So I just got some 35" MT/R's and I need to do a bit of sheetmetal trimming. Unfortunately, the pinch seam that seals the back end up is right at the edge of the wheelwell (where it curls around in a 90 degree bend.)

(OK, fine, I admit it...I drive an Xterra...flame away! :D)

http://www.4x4lo.com/por/fender_trim.jpg

Here is the rough line of what I want to trim away...my question is can I just weld the two pieces of the body back together after I trim them? In trimming it I'll be cutting the pinch seam entirely off around the wheelwells...

If I can just weld it, what size wire should I use? I have .030 and .035 on hand, but it's easy enough to get something smaller if that's what I need. And do I just put a series of tack welds in every few inches, or do I need to run a full bead? (I'm not sure if the pinch seam itself is waterproof?)

Thanks, and don't worry, my flamesuit is on in case you need to vomit at my choice of vehicle. (But hey, I like it. :))

In order for the trim to be effective, you will have to remove all of that sheetmetal. I would the fab a piece to fill the gap that's left. Either size wire should be fine, tack it every inch or so, then go back and fill.

Maybe it's the angle but I'd trim more then that else what is the point :confused:

Id go with what previous poster said, get a piece of metal and fab it to the rear, cut the whole lip out.

Yeah If your going to do it, then do it. Cutting an inch off isnt gaining ya much unless your tire tucks in right at that point. Show some more pics of this rig, never seen a beefy X before.

Yah show more pics.. I like to see stuff that is different.

If you only want to take off an inch what about just rolling the fenders?

This is the right way to do it:D This is slims truck

http://www.sierrarockcrawlers.com/data/srcforumuploads/dan2.jpg

Originally posted by gothamist
So I just got some 35" MT/R's and I need to do a bit of sheetmetal trimming. Unfortunately, the pinch seam that seals the back end up is right at the edge of the wheelwell (where it curls around in a 90 degree bend.)

(OK, fine, I admit it...I drive an Xterra...flame away! )



Nothing wrong with what you start with(even a Xterra) Its what you build it into:D Hell, one guy on here has a kick ass Amigo:eek:

Believe it or not, that inch is MORE than I have to take out, but I just want to leave myself a bit of room, and try to get away without extending any bumpstops. The tires will tuck up into the fenderwell pretty well, the only place that HAS to get trimmed is the front and rear of the wheelwell.

Here's another pic from about a year and half ago, it was little lighter, and lower, then.
http://www.beatdriven.com/xterra/4x4lo_mirror/vikram_hill_04.jpg

I've never really worked much with sheetmetal (so far only built my bumper and rocker rails), what gauge should I be looking for to make the filler plate?

Looks like a fun project. I would use .023 wire so as to use a lower setting on the machine and get less warpage. Also, for sheet guage most people run 16 guage or thinner.

Originally posted by rocktop
Nothing wrong with what you start with(even a Xterra) Its what you build it into:D Hell, one guy on here has a kick ass Amigo:eek:

In fact there are atleast two "kick ass" Amigos on here, Belly Dragger and Stinkbug are the ones I know of. :p

I found a pic of Belly Dragger

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=577989

You may want to think about trimming those bumper ends too. From your pics with ssr's, it looks like the bumper could use a good shaving to stuff 35" rubber without chunken em.

how did you even fit 35s under that x?

Sell the rig, or give it away and start with a real truck like a cruiser.:flipoff2:

Relax - just kidding.

Looks like you'll have a good time with the project.

Originally posted by ROKN ZJ
What size tires are in that pic? If those are the 35s I'd trim a lot more than an inch and stuff on 37s...

Don't I wish...those tires are my mighty 32's! :)

Thanks for all the advice guys. I started trimming my front fenders today w/ the plasma cutter. :D
(Though the edge is not nearly as clean as I had hoped...it's going to take some work to make it pretty.)

I've seen a few of the built Amigos on the web, I think they're pretty cool...definitely far beyond my truck (so far), but I've got some ideas... ;)

Originally posted by Spank


In fact there are atleast two "kick ass" Amigos on here, Belly Dragger and Stinkbug are the ones I know of. :p Randii is also an Amigo guy