I'm planning to tackle the DIY fender roll in about 1 week. I'll be using a PBM roller and have a heat gun. Never done this before and I can't say I'm excited about my G being the guinea pig, but I live in the midwest, which means local shops have either never heard of rolling fenders or won't do it cuz of liability issues.

Anyway, just looking for tips to hopefully achieve a successful DIY roll, specifically what people do with the fender-liner up front. Do I need to unbolt that from the fender, or just leave it in place as I go?

 

Old School...."Baseball Bat" but you need to go very slow. If you need fender roll up front I wouldn't DIY, unlike the rear openings the front fenders flex too much. Shame you don't live here, we have body shops that can even streatch our fenders 2 inches....
Gary

 

I don't think the phrase "baseball bat" should enter a tips thread on successful DIY fender rolling...

 

cut them

 

look on youtube they have alot of clips on fender rolling,and don't use a baseball bat.I'd spent the extra money on a fender roller tool just to do it right..but you do have a fender roller tool already so good start.also look on eastwood on their fender roller tool I think they have a short video on rolling a fender..but most important take your time...

 

I've read, and it makes sense, that one should use a heat gun or good hair dryer to warm the paint a little before beginning the process. This should help prevent cracks in the finish during the rolling process, which will lead to rust in the future.

Best wishes.

 

The MAIN THING to remember: Use a heat gun to soften the paint before and during the rolling!!!!! You WILL crack/chip/flake the paint if you don't. You must keep it hot as you roll the fender.

 

^^^^

Too slow Tex!

 

Like I posted, "Old School" that's how we rolled fenders before they made a machine that does it easier....baseball bat or large diameter steel pipe. Hair dryers, no way we used the sun and took our time.
Gary

 

^he also added a caveat on keeping the fenders hot WHILE rolling, which I think is a good tip.

 

Yea, you tree dwellers get really pissed when our caves are warm at night and you're freezin your azz's off....
Gary