to 1 hour per fender, so about 1-2 hours total.
2. Is fender rolling necessary for wider tires?
Yes, if you’re upgrading to wider tires or lowering your car, fender rolling can be necessary to prevent the tires from rubbing against the fender. Rolling the fender creates more clearance and keeps your tires from getting damaged.
3. Can I roll my fenders at home?
Absolutely! Rolling fenders at home is totally doable, especially if you have the right tools, like a fender roller and a heat gun. Just be prepared for it to take a bit longer, especially if it’s your first time.
4. Does fender rolling crack the paint?
Fender rolling can crack the paint if you’re not careful. To avoid this, use a heat gun to warm up the paint and metal before rolling. The heat softens the paint, reducing the risk of cracking.
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