If you don’t have a fender roller? Don’t worry—I’m going to show you how to roll fenders without a fender roller, using a few tools you probably already have lying around.
Tools You’ll Need
Here’s a quick checklist of what you need:
- A heat gun (or even a hair dryer)
- A baseball bat (or something similar, like a thick wooden dowel)
- A jack and jack stands (because you gotta lift your car)
- A rubber mallet or hammer wrapped in cloth (optional but useful)
Got your tools? Great! Let’s move on.
Rolling Fenders Without a Roller
1. Lift the Car
First things first—jack up your car. Use jack stands to keep it secure (seriously, don’t skip this step). You’ll want enough clearance between the tire and fender to fit that bat or dowel.
2. Heat Up the Fender
Next, you need to soften the paint to avoid any cracking when you start rolling the fender. Grab your heat gun or hair dryer and warm up the fender where you’ll be rolling. Keep moving the heat gun to avoid burning the paint.
3. Insert the Baseball Bat
Take your baseball bat (or dowel) and wedge it between the tire and fender. This is going to be your makeshift roller. Slowly move the bat as you turn the tire, pushing up on the fender lip.
Pro Tip: Roll in small sections and don’t rush. The last thing you want is to crumple the fender!
4. Start Rolling
As you move the bat and rotate the tire, apply gentle pressure to the fender. You’ll see the lip start to bend upwards, giving you that extra clearance. Keep heating the fender if needed to keep the paint pliable.
5. Use a Mallet for Tough Spots (Optional)
If the baseball bat isn’t giving you the results you want in tighter areas, use a rubber mallet to tap the fender lip upward. Just be careful not to hit too hard—you don’t want dents.
6. Check Your Progress
Once you’ve rolled the fender all the way around, lower the car a bit and see if you’ve got enough clearance. If not, repeat the process until the tire clears the fender without rubbing.
Final Thoughts
Rolling your fenders without a fender roller is totally possible with a little patience and the right tools. Just remember: slow and steady wins the race. You don’t want to rush and risk damaging your fender or paint.
So, there you go! Now you know how to roll fenders without a fender roller. Ready to give it a shot? Just take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the result.
Got any tips or tricks you’ve used? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
if you want to read more about fenders, you can also check this article