Tubbing? or wheel arches extensions

[clbarclay]

On previous occasions Range Rover Blues has sugested 'tubbing' of wheel archs/standard pannels to fit bigger/wider tyres. The trouble is having done a quick search or 2 and I can't seem to find the treads again.

Needless to say I'm after more information on this alternative to cutting and adding arch extensions, cos now there own i don't think the super swampers are there to stay.

Ps. yes I am a cheap skate and spending even £100 on aftermarket arches sound like too much to me.

[Range Rover Blues]

Tubbing is a very popular mod on classic cars and drag racers, it involves expanding the inner arch (remeber it's structural on a monocoque) and pulling the arch outwrds.

Given that the exterior panels on a LR are there only for show, it should be much easier to modify them in the same manner.  The front wings can often be stretched at the rear lower edge very easily, I have done mine with a moderate flare just to stop muck going up the side windows.

I'd suggest making a tool that fits the wheelearch lip and using it to pull the wheelarch outwards otherwise you could kink the metalwork.

Not sure how easy it would be on a 4-door though :?

[Range Rover Blues]

I came accross that referenc in modyfied vehiclesm about page 38 of 'getting some flex' :roll:

[Reggieroo]

I'd be interested in a bit more info on how to stretch the arches without cracking the paint.

I've just fitted a set of modulars with my 235/85/16 machos & I can't even drive it as it catches loads on the front at the bottom by the sills  :(

[iluvmud]

I'd be interested in a bit more info on how to stretch the arches without cracking the paint.

I've just fitted a set of modulars with my 235/85/16 machos & I can't even drive it as it catches loads on the front at the bottom by the sills  :(

I had to put a 2" lift on mine to fit the exact same tyres, and then take the front plastic mud guard thingy out too.
Athough you can just cut the arches and if your really good at it you wont need to fit plastic arches  :?

[Reggieroo]

I'd be interested in a bit more info on how to stretch the arches without cracking the paint.

I've just fitted a set of modulars with my 235/85/16 machos & I can't even drive it as it catches loads on the front at the bottom by the sills  :(

I had to put a 2" lift on mine to fit the exact same tyres, and then take the front plastic mud guard thingy out too.
Athough you can just cut the arches and if your really good at it you wont need to fit plastic arches  :?

I've already got a 2" lift but it still catches the bottom rear of the front arch inc the plastic sill.

I'm going to trim the plastic sill anyway but I don't want to start cutting the arch as it will look messy.

[SWEETY]

You can buy an arch roller for about £40, but I can't remember where :oops:  It bolts onto the hub & you adjust it to flair the arches. It is often used on hot hatches to fit 18"-20" wheels, but you do get paint cracking depending how far you take them out

[Range Rover Blues]

I'd be interested in a bit more info on how to stretch the arches without cracking the paint.

I've just fitted a set of modulars with my 235/85/16 machos & I can't even drive it as it catches loads on the front at the bottom by the sills  :(

I had to put a 2" lift on mine to fit the exact same tyres, and then take the front plastic mud guard thingy out too.
Athough you can just cut the arches and if your really good at it you wont need to fit plastic arches  :?

I've already got a 2" lift but it still catches the bottom rear of the front arch inc the plastic sill.

I'm going to trim the plastic sill anyway but I don't want to start cutting the arch as it will look messy.

On the front arch the bottom edge bolts to the plastic sill trim and a steel braket to the footwell.  Once you have unbolted this (read snapped the bolt in 2 trying to undo it) you can then easily bend the rear edge of the wing outwards and secure by making a new bracket, this has the advantage of covering the wheel better to stop mud going up the side windows too.

You can flex the rear wing in a similar manner though not as far.